If you are Scandinavian or been around any Scandis or even just in a strongly Scandinavian location around Christmas time, you've definitely seen a Tomte. Or a Nisse. Or a Tonttu. Art museums? Gran's house? IKEA? If you are unfamiliar with this concept, the tomte is a gnome type creature who helps protect a family, home and farmstead for the humans who live there. It is said that they are hard workers who don't like change and demand respect. They will spend time in the barns tending to your livestock but only if the stalls are mucked and the space is cozy. They ask for little in return for the work they do, simply to be treated with kindness and to be given a bowl of porridge on Christmas Eve.