Tomte (gnome in English and Nisse in Norwegian) might look like tiny little Santas, but their traditional background is as a mythical creature in Scandinavian lore that played a role more similar to a "house gnome" and would secretly live in, or under, a house and protect the children and animals from evil or misfortune. It is not uncommon to find them in modern Swedish homes. Come and make one of your own and hide him around your house!