Tompte by Nissa

The Jul tomten are made by hand in Albuquerque. All materials are natural including wool thread, wool felt, sheep skin from East Perry (naturally tanned), local wood, acorns and recycled wool (boiled). An occasional troll joins the group.

The tomten are made by Nissa who learned to appreciate them from her Swedish grandmother who had a collection of them from Finland, Sweden and Norway made from natural objects like horsehair and reindeer bone. Nissa grew up with stories of the trolls and the tomten and firmly believes they protect your home and thus deserve respect. In the Swedish tradition the jul tompte bring the Christmas presents to your home and you must leave porridge for it on Christmas eve.

"A tomte is described as an older, little man about the size of a young child. He wears old often ragged clothes, usually gray or navy, and sports a bright red cap on his head. He resides in the pantry or barn and watches over the household and farm. He is responsible for the care of the farm animals, especially the horses. The tomte or nisse has an enormous capacity for work but will not tolerate anyone’s interference. It is believed that a clean and orderly home or farm is an indication that this domestic sprite resides there. Tomtar and nisser require very little of the humans they work for. They demand only the respect and trust of the farmer and a bowl of julegrøt (Christmas porridge) with butter on Christmas Eve. These spirits will not remain in a home where respect is lacking and thus the farm will not thrive and the farmer will be reduced to poverty."