A tomte (Swedish) (Swedish pronunciation: [ˈtɔ̀mːtɛ]) or nisse (Norway and Denmark) (pronounced [ˈnìsːɛ]) or tonttu (in Finland) is a mythical creature of Scandinavian folklore.
Tomte or Nisse were believed to take care of a farmer’s home and children and protect them from misfortune, in particular at night, when the housefolk were asleep. The Swedish name tomte is derived from a place of residence and area of influence: the house lot or tomt. (Info found HERE) (more…)