The Lore of the Christmas Gnome

A Peculiar Parish Edition by Danica Boyce
32 pages, with cover illustration by John Bauer

Snow on the roofs is gleaming
All but the goblin are dreaming

Tomte, nisse, brownie, domovoi, drac... Beloved by children and the young at heart, the red-capped, snowy bearded gnome is known by many names around the world. While these days we see him most often at Christmas, this household spirit is in fact far, far older than our modern conception of the midwinter holiday.

Author Danica Boyce follows the legends and traditions of the tomten throughout the ages, from the gnomes’ origins as domestic gods to their post-industrial servitude to Santa Claus. Though diminished and relegated to shadow, these helpful and protective spirits will happily return to our hearts and homes if given renewed consideration and care.

A cozy and captivating read, Tomten: The Lore of the Christmas Gnome is best enjoyed by firelight, with an extra bowl of porridge close at hand.