They"ve got long beards, red hats, and a knack for stealing a tad bit of Santa"s thunder every Christmas. Meet the gnome—known as "tomte" in Sweden and "nisse" in Norway—whose traditions vary across regions. Rooted in Scandinavian folklore, these tiny guardians watch over homes and farms, keeping families safe through long, dark winters. But there"s a catch: treat them kindly, or they may play tricks. A warm bowl of porridge on Christmas Eve is their favorite reward. Said to bring luck and laughter, they might even befriend your garden gnomes, since they often resemble them.
Handmade gnomes at a Christmas market
Today in History
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Happy Halloween!
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Hay, what s up?
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Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California
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Spectacular views below!
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Kiteboarding and windsurfing in Croatia
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Merry and bright
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Here, fishy!
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A young jaguar on a riverbank, Pantanal, Brazil
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Take this for a spin...
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The Vestibule at Diocletian s Palace, Split, Croatia
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Fall color sweeps across the West
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Balloon Ascension Day
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What’s blooming in New Zealand?
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St. Patricks Day in County Waterford, Ireland
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Great Backyard Bird Count
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The call of the wild in Alaska
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Aspens in the White River National Forest, Colorado
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Blue-throated toucanet, Los Quetzales National Park, Costa Rica
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It s a good day to be green
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Khao Sok National Park in Thailand
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National Napping Day
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Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in Costa Rica
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Happy Independence Day!
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Happy Birthday, J.R.R. Tolkien!
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Siblings Day
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Cinco de Mayo
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Stari Most in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Avalanche Lake Trail at Adirondack High Peaks, New York
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Welcome to California
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Fall comes to Pando
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