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
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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Sandhill cranes, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
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In the belly of Fat Bear Week
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The Kelpies statues in Falkirk, Scotland
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Wahclella Falls, Oregon
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World Bee Day
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Birch trees, Drammen, Norway
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One giant leap for penguins
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Celebrating the Day of the Dead
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Dunluce Castle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
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Hues of Hokkaido
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World Bee Day
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The party’s just starting
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Manatee Appreciation Day
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Young black caiman, Tambopata National Reserve, Peru
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Point Reyes National Seashore
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Land of the midnight sun
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World Bicycle Day
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Salzburg, Austria
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Tesla, the visionary
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Bird’s-eye view of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California
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World Elephant Day
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Composite image of a lunar eclipse
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Visiting a Maratha fortress
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In the Himalayas for International Mountain Day
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Midnight sun
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Lake Tai s cherry trees in bloom
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What’s blooming in New Zealand?
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Whooper swans in Lake Kussharo, Japan
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The confluence of the Arve and Rhône Rivers
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Bow Bridge in Central Park, New York City
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

