Scandinavian

Scandinavian Christmas traditions go back before Christianity when the Norse gods celebrated the winter solstice. Odin would lead the hunt on a great white horse, carrying away the naughty children. Food was left out for Odin and his horse.  Sinter Klaas  of the Netherlands was pictured on a white horse, Norse influence. The earliest inhabitants of Norway and Sweden were a small, dark people who were herders, reindeer, cattle sheep and goats, they were skilled at hiding. These little people were called Nisser in Norway and Tomtar in Sweden. They would cause mischief the night of the winter solstice so again food was left out for them.  As Christianity spread many of the pagan traditions were adapted to fit the new ways.

Scandinavian Santas are usually dwarf sized.

Julenisse in Norway and Denmark,

Jultomte in Sweden, 

Jola Sveinar in Iceland, 

Nisse the old form of Nils or Nicholas 

Some winters Santa came on skis.

I bought this little Tomtar in Sweden the lady in the store said he was a garden Tomtar for good luck in the garden.

Santa coming on a sleigh pulled by reindeer came from the north countries.

--Ann--