If you’ve walked past a Christmas display in the last few years, you’ve probably seen one: a little figure with a round body, a long grey beard, a tall pointy hat pulled down over its eyes, and no visible face at all.
That’s a tomte. And he’s the reason our app is called My Tomte.
A small guardian of the home
In Scandinavian folklore, the tomte (called a nisse in Norway and Denmark) is a small household spirit who lives on the family farm. He’s usually described as an old man, no taller than a child, wearing grey or brown clothes and a red cap.
The tomte’s job is to look after the home and everyone in it. He keeps an eye on the animals, makes sure the chores get done, and generally keeps the place running, usually at night, while the family sleeps. You rarely see him. You just notice that things are in order.
Treat him well (or else)
The tomte is helpful, but he’s also famously particular. Folklore says that if the family treats him with respect, the farm prospers. If they’re rude, lazy or forget him, he might play tricks: tying the cows’ tails together, hiding tools, or simply packing up and leaving.
And the one thing you must never forget: a bowl of porridge on Christmas Eve, with a pat of butter on top. Stories tell of what happens when the butter goes missing, and it isn’t pretty.
From farm guardian to Christmas icon
Over time, especially in Sweden, the tomte became part of Christmas. The jultomte (Christmas tomte) became a gift-bringer, a bit like Father Christmas, and tomte figures became a much-loved Christmas decoration. That’s why they turn up on shelves and mantelpieces every December.
Why we named our app after one
When my wife Rowena and I were building an app to help run our busy household (two jobs, a wild toddler and a lot of dinners), we wanted a name that captured what it was for.
A tomte felt exactly right. He’s small, he’s quiet, and he doesn’t make a fuss. He just helps the household run: the meals planned, the shopping sorted, the chores done, everyone where they should be. And I’ve always loved stories, fables and mystical creatures of every kind, so it simply fit.
Our tomte can’t eat porridge. But he does know what’s for dinner.
Quick answers
Is a tomte the same as a gnome?
They’re close cousins. Tomte and nisse are the Scandinavian names; “gnome” is often used in English for the same little bearded figure.
How do you pronounce tomte?
Roughly TOM-teh.
Why do tomtes have no faces?
In most modern decorations, the hat covers the eyes, leaving just a nose peeking out above the beard. It’s part of their mysterious charm.