A Tomte, or Nisse, is a creature from Scandinavian folklore said to look like an old man. In pagan times they were believed to protect homes and farms from misfortune if they were treated well. If treated badly they would cause trouble.

After Christianization they, like many other folklore creatures, were demonized. However, the Nisse has since recovered from this slander and has become a popular Christmas figure. In the late 19th century Nisse were said to bring presents on Christmas, and the image has since then blurred with that of the American Santa Claus. The tradition of leaving out a bowl of rice porridge for the Nisse on Christmas Eve is still practiced in many places.