During the winter and Christmas, the various creatures move around and sometimes it can be bad to have them visit or make them angry. But it is also good to have them with you. It all depends on you following the right advice on how to proceed if they comes to you.
The Nisser
The Nisser or Jule Nisser refers to a type of creature in Scandinavian folklore, particularly in Denmark and Norway and are connected to the winter solstice. Nisser are often depicted as small, gnome-like beings with a long white beard, wearing a conical hat, and dressed in traditional clothes.
According to folklore, nisser are guardians of the home or farm. In the past, people would leave a bowl of porridge or other offerings for the nisse on Christmas Eve to ensure their goodwill and protection for the coming year. It was also believed that if you treated the nisse well, it would bring good fortune, but if you offended it, it could play tricks or cause mischief.
The Yule Goat
The Christmas goat is a folkloric character that has been associated with Christmas and Christmas far back in ancient times. The character has many different forms and is most associated with Norwegian and Swedish Christmas customs. In Scandinavian folklore, it is said that the Christmas goat helped bring presents during Christmas. But today it is more just a symbol of Christmas in Scandinavia.
The Yule Goat has taken on various forms, including being depicted as a Christmas ornament made of straw, wood, or other materials. Many Scandinavian households feature a Yule Goat decoration as part of their Christmas decorations.
Jack Frost
Jack Frost is a mythical character in folklore and literature, often associated with winter and cold weather. Jack Frost is often personified as a mischievous sprite or elf who nips at the noses and fingers of people in cold weather. He is associated with the icy patterns that form on windows and surfaces during frosty conditions. He is also shown painting the landscape with frost, transforming it into a winter wonderland.
He is a character who brings with him the beauty of winter but also the challenges and hardships associated with the cold season.
The Kallikantzaroi
The Kallikantzaroi are mythical creatures in southeast european folklore. The Kallikantzaroi are described as small, grotesque beings with tails, hooves, and other demonic features.
According to folklore, these creatures are said to be malevolent goblins or spirits that dwell underground most of the year. But emerge during the Christmas season, from December 25th to the Epiphany on January 6th. They are believed to create mischief and chaos during this period.
To prevent the Kallikantzaroi from causing trouble during their brief period of freedom, various customs and traditions are observed. These include keeping a fire burning throughout the twelve days of Christmas to prevent the creatures from coming down the chimney (this has also been done in Germany and Austria on December 5 to keep Krampus away), hanging protective plants over doors, and performing rituals to banish them.
