This is my most favorite treasure of all.
Made by my paternal grandfather around 100 years ago, this Swedish version of Santa, called a Jultomte, is made with pipe cleaners, wool, and old fashioned cotton wool. He wears an apron, walks with a stick and holds a lantern made of thin copper that my grandfather cut in a pattern to make it look real. His face holds a hurried and determined expression, as if he wants to make sure all the little children get their gifts on time. Just a note on tomte, which is the singular of tomtar: According to Swedish folklore, tomtar were little gnomes who lived close by regular folks, usually in the barn. They were not often seen, but they were present and looked after their people. They were probably related to the much later Swedish version of Santa, the Jultomte (Jul is the Swedish word for Christmas). The Swedish Santa does not travel with reindeer, but with goats. Since huge herds of reindeer actually live in the north of Sweden
I'm sure my grandmother (known to earlier followers of my blog as she with the dimpled chin) knitted the cap he wears. She also made beautiful embroidered table cloths, pillows, runners, and so on. I don't think she ever bought a dress, she made them all herself. This Christmas table runner (the picture shows one end), must have been a very simple little cross-stitch thing for her to make. But it is lovely and I treasure it every year as I bring it out for the holiday season.
This picture of my grandparents later in life must have been taken at a summer cottage. I just love the make-shift clothesline and the idea of striking a pose underneath it.
Oh how I loved reading this post...my maternal grandparents were from sweeden too and I have a hand stitched table cloth that she made when she was only 16 years old. Love the Santa:)
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful treasures to have! I love your blog because I learn something new all the time.
ReplyDeleteI too have something my grandfather made. A small table that I cherish. It's not fancy but means a lot to me. I also have a quilt my grandmother made. I hope someday to hand them down to my own children but I'm sure they won't mean as much to them.
ReplyDeleteThese really are priceless treasures, Inger. The photo of your grandparents is quite spectacular, too.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you guys liked my treasures. I'm off to town to see the dentist and have my root-canal done. Have a great day and please with me luck!--Inger
ReplyDeleteI meant to say: Wish me luck!
ReplyDeleteHello Inger, I agree with the other thoughts of what lovely and priceless treasures you have!! Thank-you for sharing them and the story that goes with them with us today!!
ReplyDeleteHope your root canal went okay! Did you know that I work in a dental office?
Oh this post was so sweet I love the Tomte that indeed is a treasure for you it being 100 years old too, oh my.
ReplyDeleteI truly believe those handmade items passed down from our ancestors are the most special of all. You obviously have taken great care of these Inger. They must remind you of home quite a bit. :)
ReplyDeleteI just love your treasures ~ you are so Lucky to have something made by your Paternal Grandfather over 100 years ago ~ The Table Runner is beautiful ~ Ally x
ReplyDeleteYikes! Root canal! I went to the dentist for a cleaning today. I got off easy!
ReplyDeleteI love that little gnome that your grandfather made. And I'm glad you've kept it all these years. Love that photo of your grandparents!
I am quite smitten with your little Jultomte, he is really something else! You have some very special treasures, Inger!
ReplyDeleteI imagine you are home now and so am I. Root canal, not fun, the way I remember them. I am hoping it doesn't hurt. My eyes are still blurry, but starting to come out of the drops!
Have a good afternoon, Inger!!!
XXX
Inger, good luck today for your root canal. I hope it is pain free for you. And you are so fortunate to have something of your grandparents. I was not fortunate enough to know mine as I'm sure you already know from reading "My Life" posts. However, I am happy for you! ...:)JP
ReplyDeleteUGH, I hate the dentist, but I think I told you that already...I hope it went well. I love the little Jultomte...he is a delight!
ReplyDeleteand the pictures of your grandparents are so special...I love old pictures! thanks so much for sharing!
All three are true treasures. There's no better gift than something homemade.
ReplyDeleteGood luck on the root canal. :(
Very cool treasures:) Family heirlooms are the best kind. And, thanks for the Swedish folklore lesson - very interesting. The only Finnish word I remember (and I have no idea how to spell it, so I'll do it phonetically) is the word for Santa Claus. It is: "yule-a-book-ee." Again, I don't know how it's spelled but that is how it is pronounced. It seems a little similar to your Swedish word for Santa.
ReplyDelete'Things' were simpler back then.
ReplyDeleteDid you say root-canal? I was to have it done yesterday. There I was waiting in the dentist's chair for the novocain to 'kick in' and the power went out!!!! A bad storm was passing through and ours had already gone out at home. It took a lot of mantras to get myself to that chair, I tell you. Dentists are not my favourite people. I had to reschedule for next week....here we go again!
I hope yours went well Inger.
Jim
Wow, who else can say they have a Santa that have been in the family 100 years! Thanks for the interesting post Inger!
ReplyDeleteSuch nice traditions! Thank you! Your grandfather's little Jultomte is just darling - what a family heirloom! I think it's lovely that you keep some of your Swedish history alive even in Southern California. Tell us more! :)
ReplyDeleteInger, I so enjoyed your post, I celebrated the flavor of Sweden with two Swedish pancakes (Ikea's). The tomte your grandparents made melted my heart. What a precious memory! And the photo of them is also a treasure.
ReplyDeleteThe cross-stitched runner is beautiful! There's something about Swedish cross-stitch patterns that lightens the heart. I really enjoyed those shops in Gamla Stan. The blues and reds are so pure!
Thank you for sharing. Totally loved your post!