Tonttu with mock-up of A Guide to Celebrating the 12 Days of Yule Family Heirloom Edition.
Who is Tonttu? Meet the Yule Gnome Behind the Magic of the 12 Days of Yule! 🎄✨
Have you ever met a gnome? Well, I have! Let me introduce you to my dear friend Tonttu—the charming Yule gnome who’s been quietly working his magic behind the scenes of A Guide to Celebrating the 12 Days of Yule.
Tonttu and I first crossed paths on a frosty winter night, and ever since, he’s been inspiring new ways to bring Yule magic into homes. Today, I’m sitting down with Tonttu to share how he came into my life, how he helped inspire the Family Heirloom Edition of my book, and why he’s launched our Adopt-a-Gnome Campaign as part of the Kickstarter!
Jenn: Tonttu, before we talk about the Kickstarter and the tomtens, can you tell everyone where you come from?
Tonttu: Oh, I’m from a long line of Yule gnomes, originally from the frosty forests of Finland. My ancestors have been guarding hearths, homes, and Yule secrets for centuries. We’re protectors and caretakers of animals and children and—ahem—the ones who ensure that Yule traditions are followed properly.
We’ve been keeping watch over homes for as long as anyone can remember, making sure everything runs smoothly. And now, I’ve made your home my base of operations, helping you bring these old traditions back to life.
Jenn: And I’m forever grateful for that. Let’s tell everyone how we first met.
Tonttu: That was pure chance! We Tonttus usually keep out of sight, but one winter evening, you were out walking, thinking about ideas for the second edition of your book. I was trying to warm up under your favorite oak tree. You spotted me, which surprised me—most humans don’t see us. But I’ve been hanging around your family for a long time, helping out in small ways. Your ancestors have been close to Tonttus for generations, but we only show ourselves when needed. You, Jenn, offered me a piece of your cookie, and the rest, as they say, is history.
I felt an instant connection that night like we were meant to work together. Soon enough, I was sharing old Yule traditions with you beyond just finding the kids’ toys and missing socks (they leave such tasty treats for me when I help!). That’s when we realized the 12 Days of Yule needed more than just rituals—it needed gnome magic. I helped inspire the second edition of your book, adding more gnome-approved folklore, recipes, and activities. We even got some of my friends to pose for Roberto’s illustrations! And now here we are, promoting the Family Heirloom Edition and launching the Adopt-a-Gnome Campaign!
Jenn: Yes! Speaking of gnome magic, you’ve been a big inspiration behind this Kickstarter campaign. Let’s talk about the Adopt-a-Gnome Campaign! What’s that all about?
Tonttu: Ah, yes—the Adopt-a-Gnome Campaign is something I’m particularly excited about! You see, Tonttus, Tomtens, and Nisse are traditionally connected to a family or household. We take care of the house, keep the hearth warm, and sneak a cookie or two when no one’s looking. That’s why I asked you to bring back your handmade needle-felted tomtens. You haven’t sold them in a while, but I thought—why not let families adopt a gnome of their own this Yule? Each tomten is unique, handmade with love by you, and they’ll bring joy, protection, and a little mischief to their new homes!
Now, when folks back the Family Heirloom Edition of your book, we’re giving them the chance to adopt their own tomten through the Kickstarter. Each handmade tomten comes with an adoption certificate and care instructions. Not only will families get a tomten, but they’ll also receive a signed copy of the Family Heirloom Edition of the book if the campaign is funded!
Jenn: That’s right! And these tomtens are exclusively available through the second tier of the Kickstarter. Once the campaign ends, I won’t be making any more of them!
Tonttu: Exactly. This is a rare chance for people to bring a tomten into their home—along with a beautiful, signed family heirloom book. Tomtens are symbols of Yule magic! Not only do they represent the spirit of the season, but they also carry with them the traditions of the Old Ways. When a family adopts a tomten, they’re welcoming a bit of Yule folklore into their home. Plus, who wouldn’t want a cute little gnome watching over their hearth?
(made by yours truly!)
These are a few of them that hope to get adopted by campaign backers!
Jenn: Your crew has also inspired another reward in the Kickstarter. Can you tell us more about the sketches?
Tonttu: Well, besides overseeing the Adopt-a-Gnome Campaign and helping design the Family Heirloom Edition of your book, we Yule gnomes asked Roberto—your husband, or Babbo as the kids call him—to add a personal touch to the book. As part of the top-tier reward, the book will include an original Yule gnome sketch. Now, the sketches haven’t been done yet because we’re waiting for the print run to be funded, but Roberto’s artwork is going to make each copy even more special. Remember—this is a one-time-only campaign, and there are only 18 days to pledge, so don’t wait!
An example of Roberto’s sketches
Jenn: You and your gnome friends really brought this project to life, Tonttu! Thank you so much. Last question—what’s your favorite part of Yule?
Tonttu: Ah, that’s easy—it’s the baking! Nothing makes me happier than the smell of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg filling the house. And you always leave a little treat for me on Yule night. I also love the rituals in the book—especially when families build their Yule altars. It’s like welcoming a bit of the Old Ways back into the home.
Join Tonttu and I in the Adopt-a-Gnome Campaign! You can bring home your very own handmade tomten and a signed copy of the Family Heirloom Edition of A Guide to Celebrating the 12 Days of Yule by backing the second tier on Kickstarter. These tomtens won’t be available after the campaign ends, so this is your only chance to adopt one and make it part of your family’s Yule traditions.
And don’t forget—the Yule gnome sketches by Roberto Campus will be included in select tiers once the print run is funded, making your book a true keepsake to pass down through generations.
Are you ready to bring a little gnome magic into your home? Find Us on Kickstarter!
With Yule blessings and love,
Jenn (and Tonttu!) 🎄✨
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