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! πβ¨
Have you ever met a gnome? Well, I have! Let me introduce you to my dear friend Tonttuβthe charming Yule gnome whoβs 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, heβs been inspiring new ways to bring Yule magic into homes. Today, Iβm 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 heβs 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, Iβm 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. Weβre protectors and caretakers of animals and children andβahemβthe ones who ensure that Yule traditions are followed properly.
Weβve been keeping watch over homes for as long as anyone can remember, making sure everything runs smoothly. And now, Iβve made your home my base of operations, helping you bring these old traditions back to life.
Jenn: And Iβm forever grateful for that. Letβs 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 meβmost humans donβt see us. But Iβve 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 kidsβ toys and missing socks (they leave such tasty treats for me when I help!). Thatβs when we realized the 12 Days of Yule needed more than just ritualsβit 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 Robertoβs illustrations! And now here we are, promoting the Family Heirloom Edition and launching the Adopt-a-Gnome Campaign!
Jenn: Yes! Speaking of gnome magic, youβve been a big inspiration behind this Kickstarter campaign. Letβs talk about the Adopt-a-Gnome Campaign! Whatβs that all about?
Tonttu: Ah, yesβthe Adopt-a-Gnome Campaign is something Iβm 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 oneβs looking. Thatβs why I asked you to bring back your handmade needle-felted tomtens. You havenβt sold them in a while, but I thoughtβwhy not let families adopt a gnome of their own this Yule? Each tomten is unique, handmade with love by you, and theyβll bring joy, protection, and a little mischief to their new homes!
Now, when folks back the Family Heirloom Edition of your book, weβre 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 theyβll also receive a signed copy of the Family Heirloom Edition of the book if the campaign is funded!
Jenn: Thatβs right! And these tomtens are exclusively available through the second tier of the Kickstarter. Once the campaign ends, I wonβt be making any more of them!
Tonttu: Exactly. This is a rare chance for people to bring a tomten into their homeβalong 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, theyβre welcoming a bit of Yule folklore into their home. Plus, who wouldnβt 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 Robertoβyour husband, or Babbo as the kids call himβto 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 havenβt been done yet because weβre waiting for the print run to be funded, but Robertoβs artwork is going to make each copy even more special. Rememberβthis is a one-time-only campaign, and there are only 18 days to pledge, so donβt 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 questionβwhatβs your favorite part of Yule?
Tonttu: Ah, thatβs easyβitβs 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 bookβespecially when families build their Yule altars. Itβs 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 wonβt be available after the campaign ends, so this is your only chance to adopt one and make it part of your familyβs Yule traditions.
And donβt forgetβthe 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!) πβ¨
Leave a Reply