Norwegian artist Svein Solem is well-known in Norway for his illustrations of trolls and nisse. His paintings are highly sought after. These Christmas cards feature Solem's delightful paintings of Tomte (or Nisse) going about the business of preparing for Christmas. The greeting is appropriate in Norwegian, Swedish, or Danish: "God Jul! Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year". Includes 10 cards and envelopes (5 of each of two designs). The legend of the tomte is explained on the back of each card which says "The Tomten: According to Scandinavian legends, the tomten is the protector of the farm through many generations. He is very small, usually dress in gray or blue, has a long beard and wears a red cap. His only demand is a bowl of rice porridge on Christmas Eve. Ah, but if the farmer happens to forget, there will be trouble. Tomten is the Swedish name. In Norway he is known as nissen, in Denmark as nissemanden, and in Finland as tonttu.