NORDIC NOOK by Lily Tofteland Hartmann Nisse Collection!

Who is the Norsk nisse? What is a nisse collection? A nisse is a tiny, magical elf in Scandinavian folklore. I have written a collection of illustrated stories that I hope will further the enjoyment of the arts and folklore for people of all ages. I would like to introduce this subject and tell you who I am!

Who am I?

My parents were immigrants from Norway, who came to USA on their honeymoon and settled in Rock County, Minnesota. As a child, I learned to speak Norwegian at home, and learned English at school. My parents taught us to respect everyone, regardless of their age, education, and to be honest and dependable in work ethics. Christmas was always a special and meaningful time in our parent’s home and church. Holiday feasting, glorious music, sharing happiness and singing carols around a candlelit tree was exciting – that was another tradition carried on from Norway. We children learned early on about the illusive Julenisse elf, who was mysterious and unpredictable. This Nordic elf was of course, a friend of Saint Nicholas, our Santa Claus. Many stories in the Nisse Collection take place in the Sugarloaf area of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. This area was founded in 1860 by miners. We moved up here at a time when our young son could explore and enjoy adventurous activities. Fortunately, this was before the present day numerous sightings of the lions and bears!

We are transplants, as are most of the people that we meet here! I was born in Minnesota. My husband, Ray, was born in Iowa and our son, Jeffrey, was born in South Dakota. A tri-state family, we ventured out to new horizons after completing jobs and education.

Our daughter-in-law, Paula, was born in Colorado. My Mom called our area “Little Norway.” She instilled my interest in the nisse through her art and poetry. Jeffrey gave me a “Norsk Nisse’ that prompted the stories of this Nisse Collection. I thank my family for the encouragement and help that they all gave me! I appreciate the opportunity to introduce these stories in the NORDIC NOOK in THE DANISH PIONEER. Thank you!