Gnomes are versatile little sprites. In the summer, they’re happy to be outdoors, ornamenting our lawns and protecting our gardens. As the Christmas season approaches, however, they dress up like Santa’s helpers and sneak inside. How do they do that? And why?

Garden Gnomes

Gnomes have been around for centuries in Europe, but at first only a few were brave enough to cross the ocean to the New World. In the seventies, the rush turned into a stampede, and now they’ve staked their claim in gardens all over the country.

Their traditional job was to look after a farm or family. If you treat them right, they’ll work their magic to increase your yield of peppers and tomatoes. But they’re touchy. Rub them the wrong way, and you might find broken stalks and spoiled produce. They’re like a crazy relative who is fun and generous but can’t entirely be trusted.

Scandinavian Gnomes

It may have been the Scandinavian gnome that first started slipping into our homes. It’s known to spend less time in the garden and more in barns and houses. In Denmark and Norway, this rascal is called nisse, in Sweden it’s tomte and the Fins say tonttu. Nordic tales tie the gnome with the solstice and with the Christmas season.

Why do so many of them wear Santa suits? Well, they’re reputed to be gift-bringers. But they don’t come down the chimney. Traditionally, they’ve walked through the front door to deliver presents to good children. With so many of them hanging around inside these days, they’ve got a head start on their Yuletide generosity.

So if you spot a few of them around your home this holiday season, don’t worry. They mean well and won’t cause too much mischief. In fact, you might even bring in a few more. Here are some ideas on how to enliven your home with these Christmas merrymakers.

Gnomes in Your Home

If you’re ready to hire a few gnomes, there are plenty of the imps willing to apply for the job. They fit into many kinds of décor, and there’s no limit to where and how you can place them. You’ll find gnomes that can stay year-round, and gnomes that make special appearances for all different holidays.

Types of Gnomes

Collectible Christmas gnomes come in all colors, shapes and sizes. They can be small enough to fit in a Christmas teacup or as tall as several feet. Some are crafted from poly-resin and hand painted. They have facial expressions that are happy, grumpy, secretive or mischievous. You can get them singly, as couples or in a family.

Some decorative gnomes have long legs and others are all hat and beard. They and their hats might be decked out with bells. Headwear can be short, tall or extra tall.

A gnome doesn’t need to wear a Santa suit to celebrate the season. Some dress in checked hats that are red and black, or black and white. Others are sports fans and dress for their favorite teams. It’s rumored that some disguise themselves as gnome Christmas ornaments and hide in tree branches.

Gnomes and Your Decor

If you’re fond enough of the little mischief-makers, you might dress up your entire house in a Christmas gnome theme. But you don’t have to go that far. Gnomes are adaptable, and they fit in with several types of Christmas decor.

At heart they’re country folk, so they’re happy with a rustic or farmhouse Christmas theme. Nordic gnomes remember where they’re from and fit right in with Scandinavian Christmas decor. Winter gnomes love the snow and pair nicely with a flocked tree and a frosty Christmas theme.

Even if you have a more contemporary or refined motif, don’t underestimate the flexibility of these charming creatures. Add a few as an accent.

Gnomes, Gnomes Everywhere

Where should you display your Christmas gnomes? Answer: just about anywhere!

They like to greet people near the front door. You might station one on the stoop or porch. They love to guard presents. In fact, they’re good at it. Gnomes with legs like to dangle them over the edge of the mantle. Others prefer to peek out of Christmas stockings.

Some move around like elves on the shelf. They enjoy sitting on or in things: baskets, boxes, coffee tables. If you put two together on a shelf or bench, each day you can tell how much they like each other. Sometimes they’ll sidle up side to side, and other times they’ll keep as mush distance as possible. If you have some that misbehave, you can capture them in Mason jars and line them up on a shelf.

Finally, don’t forget that gift-bearing gnomes like a bowl of porridge on Christmas eve. Maybe that bowl will get you the present you want and maybe it won’t, but it wouldn't hurt to set one out!