Nisses are mythological creatures originating from Scandinavian folklore. They are small, elf-like beings that are believed to bring good luck to households during the Christmas season. Some synonyms for nisses include tomtes, tonttu, and gnome. Tomtes are a type of nisse that are often depicted with a long white beard and red hat. Tonttu is the Finnish equivalent to nisse and is also known for their helpful nature. Gnomes are also similar to nisses but are often associated with gardens and nature, rather than Christmas traditions. No matter their name, these magical creatures have been a beloved part of Scandinavian culture for centuries.