the old swedes have always had "tomte" in the house. mom would put out a little bowl of milk for them, and some little squares of bread, during the holidays. it was all done in fun, but her grandmother said that it was only for the best to put it out. then the "tomte" were happy, and the house ran smoothly. even if wed idn't see an appreciable difference in the amount left, it was the thought that counted. the tomte would take care of us and the house. it's not too late, this year-12 days of christmas--and never too soon to feed the tomte!