Gnomes for sale at a Christmas market in Pergine Valsugana, Italy

Gnomes for sale at a Christmas market in Pergine Valsugana, Italy

These charming figures are on display at a Christmas market in Pergine Valsugana, a destination in northern Italy that embraces its legends of gnomes, dwarves and elves who descend from the mountains bearing holiday treats. Italy isn’t the only region where mountain dwellers are incorporated into festive folklore. In Iceland, it’s trolls who take the spotlight. Today’s date marks the first of the Yule Lad visits, an Icelandic tradition involving 13 trolls who deliver presents – or punishments – each night before Christmas Eve. Tonight’s call is from Sheep-Cote Clod, who harasses sheep. Other lads include Spoon-Licker, Door-Slammer and Sausage-Swiper. Look out!