Nordic Center Hosts Children Hunt for Nissa

DULUTH - Sunday afternoon The Nordic Center held a holiday party, where 30 children hunted for the Norwegian Santa Claus, called the Nissa. The Nissa is described as an elf-like figure, and there’s not only one of them, there are many. Traditionally, Nissa hide in the forest, in homes, and in buildings, and Sunday, we can add Norway Hall to that list. Kids brought flashlights to search the dark hallways, in the hopes of finding the Nissa. Once he was found, he enjoyed porridge with the children, danced around the Christmas tree, and sang holiday songs. For those at the Nordic Center, it is important to pass along traditions like this one. “Our children's program is really important to us because those are the people who are going to carry on the traditions for the next generation,” said President of The Nordic Center, Kris Eide. On Christmas Eve in Norway, usually 5 to 6 Nissa stop by homes to visit kids, eat their porridge, and bring gifts.