Up on the Housetop
.Up on the Housetop
 Jultomte (Sweden) or Nisse (Norway )
-- the scandinavian santas
Legends of a benign solstice entity who bestows gifts upon children abound in various cultures. Most current legends are a blend of traditions combining human saints with elfin folk. One delightful custom in common practice in Sweden is the offering of rice porridge on the doorstep for the Jultomte (Yule elf) on Christmas eve. The Jultomte and his Norwegian cousin the Nisse care for the house and its denizens in return for this annual gift. Whether Jultomte, Father Christmas, or Saint Nick, the "right jolly old elf" of C. Clement Moore, Santa Claus in some form can provide children with pleasant and meaningful associations during the Yuletide season.
Up on the house-top the reindeer pause,
Out jumps good old Santa Claus;
Down thro' the chimney with lots of toys,
All for the little ones' Christmas joys.
Ho, Ho, Ho! Who wouldn't go!
Ho, Ho, Ho! Who wouldn't go!
Up on the house-top, click, click, click,
Down thro' the chimney with good Saint Nick.
First comes the stocking of little Nell;
Oh, dear Santa, fill it well;
Give her a dollie that laughs and cries,
One that will open and shut her eyes.
Ho, Ho, Ho! Who wouldn't go!
Ho, Ho, Ho! Who wouldn't go!
Up on the house-top, click, click, click,
Down thro' the chimney with good Saint Nick.
Next comes the stocking of little Will;
Oh, just see what a glorious fill;
Here is a hammer and lots of tacks,
Also a ball and a whip that cracks.
Ho, Ho, Ho! Who wouldn't go!
Ho, Ho, Ho! Who wouldn't go!
Up on the house-top, click, click, click,
Down thro' the chimney with good Saint Nick.
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