The first Tomte Cake night sets the tone for the tradition. You do not need to explain every detail before the activity begins. A little curiosity can make the story and discovery more exciting.
Start with the book
Introduce the tradition through the storybook included in The Tomte Cake Set. Let the children meet the character and understand the basic story before showing them how the family will recreate it.
Tell them what they get to do
Explain that the family will bake house-shaped cakes, decorate them, and eventually discover where Tomte is hiding. Keep the description simple enough that the surprise still feels like a surprise.
Give each child an immediate role
Let them choose decorations, help with an age-appropriate baking task, or decide what music the family should play. Participation makes a new tradition feel like theirs.
Do not over-plan the first year
There is no need to establish ten family rules on night one. See what the kids enjoy, then build around those moments next Christmas.
Capture one memory
Take a family photo or write down the first person to find Tomte. That gives you something to bring back out next year.
End by talking about next time
If the kids enjoyed the night, ask what they want to repeat or change. The answers can shape how the tradition grows.
For more ideas about starting family Christmas rituals, explore Bätter!.
Make the first year easier
See what to tell kids before their first Tomte Cake night, ideas for families with young kids, and how to make Tomte Cake night the start of Christmas.