Christmas In Iceland: A Magical Winter Wonderland When you think of Christmas, you likely imagine stockings hung by the fireplace, carolers singing songs of joy, and families gathering together to feast on hearty dishes and exchange gifts under the tree. But Christmas traditions look different all around the world, each culture adding its own magical flare. And nowhere does the holiday feel more magical than in Iceland. With its Nordic charms and winter wonderland landscapes, Christmas in Iceland feels like stepping into a fairytale. From 13 mischievous yuletide lads to playful elf folklore to the efficient but friendly Yule Cat who eats anyone without new clothes for Christmas, Icelandic holiday traditions have an air of mystery and whimsy found nowhere else. Add in long nights filled with dazzling northern lights displays, and you have all the makings for a picture postcard Christmas. Preparations Begin Early While most countries start gearing up for Christmas just after Thanksgiving, Icelanders begin anticipating the merry festivities long before. As early as November, twinkling lights and glittery decor shine throughout Reykjavik. The country embraces over-the-top Yule décor with a fervent passion. In town squares across the land, you’ll find massive Christmas trees glowing with thousands of bulbs as carolers sing traditional Icelandic Christmas songs on street corners. Festive wreaths made of fresh evergreen boughs adorn front doors, often accompanied by electric candle arches lining walkways with their warm, welcoming glow. The homes themselves sport enough flashing lights to be seen from space, each family competing to outdo their neighbor’s display. For such a reserved culture the rest of the year, Icelanders have zero restraint when it comes to Christmas cheer. The 13 Mischievous Jólasveinar Of course, no Icelandic Christmas would be complete without paying homage to the 13 Yule Lads. Brought to you by the numbers 13 and 52, these mischievous troll-like creatures are the sons of two ogres, Grýla and Leppalúði. Living in the Icelandic mountains the rest of the year, they only come out in December to have some yuletide fun. Beginning December 12th, Icelanders leave out shoes for the holiday tricksters who arrive one per night. Well-behaved children awake to small gifts left by the trolls, while the ill-mannered find only potatoes in their shoes to teach them proper manners. The Yule Lads show their playful sides by doing things like slamming doors, stealing leftovers, peeping through windows, and generally running amuck. During the day, they return to the mountains to join their ogre mother, Grýla, who ventures down at Christmastime to snatch up misbehaving children and boil them alive for her stew. Cheery holiday stuff indeed! Names like Door-Slammer, Window-Peeper, Meat-Hook, and Candle-Stealer give you an idea of their modus operandi. But they always make sure to arrive promptly on Christmas Eve with Iceland’s version of Santa Claus, Jólakötturinn, or Yule Cat, to finish stuffing shoes with presents. Regifting Night Speaking of Yule Cat, he serves a unique purpose in Iceland. Legend says he prowls the snowy nights before Christmas, ready to gobble up anyone who doesn’t have at least one new piece of clothing to wear for the big day. As terrifying as that sounds, it stems from a long tradition of regifting clothing right before Christmas. On December 23rd, Icelanders celebrate Þvörutungur Dagur, or Regifting Day. Instead of boxing up cast-offs for donation centers, people swap lightly-used clothing and other items with friends and family. Not only does it stem back to a time when poverty ran high in remote regions of Iceland, but it holds significance to the tradition of Yule Cat. No one wants to end up as his holiday dinner! So the day offers the perfect chance to pick up a “new” sweater from grandma or swap your old coat for your neighbor’s so you have something new to meet the requirement. The playfully dark folklore makes this quirky custom far more fun. Christmas Eve Begins with Giant Yule Lads When Christmas Eve finally arrives, the Yule Lads conclude their hijinks. Families start the evening attending church services together decked out in their fanciest Christmas clothing. Far from the quiet reflection you’d expect, these gatherings take on a celebratory tone with joyful singing and smiling attendees. Afterward, a giant effigy of a Christmas lad holding a massive torch lights the way to outdoor concerts and Christmas village markets. Locals serving up sweet treats like chocolate-dipped marshmallows and fried dough balls welcome visitors amid a party atmosphere while a bonfire crackles nearby. Does it get any more Christmas perfect than that? As evening sets in, families make their way home to feast together on scrumptious holiday favorites. They set extra places at the table for departed loved ones before sitting down to bond overstuffed turkey or rack of lamb...
