If there’s one Christmas tradition that’s exclusive to Iceland it’s the 13 Yule Lads. They arrive on the scene on the thirteenth day before Christmas Eve—11 December, roughly halfway through Advent—to cause trouble and bring gifts. Then, they depart on the 6 January (13 days after Christmas Eve), to mark the end of the Christmas season.
But who are the Yule Lads? Often described as the Icelandic equivalent to Santa Claus, the Yule Lads—or Jólasveinar in Icelandic—are 13 mischievous trolls that come down from the mountains at Christmas.
In reality, they’re not really like Santa Claus at all. In Icelandic folklore, their parents, known as Gryla and Leppalúoi, live in a cave and eat naughty children. Once upon a time, the Yule Lads did the same, but now they’re much more innocent characters. These days, the Yule Lads leave gifts in the shoes of children—one every night until the night before Christmas.
However, they cause a lot of trouble at the same time. The first to arrive (on the night of 1 December) is Stekkjastaur, with a wooden leg, who bothers the sheep in Icelanders’ farms. The next day Giljagaur arrives, known for stealing the froth from cows’ milk.
One by one they come. The next night, Stúfur arrives, the shortest lad, who steals food from frying pans. Then there’s Pvörusleikir (Spoonlicker), Pottaskefill (Pot-scraper), Askasleikir (Bowl-licker), Hurdaskellir (Door-slammer), Skyrgámur (Skyr-gobbler), Bjúgnakrakir (Sausage-stealer), Gluggagagir (Window-peeker), Gáttapefur (Door-sniffer), Ketkrókur (Meat Hook), and Kertasníkir (Candle-beggar).
And then, in the same order in which they came, they leave again, one at a time. When the last Yule Lad has departed, Christmas is over.
***Apart from generally bringing mischief to Icelanders throughout the Christmas season, the Yule Lads also have a cat who lives with them in their cave with Grýla and Leppalúdi. You may see him in the streets of Reykjavik during the Christmas season.
The so-called Christmas Cat—Jólakötturinn-lurks in the Icelandic countryside throughout the Christmas period. It’s known to eat anyone who has not received a new item of clothing by Christmas Eve.
While even just a pair of socks will save you from the threat of the Christmas Cat, it’s important that you receive a gift before Christmas Eve!
Merry Christmas from Iceland — keep those toes warm and away from the cat!