Summary of Christmas in Iceland
Are you spending Christmas in Iceland? You should learn about Iceland’s Christmas traditions. First of all, “Merry Christmas and a happy New Year” in Icelandic means “Gleðileg jól og farsælt komandi ár!“
When planning a vacation during Christmas in Iceland, it is always helpful for visitors to get acquainted with local Icelandic Christmas traditions and customs. You can even send Santa mail by using his very own mailbox.
History
Christmas in Iceland is an intriguing experience, as the country has numerous old traditions for celebrating this festive season. Expect no fewer than 13 Icelandic Santa Clauses, known as jólasveinar (“yuletide lads”; singular: jólasveinn). These characters are the children of Grýla, a mean old woman who allegedly drags off naughty children, and her husband Leppalúði, who is somewhat less fearsome. Additionally, Iceland features a black Christmas cat that is said to prey on those who do not wear new clothing during the holiday season.
The origins of the Icelandic Santas date back centuries, with each possessing a unique name, character, and role. Over time, these 13 yule lads have evolved to become more benevolent. In fact, by the 18th century, parents in Iceland were officially prohibited from frightening children with scary stories about the yule lads.
Nowadays, during Christmas in Iceland, their purpose is to come into town bearing gifts and candy (along with the occasional prank). The first jólasveinn arrives 13 days before Christmas, followed by one each day thereafter, culminating in Christmas celebrations that last for 26 days.
Þorláksmessa (mass-day of St Þorlákur) is celebrated on December 23. Shops remain open late before closing for three days during the Christmas period. Many people attend midnight mass, and the primary Christmas celebration occurs on Christmas Eve, including gift exchanges.
Unique Traditions
A special Icelandic custom for children involves placing a shoe in the window from December 12 until Christmas Eve. If they have behaved well, one of the 13 yule lads leaves a gift—however, naughty children receive a potato or a note from one of the yule lads, explaining their misdeeds or encouraging them to improve in the coming year.
Weather During Christmas
Regarding weather, don’t anticipate much daylight during Christmas in Iceland, given this is the time of year when Nordic countries remain dark for most of each day. The further north you travel, the less light you can expect. This lack of sunlight creates magnificent opportunities to witness the Northern Lights and grand fireworks displays.
New Year’s Eve Festivities
On New Year’s Eve, many attend community bonfires and make social visits. At midnight, a spectacular fireworks display occurs as nearly every residence in Iceland lights its own fireworks.
Iceland’s holiday season concludes on January 6 with a special celebration of the Twelfth Night, a time when elves and trolls emerge to join Icelanders in dancing and singing. On this day, the festivities of New Year’s Eve (including bonfires and fireworks) are repeated, albeit on a smaller scale, all across Iceland.
