Forget the ordinary Christmas. In Iceland, the holiday season is a wild ride filled with laughter, mischief, and a whole lot of fun. For 13 nights, a band of 13 mischievous brothers, the Yule Lads (known locally as Jólasveinar), take over. From stealing spoons to gobbling skyr, each Yule Lad has a unique quirk, ensuring a chaotic and unforgettable Christmas.
Iceland’s Iconic Tricksters
If you look at a map, you’ll notice that Iceland is a remote island country, nestled between Greenland to the west and Norway to the east. Its solitary position in the North Atlantic Ocean reflects the country’s distinctiveness. Iceland’s culture and language have been shaped by centuries of isolation and influenced by its stunning natural surroundings.
It’s no surprise, then, that the creative tales of the Yule Lads—and their mischievous antics—continue to captivate both children and adults.
Smithsonian Magazine likens Iceland’s Yule Lads to Snow White’s Seven Dwarfs, as their names are tied to their unique traits and personalities. The 13 Yule Lads are as follows:
- Sheep-Cote Clod (Stekkjastaur) – takes pride in pestering sheep and suckling their ewes.
- Gully Gawk (Giljagaur) – hides in barns, steals fresh milk, and has a particular fondness for the froth in milk buckets.
- Stubby (Stúfur) – the shortest and hungriest brother, known for eating crusty leftovers found in pans.
- Spoon Licker (Þvörusleikir) – hides in kitchens with the intent of snatching spoons to lick them clean.
- Pot Scraper (Pottaskefill) – searches for unwashed pots and eagerly scrapes them clean.
- Bowl Licker (Askasleikir) – waits under beds for the perfect moment to steal wooden bowls.
- Door Slammer (Hurðaskellir) – disturbs everyone’s sleep by slamming doors.
- Skyr Gobbler (Skyrgámur) – steals and devours delicious tubs of skyr (Icelandic yogurt).
- Sausage Swiper (Bjúgnakrækir) – hides in rafters and swipes sausages that are being smoked.
- Window Peeper (Gluggagægir) – peeks through windows, searching for things to steal from the household.
- Door Sniffer (Gáttaþefur) – sniffs out baked goods, with a special fondness for fresh-baked breads.
- Meat Hook (Ketkrókur) – uses a long hook to snatch meats of all kinds.
- Candle Stealer (Kertasníkir) – steals candles, leaving households in darkness.
Smithsonian Magazine describes the Yule Lads as “13 Father Christmases.” On the evening of each night beginning December 12, children place their shoes on the windowsill, hoping that the visiting Yule Lad will leave candy or small trinkets as a reward for good behavior.
And for the misbehaved children? Similar to receiving coal in a stocking, Icelandic children might find rotten potatoes in their shoes instead!
Every morning, children wake up to discover whether the Yule Lad was impressed—or not so impressed—with their behavior. They also get to see evidence of the Yule Lad’s mischief in the home overnight.
It’s amusing to imagine an Icelandic family gathered at the breakfast table, talking about spoons that have mysteriously been licked or recounting all the doors that were slammed overnight. Picture the laughter as they share stories of the Yule Lads’ antics, all while eagerly anticipating what surprises are yet to come.
What’s more, when each Yule Lad arrives, he doesn’t just turn around and head back up the mountain! He stays in the home, and together with his brothers, continues to pull pranks and cause playful mischief throughout the holiday season. From slamming doors to stealing food, each Yule Lad brings his own unique brand of quirky trouble, adding to the fun and excitement until they all leave—departing in reverse order, of course!
Mother Troll and Her Yule Cat
We mustn’t forget the mother of the Yule Lads—a giant troll named Grýla. And don’t think she sits back and lets her sons have all the fun! According to tradition, Grýla leaves her lazy husband, Leppalúði, and comes down from the mountains with a sinister mission. She’s said to carry a bag full of naughty children, whom she plans to eat.
As if that weren’t frightening enough, Grýla has a black cat known as the Yule Cat, which prowls the countryside looking for victims. Its prey? People who aren’t wearing new clothes. Icelandic children can avoid this fearsome feline by donning new socks, scarves, or any other freshly acquired garments.
With Grýla, the Yule Cat, and the Yule Lads, it’s safe to say that Icelandic children strive to be both well-behaved and well-dressed as Christmas fast approaches!
Lessons Learned from Iceland’s Christmas Traditions
Iceland’s Christmas traditions capture the childlike wonder within us all, celebrating kindness, humor, and generosity. Icelanders embrace a playful balance of “naughty” and “nice,” fostering joy and togetherness throughout the holiday season.
Whether you experience Icelandic Christmas firsthand or simply incorporate its spirit into your own traditions, you’ll be reminded of the magic that unfolds when lightheartedness fills the air.