Iceland’s holiday season is full of unique traditions and exciting celebrations, including Reykjavik’s Christmas Village, the lighting of the Oslo Christmas tree, advent lights and more! One of the most well-known Christmas customs in Iceland is the telling of the Yule Lads story. Iceland’s Christmas Yule Lads are a staple in the country’s rich historic folklore. During each of the 13 nights leading up to Christmas, a Yule Lad comes down from the mountains to bring children gifts or candy and even play a few pranks. Enjoy the famed Icelandic story featuring the 13 Yule Lads, “Christmas is Coming,” read by Icelandic actress Erla Skúladóttir in the Árbær Open Air Museum in Reykjavik.
English translation by Hallberg Hallmundsson © 2018 Árni Blandon
Yule lads illustrations by Tryggvi Magnússon ©
To get in the holiday spirit, take our quiz to find out which Yule Lad you are most like! After you’ve finished the quiz, fill out the entry form for a chance to win the “Christmas is Coming” book and other Icelandic goodies! Be sure to also check out our Advent calendar to learn more about the many other Icelandic Christmas traditions.
Keep an eye out for the Yule Lads arriving on the following dates:
December 12 – Sheep-Cote Clod
December 13 – Gully Gawk
December 14 – Stubby
December 15 – Spoon-Licker
December 16 – Pot-Scraper
December 17 – Bowl-Licker
December 18 – Door-Slammer
December 19 – Skyr-Gobbler
December 20 – Sausage-Swiper
December 21 – Window-Peeper
December 22 – Doorway-Sniffer
December 23 – Meat-Hook
December 24 – Candle-Stealer
Will you be reading the story of the Yule Lads this year? Let us know in the comments and follow us on Twitter to learn about more Icelandic traditions @IcelandNatural!
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