As you know by now, Nordic culture has been a growing passion of mine for years. And after traveling to Norway for the first time last summer, I knew in an instant it would not be my last time in Scandinavia. While my travels have yet to take me to other Nordic countries, like Denmark, Sweden, and Iceland, I remain hopeful that I will get to all of the Nordic countries one day.
In the meantime, I rely on books, blogs, travel sites and movies to help grow my knowledge of the Scandi culture. Most recently, I’ve enjoyed the series of Scandi-themed movies on the Hallmark Channels, including My Norwegian Holiday, Love on Iceland, and of course the newest, The Christmas Quest.
And given we’re so close to the Christmas holiday, watching these Scandi and Iceland-focused movies has made me even more curious about what it would be like to spend Christmas in Iceland. So of course, I did a little research.
Known for its natural beauty and mythical lore, Iceland celebrates Christmas with a blend of ancient folklore and festive customs, many of which are subtlety or even prominently featured in the Hallmark movies.
Let’s a take a look at some of these fun, fanciful and a bit unusual Icelandic Christmas customs
Julebukking: The Nordic Masked Singer with a Twist
Julebukking, also known as “Christmas fooling,” is a lively tradition with roots in both Iceland and other Scandinavian countries. During the holiday season, particularly between Christmas and New Year’s, people dress up in disguises and go door-to-door singing carols, reciting poems, or performing small skits. The twist? The participants are often in costumes so elaborate that it becomes a challenge to recognize them – much like the US version of the Masked Singer. Once the performance is over, it’s typical to guess who’s behind the masks. If their identities remain secret, the hosts offer them treats and drinks as a reward.
The Yule Goat: Guardian of the Holidays – The Yule Goat (Jólaköttur) plays a significant role in Icelandic Christmas lore, symbolizing the protector of the holiday season. Historically, the Yule Goat was connected to Norse mythology and believed to be a creature that would either help or hinder people during the winter. In modern times, it’s considered a benevolent figure, often represented by festive goat figurines made of straw and tied with red ribbons that are placed in homes to symbolize good fortune for the Christmas season.
The Yule Lads: Iceland’s Mischievous Christmas Visitors – Perhaps the most famous (and slightly creepy) of Iceland’s holiday traditions is the celebration of the Yule Lads (Jólasveinar), a group of 13 mischievous brothers who visit children during the 13 nights leading up to Christmas. Each night, starting on December 12, one Yule Lad descends from the mountains, leaving small gifts in children’s shoes placed by the window— but only if they’ve been good. However, similar to children on Santa’s naughty list who receive coal, naughty children in Iceland receive a potato instead of sweets.
Each Yule Lad has his own distinct personality and antics, with names reflecting their mischief. For example, Spoon-Licker (Þvörusleikir) steals wooden spoons, while Window-Peeper(Gluggagægir) peers into windows in search of something to snatch. Despite their mischief, the Yule Lads are beloved figures, bringing a sense of fun and anticipation during the Christmas countdown.
Laufabrauð: The Snowflake Bread of Christmas – Laufabrauð, or “leaf bread,” is an iconic Christmas tradition in Iceland, both for its taste and its decorative appeal. Families gather in the weeks before Christmas to make this delicate, wafer-thin bread, which is often decorated with intricate patterns resembling snowflakes. The dough is rolled out and cut into decorative shapes before being fried to a golden crisp.
While Laufabrauð is a treat in itself, the process of making it is often as important as the final product. It’s a communal activity, bringing together families and friends to share stories, create intricate designs, and celebrate the season’s spirit of togetherness.
The Yule Cat: The Fearsome Feline of Folklore – A less festive, but equally fascinating figure in Icelandic Christmas folklore is the Yule Cat (Jólakötturinn). This giant, menacing cat is said to prowl the countryside during the holiday season, devouring anyone who hasn’t received new clothes for Christmas. The origins of this tale are believed to be tied to the wool industry, where workers were encouraged to finish processing wool in time for Christmas. Those who worked hard were rewarded with new clothes, while those who didn’t faced the wrath of the Yule Cat.
The Book Flood: Iceland’s Love for Literature – In a land with long, dark winters, books have always been a cherished gift. This tradition is known as Jólabókaflóð, or the “Christmas Book Flood.” Icelanders exchange books on Christmas Eve, and many spend the night reading their new treasures, often with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of wine in hand. This custom reflects Iceland’s deep love of literature; the country boasts one of the highest rates of authors per capita in the world.
The “Book Flood” tradition began during World War II, when foreign imports were restricted, but paper remained relatively available. Books became the perfect Christmas gift, and the tradition has continued ever since. Today, the Icelandic publishing industry releases a flood of new books in the months leading up to Christmas, and many families eagerly anticipate giving and receiving the latest titles.
Iceland’s Christmas traditions are a fun mix of ancient folklore, festive gatherings, and unique customs that reflect the country’s history and culture. Whether it’s crafting delicate Laufabrauð, waiting in anticipation for the Yule Lads, or curling up with a new book on Christmas Eve, Icelanders embrace the holiday season with warmth, creativity, and a touch of mischief and magic.
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