Christmas in Iceland facts for kids
.jpg)
Christmas in Iceland (called Jól) is a very special time. It begins four weeks before Christmas Day. The main celebrations officially start on December 24, known as Aðfangadagur. The festive season then continues for thirteen days, ending on January 6, which is Epiphany.
Contents
How do Icelanders celebrate Christmas?
Before Christmas, families light one candle each Sunday. By December 24, four candles are burning brightly. On Christmas Eve, Aðfangadagur, church bells ring at 6:00 PM. This signals the start of Christmas. Many families go to church at this time. Others begin their special holiday meal right away. After dinner, everyone opens gifts. They spend the evening together as a family.
What do Icelanders eat for Christmas?
During the Christmas holidays, Icelanders enjoy many tasty foods. Popular dishes include smoked lamb and turkey. Some families also eat ptarmigan, which is a type of bird. Pork is another favorite meal for many.
Who are the Yule Lads?
Thirteen days before December 24, a fun tradition begins. Children leave their shoes by the window. This is for the 13 Yule Lads, or jólasveinarnir. Each night, a different Yule Lad visits. They leave small gifts in the shoes for good children. If a child has been naughty, they might find a potato instead!
The Yule Lads are the sons of two trolls. Their names are Grýla and Leppalúði. They live in the Icelandic mountains. Each Yule Lad is known for a different kind of mischief. For example, one might slam doors. Another might try to steal meat or milk. Some even like to eat candles! Originally, the Yule Lads wore old Icelandic wool clothes. Today, they are often seen in red and white suits, like Santa Claus.
Christmas trees and special foods
Most Icelandic homes set up a Christmas tree indoors. Families usually decorate their tree on December 11. They place presents underneath the tree.
Another tradition is boiling fish on December 23. This day is known as Saint Thorlak mass, or Þorláksmessa. The fish often eaten is skate.
Baking and special bread
During the holiday season, families often bake together. They make small cookies to serve guests. Thin gingerbread cookies are very common. These are decorated with many different colors of glaze. Many families also make laufabrauð. This is a flat, thin bread. It is cut out using a special tool. It is folded in a unique way to create beautiful patterns.
New Year's celebrations
The end of the year is split into two days. These are Old Year's Day (Gamlársdagur) and New Year's Day (Nýársdagur). On the night of Old Year's Day, Icelanders light many fireworks. They shoot them into the sky to say goodbye to the old year. They also welcome the new year with a bang!
Saying goodbye to Christmas
Thirteen days after December 24, Christmas officially ends. Icelanders say goodbye to the Yule Lads. They also say goodbye to other mystical creatures, like elves and trolls. Bonfires are held all over the country. Elves, Yule Lads, and people dance together. They say goodbye until the next Christmas season. This final celebration is also known as Epiphany Day.
See also
