The Yule Lads are a group of 13 mischievous characters from Icelandic folklore, each with their own unique personality and habits. They are said to visit children across Iceland in the 13 days leading up to Christmas. 

Each night, starting from 12th of December, Icelandic children place their shoes by the window, and a different Yule Lad visits. Leaving gifts for well-behaved children and potatoes for those who have misbehaved.

Iceland's Yule Lads

Before we go any further, let's get to know these strange Christmas fellows. Here are the names of the 13 Yule Lads and a bit about their personalities:

1. Sheep-Cote Clod (is.Stekkjastaur): He attempts to nurse on yews within the sheep shelters of the farmer.
2. Gully Gawk (is.Giljagaur): He conceals himself in ditches, biding his time to infiltrate the barn and pilfer milk.
3. Stubby (is.Stúfur): He is unusually small and pilfers cooking pans to devour the remaining crust.
4. Spoon-Licker (is.Þvörusleikir): He takes Þvörur, a kind of long-handled wooden spoon, to lick. His emaciated appearance is a result of severe lack of proper nutrition.
5. Pot-Scraper (is.Pottaskefill): He takes uneaten food from dishes.
6. Bowl-Licker (is.Askasleikir): He conceals himself beneath beds, patiently anticipating the moment when someone sets aside their "askur" (a particular type of bowl), which he subsequently pilfers.
7. Door-Slammer (is.Hurðaskellir): He has a penchant for forcefully shutting doors, particularly at night, disturbing people's sleep.
8. Skyr-Gobbler (is.Skyrgámur): He has a strong fondness for skyr, a classic Icelandic yogurt.
9. Sausage-Swiper (is. Bjúgnakrækir): This mischievous character conceals himself in the ceiling beams and swiftly grabs smoked sausages.
10. Window-Peeper (is. Gluggagægir): With an intent to pilfer, this individual peers through windows in search of valuable items.
11.  Doorway-Sniffer (is. Gáttaþefur): Sporting an unusually large nose and a keen sense of smell, this creature skillfully tracks down leaf bread.
12. Meat-Hook (is. Ketkrókur): Employing a hook, this cunning figure steals meat with precision and agility
13. Candle-Snathcer (is.Kertasníkir): He tracks down kids to snatch their candles, which were once crafted from tallow and therefore edible.

Is Santa Claus in Iceland?

No, not in the traditional sense. The Yule Lads play the role of Santa Claus in Iceland. In fact they have the same name in Icelandic; “Jólasveinn,” meaning Christmas guy. So, instead of having just one Christmas guy, called Santa Claus, Iceland has 13 called the Yule Lads. 

Christmas Trolls in Iceland

Unlike Santa Claus, the Yule Lads do not live on the North Pole. They live in the mountains of Iceland along with their troll mother called “Grýla” and the Christmas Cat, also known as the Yule Cat. Both monstrous creatures who are said to eat poorly dressed and naughty children around Christmas in Iceland. 

O yeah, the Yule Lads are not totally human. They are half troll, half human and the origin story is much darker than that of jolly old Saint Nick. Living in a troll's cave all year long this group of pranksters have been harassing people for centuries. 

However, over the years the Yule Lads have redeemed themself. Becoming more like their foreign colleague, Santa Claus. With the Yule Lads entertaining kids, wearing red shiny clothes with their big white beards.

Iceland's Unique Christmas Traditions

The Yule Lads reflect an old tradition and are an integral part of the Icelandic Christmas celebration, adding a unique and playful aspect to the nation's holiday customs.

Iceland's Yule Lads are far from being the only interesting Christmas tradition in Iceland. The festive season is full of unique celebrations which we highly recommend being a part of. This is the best time of the year for visiting Iceland.

What better way to celebrate the holidays than in a winter wonderland full of joy and multiple Santa Clauses, delicious smoked lamb and the northern lights.

If you want to learn more about how Iceland celebrates Christmas we recommend checking out our blogs about Icelandic Culture. There you can also find highly useful travel tip in Iceland. 

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