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Christmas in Iceland (Jól) starts four weeks before properChristmas, which begins on 24 December (Aðfangadagur) and ends thirteen days later on 6 January (Þrettándinn, coinciding withEpiphany).
Traditionally, onecandle is lit each Sunday, until four candles are lit on the 24th. At 6:00 p.m.church bells ring to start the Christmas celebration. The religiously observant and/or traditional Icelanders will attendmass at this time, while thesecular Icelanders will begin theirholiday meal immediately. After the meal is finished, they open gifts and spend the evening together. In Iceland people over theYule holidays often eat smoked lamb,ptarmigan, and turkey. Glazed ham (known locally ashamborgarhryggur) is also very popular.[1][2]
Thirteen days before 24 December, children will leave their shoes by a window so that the 13 Yule Lads (jólasveinarnir) can leave small gifts in their shoes. The Yule Lads are the sons of twotrolls,Grýla and Leppalúði, living in the Icelandic mountains. Each of the Yule Lads is known for a different kind of mischief (for example slamming doors, stealing meat, stealing milk or eating the candles). Yule Lads traditionally wear earlyIcelandic wool clothing but are now known for the more recognizablered and white suit.[3][4][5][6]
Each home typically sets up aChristmas tree indoors in the living room, with most decorating it on 11 December. In addition to the decorations, presents are put underneath the tree. It is also a tradition in many homes to boil fish (skate) on the 23rd. The day is known asSaint Thorlak mass (Þorláksmessa).[7]
During the holiday season, it is traditional for families to work together to bake smallcookies to serve or give to guests. Most common are thingingerbread cookies which are decorated in many different colors ofglaze. Many families also follow the tradition of makinglaufabrauð, a flat thin bread that is cut out using a special tool and folding technique.[8]
The end of year is divided between two days: the Old Year's Day (Gamlársdagur) and the New Year's Day (Nýársdagur). At the night of the former and morning of the latter, Icelanders shoot upfireworks, blowing the old year away and welcoming the new one.[9]
Thirteen days after the 24th, Icelanders say goodbye to the Yule Lads and other mystical creatures, such aselves and trolls. There arebonfires held throughout the country while the elves, Yule Lads, and Icelanders dance together before saying goodbye until the next Christmas. This celebration is known elsewhere asEpiphany Day.[citation needed]
