Christmas in Iceland is quite a spectacular experience, with heavy snowfall in the winter months and the country being surrounded by the Arctic sea. However, for many Icelanders, Christmas is also a time of great dread, due to its ancient origins and the many strange and frightening tales of the long, cold nights of winter.
One such tale revolves around the mythical Yule Lads, a group of mischievous and malicious trolls that roam Iceland during the weeks leading up to Christmas. It is believed that the Yule Lads are responsible for bringing presents and other delights to good children, but also punishing those who are bad by playing tricks, stealing food, and leaving coal behind.
Each day of the Christmas season brings a different Yule Lad; thirteen in total. These Yule Lads, with names such as Spoon-Licker and Door-Sniffer, appear to be more comical and less threatening than those in other folklore, but they are still quite creepy especially in the dark of winter.
An even more frightening figure is Grýla, a giant ogress who is said to creep around the Icelandic countryside awaiting the return of the Yule Lads. This ferocious and terrifying creature is credited for kidnapping children that have been naughty and consuming them for her dinner. According to legend, Grýla only appears during the Christmas season adding extra horror to the already long and cold nights.
Another spooky story often found in Iceland is the tale of Grymog, a type of specter or ghost-like figure that appears during the 12 days of Christmas, scaring children and adults alike. Some say that Grymog appears near Christmas trees and windows, while others describe it as a spirit with a bird-like head that lurks in and around the homes of Icelandic people on Christmas night.
From goblins and trolls to ghosts and oafs, an Icelandic Christmas is filled with many creatures and stories designed to both spook and amuse. For some, this can be a terrifying experience, and even though most of these creatures are no longer believed to exist, many Icelanders take special precautions to protect their homes from Christmas horrors every year.
