Why are there 13 days of Christmas instead of 12 in Iceland?

So when is Christmas in Iceland? Christmas in Iceland lasts for 26 days, from the 11th of December until the 6th of January. Iceland has 13 Santa Clauses or Yule Lads. The Christmas season starts when the first Yule Lad comes to town (13 days before Christmas Eve) and finishes when the last one leaves (Twelfth Night).

Do they really exchange books on Christmas Eve in Iceland?

Ever since 1944, the Icelandic book trade has sent out a book bulletin to each household in the middle of November when the Reykjavik Book Fair happens. People use this catalogue to order books to give to their friends and family on Christmas Eve, the main gift-giving day in Iceland.

Is Jolabokaflod real?

Jolabokaflod, or “Christmas Book Flood” in English, is the Icelandic tradition of giving and unwrapping new books on Christmas Eve, cozying up with family, and reading into the night.

What are some Christmas traditions in Iceland?

On Christmas eve, Icelanders exchange books as gifts and then spend the night reading them, often while drinking hot chocolate or alcohol-free Christmas ale called jólabland. “The culture of giving books as presents is very deeply rooted in how families perceive Christmas as a holiday,” Kristjan B.

Who are the 13 Santas in Iceland?

Icelandic children get to enjoy the favors on not one but 13 Father Christmases. Called the Yule Lads, these merry but mischievous fellows take turns visiting kids on the 13 nights leading up to Christmas. On each of those nights, children place one of their shoes on the windowsill.

What are some fun facts about Christmas in Iceland?

Here are 13 Icelandic Christmas facts and traditions.

  • Iceland has been Christian since the year 1000 (or 999, we’re not completely sure)
  • 13 formerly human-eating santa clauses will break through your window to give children presents.
  • The santa clauses’ mother will kidnap your children, and the Christmas cat will eat them.

How do you celebrate Jolabokaflod?

People all over the world are now encouraged to celebrate Jolabokaflod by gifting books on Christmas Eve and setting aside all day Christmas to drink hot cocoa and read.

In what country do adults not exchange Christmas gifts until New Year’s Day?

Ecuador
In Ecuador, children receive gifts on Christmas morning, but adults must wait until New Year’s Day.

What kind of language is Icelandic?

North Germanic languages
Icelandic is the official language of Iceland. It is an Indo-European language, belonging to the sub-group of North Germanic languages. It is closely related to Norwegian and Faroese, although there are slight traces of Celtic influence in ancient Icelandic literature.

What are the names of the 13 days of Christmas in Iceland?

Each Yule Lad is listed in order of the night he visits:

  • Stekkjastaur (Sheep-Cote Clod) — 12th December.
  • Giljagaur (Gully Gawk) — 13th December.
  • Stúfur (Stubby) — 14th December.
  • Þvörusleikir (Spoon Licker) — 15th December.
  • Pottasleikir (Pot Licker) — 16th December.
  • Askasleikir (Bowl Licker) — 17th December.

Who might Krampus visit on Christmas?

Every year in early December, children in Austria get ready for St. Nicholas to visit them. If they’ve been good, he’ll reward them with presents and treats. But if they’ve been bad, they’ll get a lot more than a lump of coal—they’ll have to face Krampus.

Is Krampus a German legend?

Krampus, in central European popular legend, a half-goat, half-demon monster that punishes misbehaving children at Christmastime. He is the devilish companion of St. Nicholas. Krampus is believed to have originated in Germany, and his name derives from the German word Krampen, which means “claw.”