There are a lot of traditions in Iceland around Christmas and Christmas is generally a very festive occation.
The 23rd of December is called Þorláksmessa. Many do their last Christmas shopping until midnight and eat the fish "skate" either at lunch or at dinner.
Many people who never enter a church during the year, are known to go to mass at 6.00 pm or at midnight on the 24th of December, Christmas Eve, which is the main day at Christmas for Icelanders and a big day for the children who get to open their presents in the evening by the Christmas tree.
In Iceland there are 13 "Santas", Yule Lads or Yulemen according to the traditions in Iceland. They are the proud sons of two trolls, Grýla and Leppalúði. The Santas tend to be rather naughty when they come to town in December, one by one, starting 13 days before Christmas.
Photo: An Icelandic Christmas tree.
