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About Iceland
This year's #Catmaseve theme is "Jól á Íslandi – Christmas in Iceland."
Iceland is an island in the North Atlantic Ocean. It's where two big tectonic plates meet, so it has lots of hot springs, geysers, mountains and volcanos. Even though Iceland is near the Arctic Circle, it's kept warm by an ocean current, the Gulf Stream.
Over 1,000 years ago, Vikings from Norway and people from Ireland and Scotland first settled in Iceland. They explored other places like Greenland and North America from there. The stories from when Iceland was first settled are really famous and show how the people lived a long time ago.
Many Icelanders still believe in elves, trolls, and other creatures from Norse Mythology.
Iceland has some fun traditions!
- Yule Lads Magic: Children eagerly await gifts from the Yule Lads, placing shoes by windows in hope of treats, in a land where myths blend with festive cheer.
- Yuletide Feasts: Icelandic Christmas is flavored with smoked lamb and delicious delicacies, uniting families in joyous celebrations around the table.
- Literary Gifts: Books are cherished gifts, exchanged in a nation of storytellers, igniting imaginations in the cozy glow of holiday lights.
- Illuminated Wonder: Streets and homes shimmer with lights, casting a magical spell over Iceland's wintry landscape during the Christmas season.
- Rich Folklore: Tales of Grýla and the Yule Cat thrive, adding a hint of mystery to the festive air, as children listen wide-eyed to ancient legends.
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| Jólakötturinn and Grýla Wander in the Icy Mountains of Iceland. |
Iceland has their own take on Santa
A giant trolless named Grýla eats naughty children. Her children are the mischievous Yule Lads. I think I'd prefer coal from Santa.
The Jólakötturinn, a bloodthirsty giant black Yule Cat who eats anyone who doesn't get new clothes before Christmas Eve. Finish your knitting on time!
The Yule Lads
- Stekkjastaur (Sheep-Cote Clod): He tries to milk sheep but has stiff legs. Kids think he's funny.
- Giljagaur (Gully Gawk): Hides in gullies, waiting to sneak into the cowshed and steal milk. He's sneaky!
- Stúfur (Stubby): He's short and steals pans to eat leftovers. He's a bit naughty but cute.
- Þvörusleikir (Spoon-Licker): Licks spoons and is very thin. He's weird but harmless.
- Pottaskefill (Pot-Scraper): Steals leftovers from pots. Kids think he's a bit greedy.
- Askasleikir (Bowl-Licker): Hides under beds waiting to steal bowls of food. He's tricky!
- Hurðaskellir (Door-Slammer): Loves to slam doors, especially at night. He's noisy!
- Skyrgámur (Skyr-Gobbler): Has a huge appetite for skyr (Icelandic yogurt). He's always hungry.
- Bjúgnakrækir (Sausage-Swiper): Hides in the rafters and steals sausages. He's sneaky and loves sausages.
- Gluggagægir (Window-Peeper): Peeks through windows looking for things to steal. He's a bit creepy!
- Gáttaþefur (Doorway-Sniffer): Has a big nose to sniff out laufabrauð (Icelandic bread). He's weird but funny.
- Ketkrókur (Meat-Hook): Uses a hook to steal meat. He's a bit scary but interesting.
- Kertasníkir (Candle-Stealer): Follows children to steal their candles. He's mischievous!
