Jólasveinar (Yule Lads)

The Jólasveinar, or Yule Lads, are a group of 13 Icelandic Christmas characters who visit children during the holiday season. Each Lad has a unique personality and behavior, often related to a specific mischief, such as stealing or pranking. Starting in mid-December, they arrive one by one and leave gifts or candy for well-behaved children, while naughty ones might receive a potato. The Yule Lads are part of Iceland’s rich holiday folklore, blending festive cheer with cultural storytelling, and contribute to the anticipation and tradition of Christmas celebrations in Iceland.