ICELAND

1.      In Iceland, who traditionally delivers presents to children during the 13 days before Christmas?

• The Yule Lads, mischievous sons of trolls.

• Santa Claus, with his reindeer and sleigh.

• Jólaköttur, the Christmas Cat, leaving treats under pillows.

• Grýla and Leppalúdi, the troll parents of the Yule Lads.

2.      What unusual Icelandic Christmas tradition involves leaving a shoe by the window?

• Placing a wish list inside the shoe for the Yule Lads.

• Offering the shoe as a gift to Jólaköttur, the Christmas Cat.

• Participating in a shoe-tossing competition for good luck.

• Receiving daily gifts from the Yule Lads, one per shoe, leading up to Christmas.

3.      Which traditional Icelandic Christmas dish involves fermented fish?

• Hangikjöt, smoked lamb served with potatoes and peas.

• Laufabrauð, thin, crispy flatbread decorated with patterns.

• Plokkfiskur, a creamy stew made with white fish and potatoes.

• Skata, a fermented skate dish, part of the Christmas Eve feast.

4.      According to an old Icelandic belief, what misfortune could befall those who didn't wear new clothes before Christmas?

• Being cursed by the Yule Lads and receiving no presents.

• Getting kidnapped by Jólaköttur, the Christmas Cat.

• Facing bad luck and misfortune throughout the following year

• Having their old clothes magically transformed into rags

5.      What unique Icelandic tradition happens on Christmas Eve, involving cemeteries and loved ones?

• Leaving gifts on family graves as a way to remember the deceased

• Lighting candles and singing carols to honor departed ancestors

• Holding midnight picnics by the graveside, sharing stories and food

• Decorating graves with flowers and lights as a form of respect and remembrance.

6.      How many Yule Lads are there in Icelandic Christmas lore, each playing tricks on children before delivering presents?

• 12, representing the months of the year.

• 8, corresponding to the days of Hanukkah.

• 13, symbolizing the unlucky nature of the number for Icelanders.

• 24, mirroring the days leading up to Christmas Eve.

7.      On what date does the Icelandic Christmas season officially end, marking the return of all the Yule Lads to the mountains?

• December 25th, Christmas Day itself.

• January 6th, Twelfth Night and the Feast of the Epiphany.

• December 31st, New Year's Eve, celebrating the year's end.

• December 24th, Christmas Eve, after all presents are delivered.

8.      Which Icelandic Christmas tradition involves feasting on a variety of traditional dishes, breaking the Christmas fast?

• Jólabard, the main Christmas Eve dinner with Hangikjöt and Laufabrauð.

• Þorláksmessa, celebrated on December 23rd, featuring Skata and other unique fare.

• Aðventulöngu, the weeks leading up to Christmas, marked by daily treats and snacks.

• Nýársdagur, New Year's Day, where special leftovers from Christmas are enjoyed.

9. 9. In Icelandic Christmas folklore, the parents of the Yule Lads are notorious trolls known as:

• Knecht Ruprecht and Krampus, Santa's strict companions.

• Belsnickel and Befana, gift-givers from European Christmas traditions.

• Grýla and Leppalúdi, fierce and monstrous parents of the mischievous Lads.

• Jólabönd and Jólatröll, benevolent Yule figures associated with Christmas cheer.

10.      Which mythical creature, feared by children in old Iceland, was said to eat those who didn't wear new clothes before Christmas?

• Jólaköttur, the Christmas Cat, a monstrous feline with sharp claws and teeth.

• The Yule Goat, a symbol of the winter solstice and pagan traditions.

• Grýla, the monstrous mother of the Yule Lads, known for her appetite and temper

• Leppalúdi, the mischievous father of the Yule Lads, notorious for pranking children.