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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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