Christmas in Iceland
Christmas in Iceland: Past Preparations
Christmas in Iceland: St. Thorlak’s Day
Christmas in Iceland: Christmas Eve and Day
Christmas in Iceland: Gift Bringers
Christmas in Iceland: Decorations
Christmas in Iceland: New Year’s Eve
Christmas in Iceland: Twelfth Night and Epiphany
The first Europeans settled in Iceland in the ninth century. They were from Scandinavia and the Celtic lands, and some researchers believe that they brought with them a midwinter festival called Yule. They also imported a rich collection of stories, beliefs, and folklore concerning elves, fairies, trolls and other unseen, magical peoples. In the year 1000, Iceland adopted Christianity. This religion called for a new, midwinter holiday called Christmas. Over the years the beliefs and practices associated with Christmas began to eclipse those associated with the earlier pagan feast.