St. Thorlakur's Day (December 23rd) is another Icelandic Yule custom.
St. Thorlakur Thorhallsson, Bishop of Skalholt is Iceland’s major native saint. The main custom associated with Þorláksmessa is the partaking of a simple meal of skata or skate. This custom, which originated in the West Fjords, has become traditional all over Iceland. The Yule tree is usually decorated on this evening. This is also a big shopping day for last minute gifts, with stores remaining open until midnight. Celebration of Christmas in Iceland 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Yule Eve. This may have descended from the old days, when a new day began not at midnight but at 6pm. Thus in Iceland there are thirteen rather than twelve days in the Yuletide season. Traditional Yule food is Hangikjot, smoked mutton. In times past a sheep was often slaughtered before the beginning of the Yuletide season and a rich Kjotsúpa or mutton soup served. Another traditional delicacy, the Rjupa or rock ptarmigan, started out as the poor man's dinner but is now an expensive meal. Another Yuletide specialty is Laufabrauoor leaf bread.
Christmas in Iceland has the whole family going to the church and gifts are exchanged with friends and family.For more information , browse
Christmas Carnivals.
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