The first of the 13 Icelandic Yule Lads, Stekkjastaur (Stiff Legs or Sheep-Cote Clod) came to town yesterday, leaving behind presents in children’s shoes in the night. He also visited the National Museum of Iceland as his brothers will too.
In the days leading up to Christmas, or until December 24, each Yule Lad will drop by the museum at 11 am, sing and chat with the children. Today Giljagaur (Gully Gawk) came visiting and tomorrow Stúfur (Stubby) is expected.
Admission is free and all are welcome, a press release states.
The museum is also currently hosting an exhibition dedicated to the characteristics of each Yule Lad and presentations on Icelandic Christmas traditions, both in Icelandic and English. Families can participate in the search for the hidden Christmas cats.
On December 17 at 1 pm folklorist Terry Gunnell will present Icelandic Christmas traditions and the Yule Lads to English-speaking visitors.
Click here to read about the Christmas Creatures which can be found around the city.
ESA
