The Yule Lads and the Christmas Tradition
What's interesting is that Grýla wasn't always a "Christmas witch." Stories of the ogress go all the way back the 13th century, but she didn't become a Christmas staple until the 19th century, according to Smithsonian. She's also been associated with some creature called the Yule Cat, which skulks around and eats people who aren't wearing new clothes.
Here's where the Yule Lads enter the picture. They are the 13 sons of Grýla, and they're very mischievous. According to the sources, the Yule Lads did, at one point, exist separately from Grýla, but eventually they all merged into one big, terrifying family. Wildly enough, each one has a name (translated from Icelandic) and a specific brand of mischief, all outlined on Iceland's official website.
- Sheep-Cote Clod: Harasses sheep.
- Gully Gawk: Hides in gullies and steals milk from the cowshed.
- Stubby: Very short and steals pans.
- Spoon-Licker: Yeah. He's very tiny and steals and licks spoons.
- Pot-Licker: Steals leftovers from pots.
- Bowl-Licker: He hides under beds and steals bowls!
- Door-Slammer: Likes to forcefully close doors, especially at night.
- Skyr-Gobbler: He just loves skyr, which is like Icelandic yoghurt.
- Sausage-Swiper: Hides in rafters, nabs unattended sausages.
- Window-Peeper: Looks through windows to find things to steal.
- Doorway-Sniffer: Has a very large nose that finds traditional Christmas bread.
- Meat-Hook: I mean. He steals meat with a hook.
- Candle-Stealer: Technically he steals candles, but I think he eats them too?
According to the stories, the Yule Lads start arriving 13 days before Christmas, beginning on Dec. 12, each wreaking their own unique havoc. And that's basically it!