Christmas is a magical time. All sorts of mythical creatures are on the loose, cows speak human language, elves hold parties in human homes and trolls come out of their caves. Worst of all, however, were of course the old Icelandic Yule lads.

Folklorist Dagrún Ósk Jónsdóttir tells of the Icelandic Yule chaos, Grýla herself, Leppalúði and the Yule Cat, but also of lesser-known characters, such as Grýla's former husbands and the Yule Lads Lungnasletti, Lampaskugga and Flotnös. Grýla's family was not considered very pleasant in the old days and they struck great fear and terror into people, as Grýla was a horrible cannibal and the Yule Lads were trouble wherever they went. Unnerving stories and folklore surrounding these phenomena will be told. In addition, we will explain how the behaviour and conduct of the Yule Lads has changed over the years and what led to them adopting better manners. We will also consider what changes are currently being made to the tradition and what might occur in the future.