The 13 Icelandic Yule Lads & the Beloved Shoe-in-the-Window Tradition

From folklore to family favourites

The Yule Lads originate from Icelandic folklore and were once far more daunting than their modern image. They are the sons of Grýla, a fearsome troll woman who was said to catch naughty children, and Leppalúði, her husband. Completing the family is the Christmas Cat, a giant feline that supposedly eats anyone who doesn’t receive new clothes for Christmas.

Over time, the Yule Lads transformed from spooky tricksters into playful, loveable characters who bring joy — and small treats — to Icelandic children.

The 13 Yule Lads – arriving one by one

Each Yule Lad arrives on a different night, starting on 12 December and ending on Christmas Eve. They then leave in the same order, one by one, until 6 January.

Here are the brothers in order:

1. Sheep-Cote Clod (Stekkjastaur) – 12 Dec
   Stiff and awkward, he bothers the sheep.
2. Gully Gawk (Giljagaur) – 13 Dec
   Hides in gullies and sneaks into cowsheds.
3. Stubby (Stúfur) – 14 Dec
   Small but quick; steals burnt crusts from pans.
4. Spoon-Licker (Þvörusleikir) – 15 Dec
   Licks wooden stirring spoons.
5. Pot-Scraper (Pottaskefill) – 16 Dec
   Cleans out unwashed pots in search of leftovers.
6. Bowl-Licker (Askasleikir) – 17 Dec
   Lurks under beds and licks food bowls.
7. Door-Slammer (Hurðaskellir) – 18 Dec
   Loves making noise in the night.
8. Skyr-Gobbler (Skyrgámur) – 19 Dec
   Obsessed with skyr — no bowl is safe.
9. Sausage-Swiper (Bjúgnakrækir) – 20 Dec
   Snatches sausages hanging from rafters.
10. Window-Peeper (Gluggagægir) – 21 Dec
    Peeks through windows out of curiosity (and appetite).
11. Doorway-Sniffer (Gáttaþefur) – 22 Dec
    His giant nose leads him to the smell of Christmas food.
12. Meat-Hook (Ketkrókur) – 23 Dec
    Steals smoked meat using a hook.
13. Candle-Stealer (Kertasníkir) – 24 Dec
    Loves the soft glow of candles on Christmas Eve.

The shoe tradition – a magical countdown to Christmas

Every night, Icelandic children place a shoe in the windowsill. The Yule Lad arriving that night leaves:

• a small toy
• a fruit or treat
• a sticker book or colours
• or a potato — a humorous reminder to behave!

It’s a simple tradition, but it builds a sense of anticipation, wonder, and joy, especially for families with young children. Rather than one big moment, Icelandic Christmas becomes a daily ritual filled with small surprises.

The Yule Lads today – symbols of the Icelandic holiday spirit

The Yule Lads represent something beautifully Icelandic: a mix of folklore, mischief, warmth, and humour. They remind us of:

• our storytelling heritage
• the creativity of Icelandic folklore
• simple, meaningful family moments
• the unique character of Icelandic Christmas traditions

For travellers, meeting the Yule Lads or learning their stories is often a highlight of visiting Iceland in winter. And for locals, they continue to be an essential part of what makes the season feel like home.