In Iceland, Christmas has always been a celebration of light and warmth amidst the darkest days of winter. For centuries, this time of year was steeped in family traditions and the allure of folklore - tales of mischievous Yule Lads and the ever-watchful Christmas Cat, ensuring everyone dressed in their best. Growing up, the rituals were simple yet profound: families gathered at precisely 18:00 on December 24th, freshly bathed and elegantly attired, to enjoy a meal that was as much about connection as it was about indulgence. The air carried a mix of anticipation and reverence, a shared understanding that this evening was special, almost sacred.
December itself, however, is far from quiet. The Advent season fills the weeks leading up to Christmas with a rich tapestry of festivities. Concerts light up the crisp winter evenings, offering everything from traditional hymns to modern interpretations. Dinners with friends, office parties, intimate gatherings, and cozy evenings baking cookies or making sweets with family become the rhythm of the month. It’s a time of heightened connection, where every moment feels like a prelude to the main event.
Earlier this month, we hosted a Holiday Party here at our headquarters, inviting customers, friends, and family members to gather over live music and sip mulled wine. Refreshments like gingerbread cookies paired with aged soft cheese - an unexpectedly perfect combination - added to the festive spirit.
Growing up, the Christmas menu was fairly straightforward. Most families served ptarmigan, a small game bird with a distinct taste of the wild, or glazed pork ribs, a hearty nod to tradition. Dessert often featured the beloved rice pudding, its creamy sweetness hiding an almond for one lucky finder. These meals were steeped in history and a sense of continuity, anchoring families to their roots.
But just as Iceland’s landscape has evolved with global influences, so too has the way we celebrate Christmas. Over the years, the menu has expanded to include modern twists on classic dishes and entirely new culinary experiments. Families now embrace flavors from around the world, adding multicultural spices to their holiday tables. Vegan Wellington or elaborate vegetable dishes have become centerpieces for those forgoing meat altogether, creating a delicious mosaic of traditions.
Food isn’t the only thing that’s changed. For some, the holidays are a chance to escape the mere four hours of daylight Iceland offers in December. Many families leave the island altogether, renting ski cabins or chalets in the Alps to revel in the snowy peaks, or flocking to the Canary Islands to decompress under the sun. These escapes bring a different kind of light to the season, offering a break from the winter darkness while still holding on to the spirit of togetherness and celebration.
Yet, some things remain beautifully constant. At 18:00 on Christmas Eve, families still gather, candles lit, homes glowing with warmth. The act of dressing in your finest isn’t just a nod to the Christmas Cat anymore; it’s a way of honoring the occasion, of showing up for the people you love. The stillness of the evening, punctuated by laughter, sweets, and presents - reminds us why these traditions endure: they connect us to each other and to the deeper meaning of the season.
In blending the old with the new, Iceland’s Christmas celebrations have become a reflection of who we are today - a nation rooted in history but open to the world, savoring the best of both.
Wishing you all a beautiful holiday season filled with love, Sóley
