Is Iceland really worth it?
You may simply know Iceland as that big island that the Vikings once inhabited off the coast of Canada, but Iceland has rich traditions when it comes to Christmas time! Icelandic Christmas traditions actually begin on December 23rd with St Thorlac’s Mass or Þorláksmessa. This day was named after the patron Saint of Iceland, Thorlac Thorhallsson. On this day, most in Iceland finish their holiday shopping, wrap those final gifts, then head out to grab a drink at a local pub and eat Þorláksmessa, a type of fermented fish that is commonly served with potatoes. If you are in Reykjavik during this time you can smell this in the streets!
December 24th, or Aðfangadagur, is when the real Christmas festivities begin. While the morning may be spent finishing any preparations that have been left aside, the evening is filled with multi-course meals with families, exchanging of presents, and for many midnight mass. Books are a big part of the Christmas tradition and you can almost always expect to receive one during this night!
December 25th is a time of relaxation around Iceland, with most cozying up in homes to spend quality time with their close or extended family. You can hear laughter from homes as families enjoy Christmas movies and find themselves creating their own special traditions.
Finally this leads to December 26th, or “Annar i Jolum” (2nd Day of Christmas). This is a public holiday in Iceland that many use to meet friends for drinks, go to festive parties, or dance the night away at a local establishment.
If four straight days of Christmas sounds like the it could make for one of the best Christmas vacations ever, then Iceland may be the right place for you!
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