The final Yule Lad is Kertasnikir, whose name translates to “Candle-Stealer” or “Candle-Beggar.” He emerges on Christmas Eve in Iceland. Like his twelve brothers, his name is self-explanatory, although the consequences of his hi-jinks were more troublesome them they may appear.
In the past, candles were incredibly valuable in Iceland, providing light throughout the winter darkness; as noted, this lasts about twenty hours a day over Christmas. Candles were also the only available tool for Icelanders to enjoy their historically favorite pastime of reading, and over Christmas in Iceland, everyone getting together to read is an old tradition.
Jólabókaflóð
Just as with the linguistically-challenging volcano name, Eyjafjallajökull, learning the word Jólabókaflóð might be easier if one splits it into three:
- jól (Christmas)
- bók (book)
- and flóð (flood).
The term ‘Jólabókaflóð’ first appeared in print in 1936. However, it is widely believed that the concept spread during the Second World War when books became a popular Christmas gift due to the scarcity of imported goods.
Today, Jólabókaflóð is both a publishing term and a Christmas reading tradition. For publishing houses, the Christmas Book Flood is the busiest time of the year. From September to early December, new releases come out in large volumes, oversaturating the Icelandic book market.
All books are featured in Bókatíðindi, an annual catalogue of new releases delivered free to every household in the country, and now also available online.
Authors publicise their latest works through public events and readings in schools and workplaces, while readers prepare to purchase beautiful, often hardback, editions to give as gifts.
Therefore if someone stole your light source, how could you read your Christian gift?
On Christmas Day the 13 Yule Lads steal back into the mountains to live in their cave home and plan their mischief for next Christmas.
A last word about the troll family’s pet: The Yule Cat.
Meet the Yule Cat, an Icelandic folklore beast who eats children
With this we bid adieu to the Yule Lads and the fun Icelandic Folk tradition at Christmas.
Next year, meet us in Iceland.
deliriouslove1970. The life & times of Gary and Denise Flanders. (Free and worth every penny. If you would like to compliment the editor, send to garytheflan@deliriouslove1970.com. If you would like to complain, call your mother.) 
Leave a comment