Iceland: A visit from the Yule Lads
Lurking amid Iceland s azure lagoons and steaming volcanoes are a long list of (possibly) mythological creatures, which range from tiny elves to enormous sea monsters.
And for 13 days before Christmas, tradition holds that a mischievous pack of troll-like figures known as the Yule Lads visit local children. According to lore, a different lad visits every night to reward or punish kids by leaving something behind in an empty shoe.
A lucky child might get presents or candy. If the Yule Lads disapprove, though, you ll find a shoe filled with rotten potatoes.
Bring it home: Leave an empty shoe by your bedroom window, and see what the Yule Lads leave during the night. A different Yule Lad visits on each of the 13 nights before Christmas, starting with the sheep-harassing Stekkjarstaur on December 12. The final lad, Kertasníkir, comes on Christmas Eve.