Christmas in Iceland
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Christmas in Iceland starts four weeks before proper Christmas, which begins on 24 December and ends thirteen days later on 6 January.
A Christmas tree outside Reykjavik Cathedral
Saint Thorlak
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Thorlak Thorhallsson is the patron saint of Iceland. He was Bishop of Skálholt from 1178 until his death. Thorlak's relics were translated to the Cathedral of Skalholt in 1198, not long after his succ
Christmas in Iceland
…to the decorations, presents are put underneath the tree. It is also a tradition in many homes to boil fish (skate) on the 23rd. The day is known as Saint Thorlak mass (Þorláksmessa). During the holiday season, it is traditional for families to work together to bake small cookies to serve or give to guests. Most…
Statue of Saint Thorlak at the Catholic Cathedral in Reykjavík, Iceland