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History and Traditions: Christmas Eve, or "Aðfangadagur" as it's known in Icelandic, holds a special place in the heart of Icelandic traditions. The country has deep-rooted Christian traditions that date back to the adoption of Christianity around AD 1000. Christmas Eve is the culmination of the Advent period and is rich with customs.
What People Do:
Family Time: Starting from noon, most businesses and shops close, and people begin to gather with their families. It's a time for relaxation, reflection, and companionship.
House Preparation: Homes are meticulously cleaned and decorated with lights, candles, and evergreens. The atmosphere is cozy with an emphasis on "jólastemning" (the Christmas spirit).
Holiday Meals: Families prepare a festive meal which often includes traditional dishes such as smoked lamb ("hangikjöt"), ptarmigan, or roast pork.
Gift Exchange: One of the most important traditions is the exchange of gifts which occurs after the Christmas meal. Books are particularly popular gifts, feeding into the Icelandic tradition of "Jólabókaflóð," where people gift each other books to read on Christmas night.
Attire: It's customary for individuals to dress up in their best clothes for the evening.
Church Services: Many Icelanders attend midnight mass at church ("miðnæturguðsþjónusta"), which is a solemn and festive service featuring hymns and carols.
Christmas Lights: Streets and homes are aglow with Christmas lights creating a magical winter wonderland against the snow-covered landscape.
This brief summary encapsulates some key aspects of how Icelanders spend their Christmas Eve from noon onwards—centered around family gatherings, food, gift-giving, tradition adherence, and religious observances.
