December Solstice in Iceland

The Day

The December solstice, which occurs around December 21st, is the shortest day of the year in Iceland. Due to its high latitude, Iceland experiences extreme variations in daylight throughout the year. On this day, Reykjavik gets only about 4 hours of daylight.

History and Traditions

Historically, solstices held significance for Norse culture and various pagan traditions. However, with the advent of Christianity, many of these customs were superseded or merged with Christmas celebrations.

In modern times, while the December solstice itself doesn't have specific traditions associated with it, it falls within the broader context of Icelandic Christmas or "Jól" festivities. Jól is a time that blends Christian practices with ancient Norse traditions.

What People Do

On the day of the solstice:

• Reflecting on Nature: Some Icelanders take a moment to appreciate the natural phenomenon and look forward to the return of longer days.
• Enjoying Festivities: As part of Jól celebrations leading up to Christmas, people might attend parties, concerts, and family gatherings.
• Relaxation: With limited daylight hours, there's an emphasis on cozy indoor activities.
• Preparing for Christmas: The December Solstice marks a time when final preparations for Christmas are underway.

Being close to Christmas, most activities around this time are interwoven with holiday preparations and community events rather than solstice-specific rituals.