Iceland’s Christmas Traditions Are as Scary as They Are Festive

Some Christmas traditions in Iceland seem like they’re straight out of a horror movie. Terry Gunnell, a professor of folkloristics at the University of Iceland, told Inside Edition Digital “It's a little bit terrifying when it comes down to it.” The dozen so-called "Yule Lads," who are a bit like trolls, allegedly come down from the mountains. They’re joined by a child-eating ogress known as Gryla, as well as a large and fearsome Christmas cat. “They're not a terribly nice bunch,” said Gunnell.