The belief in the Yule Lads is ancient in Iceland. They are trolls who originally were known for making mischief and stealing things around Xmas-time. This mischievous nature is reflected in their names: Meat Snatcher (Kjötkrókur), Skyr Gobbler (Skyrgámur), Candle Beggar (Kertasníkir), Sheep-fold Sneaker (Stekkjarstaur), Ladle Licker (Þvörusleikir), Pot Scraper (Pottaskefill), Bowl Licker (Askasleikir), Door Slammer (Hurðaskellir), Sausage Snatcher (Bjúgnakrækir), Window Peeper (Gluggagægir), Doorway Sniffer (Gáttaþefur). Their brothers Stumpy (Stúfur) and Gully Gawk (Giljagaur) weren't much better. In modern times the Yule Lads have taken on a more benevolent role as they slowly merge with Santa Claus. In some cases they have taken up his costume, and nowadays little children in Iceland place their shoes in the window for thirteen days prior to Christmas, and each night a little gift is left in the shoe from the Yule Lad that came down from the mountains that night. If the children are however naughty they get a potato instead of a gift.
