The National and University Library of Iceland wishes all citizens a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, with thanks for the past year.
Santa Claus has ancient roots in Icelandic folklore. They are now most often believed to be 13. They are of the troll race, sons of the elves Grýla and Leppalúði, and live in the wilderness. Stories of Santa Claus set the tone for Icelandic Christmas celebrations, and during the Christmas fast they gather in villages, one per day until Christmas Eve, but then one by one they return to their former homes. Their names are either derived from what they desire or what characterizes them most.
The drawing is by Tryggvi Magnússon (1900-1960) and is an illustration of the poem by Jóhannes úr Kötlar in the book Jólin koma . The original drawings are preserved in the museum.