13 yule lads: iceland's santa's helpers by Quiet.Please

The Yule Lads: Mischievous Merrymakers of Icelandic Folklore In the frozen embrace of Icelandic winter, when nights stretch long and darkness reigns, emerges a unique breed of holiday creatures far removed from the jolly, red-suited figure most readily associate with Christmas. These are the Yule Lads, thirteen rambunctious tricksters who descend from the mountains, one by one, during the thirteen nights leading up to Christmas Eve. Far from sinister, the Yule Lads are more akin to mischievous pranksters, each with their own peculiar personality and penchant for playful mayhem. Their arrival marks the countdown to Christmas, a time for anticipation, laughter, and perhaps a bit of trepidation for those who haven't hidden their belongings well enough. Unveiling the Thirteen:

1. Stekkjastaur (Sheep-Cote Clod): The first to arrive, Stekkjastaur seeks out sheep's milk and mischief, leaving a mess in his wake. Beware, careless shepherds, your woolly charges may not be safe!