Þorláksmessa In Family Photos

On December 23, many Icelandic families come together to make laufabrauð (“leaf-bread”), drink Christmas malt brew, and feast on rotted skate. Some even serve a traditional möndlugrautur (ris a la mande), in desperate hope of finding the hidden almond in their serving and getting a prize. Because Christmas gifts just aren’t quite enough.

December 23 is also the day we take part in the madness of chaotic shopping to buy that last Christmas gift, wishing we’d taken care of everything a long time ago. Some find December 23 to be the best day to leave work early and celebrate the Christmas vacation with a cold beer.

However you chose to spend the day before Christmas, we hope you had a time of it, and wish y’all a merry one.