Icelandic Yule Lad - Cristmas Cat
Yule cat - Jólakötturinn
According to legends, the Christmas or Yule Cat is a monstrously huge black cat that only appears at Christmas Eve, looking for children who are not well dressed or wearing new clothing. If the Yule Cat finds one, he eats it.
It’s still traditional in Iceland to give children something new to wear before Christmas “so that the Christmas cat doesn’t get you” — although, of course, no one really believes in its literal existence.
What is the purpose of the Yule Cat?
The idea is that families gift each other new and warm clothes for the winter, and make the Yule cat an offering of some warm weather gear.
Why would the yule cat eat children in iceland?
Though referred to as an ancient tradition, written accounts of the Yule Cat have only been located as recently as the 19th century. The threat of being eaten by the Yule Cat was used by farmers as an incentive for their workers to finish processing the autumn wool before Christmas. The ones who took part in the work would be rewarded with new clothes, but those who did not would get nothing and thus would be preyed upon by the monstrous cat. The cat has alternatively been described as merely eating away the food of ones without new clothes during Christmas feasts. The perception of the Yule Cat as a man-eating beast was partly popularized by poems of Jóhannes úr Kötlum as with the rest of the folklore.
Story of the Yule Lads
In Iceland there is a folk tale about the 13 Icelandic Christmas Trolls or the Santa Clauses, called Yule Lads.
Care to know more about the other Christmas lads?
Buy set of all the Yule Lads Christmas decorations?
You can get Christmas figurines with the 13 Icelandic Yule Lads here to decorate your home.
Here is a set of all 16 yule figurines
Here is a set of all 14 yule ornaments
Here is a set of all 7 yule lads ornaments
Pickup available at Local Store - Hafnarfjörður
Usually ready in 24 hours
Icelandic Yule Lad - Cristmas Cat
Local Store - Hafnarfjörður
Miðhella 4
221 Hafnarfjörður
Iceland
Shipping - Summary
We proudly offer worldwide shipping, ensuring that anyone, anywhere can enjoy our Icelandic products.
Shipping costs are easily calculated during checkout based on your address, with costs updated in the shopping cart for your convenience.
Shipping Options:
- DHL Worldwide Express: Fast and secure, with a delivery time of 2-4 working days and regular updates during transit. We recommend this option.
- Icelandic Post - Priority Shipping: An economical choice with a delivery estimate of 10-25 working days, fully traceable for your peace of mind.
- Icelandic Post - Economy Shipping: Offering reliable service with shipping times of 1-4 weeks in Europe and 2-8 weeks in the USA.
Competitive shipping prices, starting from $10 for the USA and Europe, with additional weight adding minimal cost. No added fees from us!
Return Policy
We want you to be satisfied with you purchase. If you wish to return an item, you may return it within 30 days after delivery for a refund or exchange. We will credit your original form of payment, excluding the shipping cost. Returns must be received in their original, unused condition, or they will not be accepted. If your item fits the above qualifications, please ship any returns to:
Isprjón ehf. / The Iceland Store
Miðhella 4
221 Hafnarfjörður
Iceland
Please note that after we process the refund it may take some time for the refund to appear on your statement. If there is any problem regarding a refund please contact us by email asap.
Import duties and tarrifs
Updated notice for U.S. & European customers — We’re in this together!
To keep you fully informed: all shipments to the United States are now subject to a 15% U.S. import tariff. This tariff is not included in your Icelandic Store checkout total. It is collected on arrival by the carrier or U.S. Customs and is paid by the customer.
Our response (to help offset this):
We’re matching it with 15% off all products and 15% off shipping, automatically applied at checkout—no code needed. This discount lowers your checkout total but does not replace government duties/taxes.
Applies worldwide (incl. Europe):
This storewide relief is available to all customers, including Europe. European orders benefit from the same 15% off products. Local VAT/duties/handling fees may still be collected by your carrier according to your country’s rules.
How the shipping discount appears
The 15% off shipping is applied automatically in our system and may not show as a separate discount line. Your final shipping charge already reflects the discount on your order confirmation/receipt.
U.S.-specific details
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When it’s charged: At or before delivery, once your parcel reaches U.S. Customs.
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Who collects it: The carrier (e.g., USPS/UPS/DHL) on behalf of U.S. Customs.
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How it’s calculated: A minimum of 15% of the taxable import value (set by U.S. authorities).
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Not a shipping fee: This is a government import charge separate from shipping.
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Refusal/returns: Declining to pay may lead to delays, return-to-sender, and additional costs. Return shipment fees are the responsibility of the buyer.
We’re here to help
Questions about your order or documentation? Email support@icelandicstore.is and we’ll guide you through the process.
Note: Policies can change; your carrier’s notification is the official payment request. Our 15% discount is storewide for a limited time and auto-applies at checkout; the shipping portion may not display as a separate line but is included in your final total.
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