This is the day to rush out and buy the last of the Christmas presents and to wrap and pack them. This is also the day for a culinary tradition which originated on the West coast of Iceland but which is becoming more popular around the country every year. This is the eating of cured skate, after which people go out on the town to partake of the holiday spirit in one way or another. It is considered quite appropriate to have a little fun before the sanctity of the season officially begins. The morning of December 24th is traditionally used to remember departed loved ones.
People go to the cemeteries with branches of pine or fir to decorate graves.
Many light big candles and leave them to burn through the holy night. The cemeteries are a beautiful sight when darkness falls, all lit by the glow of candles. At six in the afternoon, the church bells all chime and Christmas officially arrives. The lights on the tree are lit and people wish each other Merry Christmas. After a splendid dinner, everyone sits by the Christmas tree and presents are handed out.