The Yule Goat

Julbocken by John Bauer (1912)

In Scandinavian folklore, the Yule Goat, or Julbock, is a mischievous goat spirit that appears beforeIn Scandinavian folklore, the Yule Goat, or Julbock, is a mischievous goat spirit that appears before Christmas to ensure all preparations for the season have been made. On Christmas night, the Yule Goat delivers presents alongside the grumpy Jultomten, Sweden's version of Santa Claus.

The origin of the Yule Goat is said to date back to pre-Christian Germanic festivals and is still a popular symbol of Christmas today. Traditionally, a Yule Goat ornament was made from the last grain of the harvest, bound with a red ribbon, and then kept until the New Year for luck and hope. Christmas to ensure all preparations for the season have been made. On Christmas night, the Yule Goat delivers presents alongside the grumpy Jultomten, Sweden's version of Santa Claus.