Too Many Santas

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Too Many Santas

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Santas in a line

Too Many Santas

Throughout much of the Christian world, Christmas is the time when Santa Claus dominates.

He's a fat jolly chap who is our friend.

In Iceland, however, they have 13 strange little Santas born of a very scary woman. Gryla is a female version of Hannibal Lector, and her 13 sons - the Jolasveinar, or Christmas lads - like raging Hell's Angels without motorbikes.

Such is the independence of Icelandic people they have held out against the globalisation of Christmas.

We travel to Iceland and interview leading author Sjon, Professor Terry Gunnell and meet a woman who met and spoke with an elf.

First broadcast 26th December 2008.

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