01/08/2026
Happy 2026!
We’re now past the season of Xmas, the long baking days, and January 6 when around bonfires the Elf King and Queen are known to dance and sing under the stars and shimmering northern lights where the unseen give the gift of speech to Cows, which you must not listen to as they bring madness, and Seals emerge in charmed human form, and more enchantments inspire us to feel the power of spirit and look beyond the visible as the last of the Yule Lads go back to their mountain homes, vowing to return next time at Jól.
My wish for you is that 2026 is a magical, mystical and wonderous year full of delightful wholehearted experiences. You deserve to feel and know the expression of the seen and the unseen, the spirit of Christmas, the awareness of love and connection that is vibrant in winter and emerges from the cold quiet like a blazing bonfire from the darkness and overcast skies, always, everyday.
I’m thinking about my amazing visit to Iceland at New Years a few years ago. It was before all the world insanity set in as we know it now. Winter is wonderful in Iceland and in particular the season of Christmas. Exploring art, nature and local culture amidst the unique landscape with a gang of travellers, all lovers of Iceland, and locals was unforgettable.
The visit was just five days and full of adventure. One very special place we visited was Akranes and Kolbrun Kjarval’s ceramic studio. Her clay unique creations were the spirit of Þrettándinn made real with plovers and fishes and humans in transformation as objects like cream jugs, tea pots and vases and sculptures. In her garden there were primulas blooming, contrasting with the cold, grey landscape, rolling dark ocean and iconic lighthouse.
It was surreal and magical when Iceland's famous guitarist Björn Thoroddsen performed in the Akranes Lighthouse, creating an acoustic experience for attendees unlike any other. The crowd participated by singing along on the wide spiral staircase and ramp while enjoying Appelsin Malt beverages. An inspired spontaneous Patsy Cline song, maybe it was ‘Crazy’, which it was, performed by our tour guide Gerri Griswold and her sister Katherine Griswold Photography (Story Photo by Katherine) was both perfect, and well, perfect.
From the bus windows the Vinarterta Mountains were visible showcasing layered geological formations. The cloudy frosty weather improved, revealing snow-covered peaks and a stark contrast against the grey sky as we headed back to our guest house in Borgarnes to Hjörleifur and Anna's sheep farm for storytelling, music, and dessert (and of course I brought Vinarterta 🙂, highlighting local culture. In the true spirit of Þrettándinn ‘The Thirteenth’ we sang into the wee hours including Icelandic folk songs and lullabies stirring deep memories of my childhood.
Just thinking about it I feel all sparkly, happy, warm, and playful, surrounded by friends. Most importantly I feel connected and hopeful for the most amazing of all years to come.
My story is connected to a link below. A trip to Iceland in January was the bestest with my friend Gerri which started with the door and windsheild wipers blown off our bus by the wind. Undeterred thanks to the dogged perseverence, good nature and ingenuity of our guides, we explored the lands of Egill Skallagrímsson to connect with the diverse and unique landscape. We visited many modern Vikings in the four hours of daylight, and in the darkness, who turned out to be cousins (thanks to the Icelandic Roots Database!). And of course shared lots of Vínarterta.
Who but zany, unspoiled nature loving, ready-to-be-blown-sideways, northern lights seeking, skyr, chocolate, lamb, plokkfiskur questing, sweater-wearing Icelandic enthusiasts would sign up for it? We were a great fit.
Enjoy 2026! Lots of love to you!
https://ardenjackson.com/winter-in-iceland-light-sun-with-a-bit-of-frost-and-a-lot-of-rain/
