milliþættir

Milliþættir, also known as "millithættir" or "millithættir," are a traditional Icelandic custom involving the preparation and sharing of small, handmade treats or baked goods, typically during the Christmas season. The term *milliþættir* translates roughly to "between treats," reflecting the idea that these items are enjoyed between larger meals or gatherings during the holiday period.

The practice dates back to Icelandic rural traditions, where families would create simple, labor-intensive baked goods such as *runni* (a type of bread or cake), *kleina* (small cookies or cakes), or *skyrbollar* (sweet balls made from skyr, a fermented dairy product). These treats were often made in large quantities and distributed among neighbors, friends, and relatives as a gesture of goodwill and community bonding.

Milliþættir were particularly important during the long Icelandic winters, when social gatherings were limited. The sharing of these homemade goods reinforced cultural values of hospitality and generosity. While modern Icelandic Christmas traditions have evolved, milliþættir remain a nostalgic and cherished part of the holiday season, sometimes revived during family celebrations or cultural festivals.

Today, the term is occasionally used more broadly to describe any small, homemade confection or baked good shared during festive occasions, though its original meaning ties it closely to Icelandic Christmas customs. The tradition reflects broader Nordic and Scandinavian values of communal celebration and the importance of homemade food in cultural identity.