Stekkjastaur is traditionally the first Icelandic Yule Lad to arrive during the Christmas season.
Icelandic folklore describes thirteen Yule Lads, each with a distinctive name and mischievous habit. They arrive one at a time, beginning on the night of 12 December, and the final one arrives on 24 December. Stekkjastaur is the first, while Kertasníkir is the thirteenth and last.
The Yule Lads were historically portrayed as troublesome figures connected with the ogress Grýla and her family. Modern Icelandic celebrations often present them as playful visitors who leave small gifts in children's shoes.
They are not identical to Santa Claus, although both traditions involve seasonal visitors and presents. The Yule Lads remain a specifically Icelandic Christmas custom with a fixed sequence of names and arrival dates.