Gryla
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gr%C3%BDla
A public decree was issued in 1746 prohibiting the use of Grýla and the Yule Lads to terrify children.
This Wikipedia entry does not do justice to the Icelandic legend that is Gryla. At Christmastime in U.S., Santa Claus delivers presents from a sack to good children and coal to the naughty ones. At Christmastime in Iceland, Gryla stuffs the naughty children in a sack and takes them home for dinner. To cook them in a stew.
Iceland FTW.
(Image and info thanks to The Engelson Files)
