Imagine a Christmas tradition where, instead of rushing around for last-minute gifts or struggling to find the perfect present (for that one person who seems to have everything already), you simply give… books!
Sounds less stressful, right? Like a dream come true for book lovers…Well, that’s exactly what the Icelandic tradition of Jolabokaflod is all about.
The word literally translates to “the Christmas book flood” – and yes, it’s as magical as it sounds.
Today, we’ll talk a bit more about Jolabokaflod and other book-related Christmas traditions. If you have multiple book lovers in your family or friend group, this might be a great tradition to start yourself.
- How Jolabokaflod Started
- How Jolabokaflod Is Celebrated Today
- Other Unique Book-Related Christmas Traditions Around the World
- Why Books Make the Perfect Christmas Gift
- How to Start Your Own Jolabokaflod Tradition
- Celebrate the Holiday Season with the Gift of Books
How Jolabokaflod Started
Jolabokaflod started during World War II. During these times, paper was one of the few things that wasn’t rationed in Iceland. People started exchanging books on Christmas Eve and then spent the night cozied up with hot chocolate (or maybe something stronger for the adults) and a great read.
In a country like Iceland, where long, windy winter nights are common, it is a great way to keep yourself and your family warm and entertained.
Since then, Jolabokaflod has become a beloved holiday book tradition.
How Jolabokaflod Is Celebrated Today
Jolabokaflod is still going strong today. Every year in November, Icelanders receive a unique book catalog called the Bokatidindi, which is delivered to their homes. This catalog is packed with new releases and has many different books to choose from for the holiday.
On Christmas Eve, families exchange books. Instead of tearing through gifts like there’s no tomorrow, they settle down calmly with their new reads.
Books are at the heart of Christmas in Iceland. It’s a cultural celebration of storytelling, reading, and books in general.
Jolabokaflod is quite a refreshing (and cozy) Christmas tradition, especially in a world where we’re always glued to our screens. Book Christmas traditions like this are like a little throwback to simpler times.
Other Unique Book-Related Christmas Traditions Around the World
Iceland has perfected the art of giving Christmas Eve book gifts – but that doesn’t mean other parts of the world don’t have their own fun holiday book traditions.
So, let’s talk about some of them:
- In some countries like Germany and Austria, Christmas markets feature stalls that are filled with books. There, you can grab a pretzel, sip mulled wine, and browse for the perfect book-lover gifts.
- In the UK, there is the tradition of Christmas annuals. These are special edition books or comics that come out once a year. This holiday book tradition has been a thing for over a century. Oftentimes, these books are filled with short stories or puzzles and can be used as stocking stuffers.
- In many places, it’s common to give books as presents with handwritten notes inside. This makes them more personal. After all, what says “I care” more than carefully selecting a book someone will love and adding a little personal touch?
Why Books Make the Perfect Christmas Gift
If we’re being honest, finding the perfect gift can make you feel stressed and take away from the joy of gift-giving. But when you know that the recipient is a book lover, that makes the whole thing easier. Why? Once you know the recipient’s favorite genre or certain books they’ve enjoyed reading, you can easily get them a similar book without having to think too much about it.
Even people who aren’t into novels can enjoy a thought-provoking memoir or a book that helps them learn a new skill or language they’re studying. Or how about a coffee table book with beautiful photography, a comic book, or even manga?
Books have staying power. Trendy gadgets and little decorations might be forgotten by February, but a great book is something people can return to again and again.
Plus, choosing a book for someone shows that you really thought about them — their interests, passions, or something they’ve always wanted to learn about.
How to Start Your Own Jolabokaflod Tradition
If your family is full of bookworms, it’s a great idea to bring a little bit of Icelandic magic into your home. You can easily start your own Jolabokaflod tradition.
Here’s how you can do it:
- Pick your books thoughtfully: Choose a book that matches each person’s personality. Is your sister into thrillers? Then don’t get her a romance book. Get her a new exciting thriller instead! Does your friend love baking? Go find a cute recipe book for them. The more personal, the better!
- Set the scene: Christmas Eve is the perfect night to exchange books, but you can pick any night leading up to the holidays. Add some hot chocolate (or a festive drink of your choice), snuggle up with blankets, and let everyone start reading their new books.
- Make it a family or friends’ affair: It could be just your immediate family or a larger group of friends. You can invite others into the tradition to make it extra special. Just make sure everyone involved likes some kind of book (whether that’s novels, comics, children’s books, recipe books, photo collections, self-help books…you get the idea). You could even set a theme — like books that have made you laugh, cry, or taught you something new this year.
- Add your own twist: Jolabokaflod is about giving books, but you can personalize it by writing a note inside each book, where you explain why you chose it. Maybe even throw in some bookmarks or cute reading accessories. Or turn it into a “Secret Santa”-style Jolabokaflod where everybody draws a name and gets that one person a book only. It’s your tradition, so feel free to come up with your own rules!
Celebrate the Holiday Season with the Gift of Books
Book Christmas traditions have something magical about them. It’s just so cozy to cuddle up with a warm blanket and a hot drink when the snow is falling outside (if you’re lucky enough to get some snow).
Christmas Eve book gifts can be a great new tradition that makes the evening before Christmas morning more special for everyone.
In our everyday lives, we often feel rushed and stressed. Taking the time to choose a book that speaks to someone’s soul is a gift that can leave a lasting impression even after the holiday lights come down.
Relaxing and reading together as a family is a wonderful holiday book tradition that any book-loving family should try at least once. And who knows — it might stick.
So, this Christmas 2024, give Jolabokaflod a chance. It could be the start of something extraordinary!
Explore our other Christmas-themed blog posts for more recommendations and inspiring topics to enjoy this holiday season:
14 Best Сhristmas Books for Kids
13 Charming Christmas Gifts for Book Lovers That Will Bring in the Holiday Spirit
Christmas Gifts for College Students: 12 Awesome Ideas
19 Stunning Book Bouquet Ideas
How to Wrap a Book: 5 Smashing Ideas
Winter Bucket List: 100 Things To Do This Winter
9 Things To Do During Winter Break
