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Jolabokaflod, the Christmas Eve tradition where books, hot chocolate, sweet treats and family take center stage.
Jolabokaflod
Good morning friends! Christmas is just one week away, are you ready? If not there is still time to tick a few things off of your list. However, if you are tired, take a break and leave the to do list for another day or simply set it aside and say enough is enough. If you are still searching for the perfect gift and aren’t willing to give up just yet, may I suggest that you try a book? Today I am sharing the Icelandic tradition Jolabokaflod, a tradition that bibliophiles will love.
What is Jolabokaflod?
Jolabokaflod, pronounced yo-la-bok-a-flot, for those who don’t know, is the annual flood of new books and Icelandic tradition of exchanging books with loved ones on Christmas Eve. The “Book Flood” tradition dates back to World War II when foreign imports were restricted and paper was cheap so books became the predominant gift to give. This tradition continues today and sounds to me like the perfect start to Christmas celebrations.
Every year at the start of the holiday season, my mailbox in inundated with gift catalogs. In Iceland the holiday season starts with the delivery of the Bokatindindi, a catalog of all of the newest book releases from the Icelandic Publishers Association. This catalog delivered to every household in Iceland is used to order books for family and friends.
On Christmas Eve, the main gift-giving day in Iceland books are exchanged along with all of the other presents. Once everything is opened it is time to settle down with a cup of mulled wine, some hot chocolate and other sweet treats to read and enjoy your new books.
Here is an interesting factoid: Iceland publishes more books per person than any place in the world and most of these books are sold between September and December. Who knew?
Giving Books For Gifts: The Perfect Christmas Tradition
Although it is not specifically a family tradition one of the things that we always give one another for Christmas is books. Sometimes it is the latest bestseller other times an old favorite or a classic.
Everyone in my family loves to read. Whenever we are together, we make our beverage of choice and then all sit together either in the living room with the light of the glowing Christmas tree. Or my sister and I jump into bed under a pile of down comforters and read together.
It is a nice break from all noise and people coming and going. What can I say, when you are from a big family sometimes you need a little time alone.
I think this is the perfect tradition to adopt for Christmas. It is a wonderful way to introduce children to a love of books and to continue to foster the love through their entire lives.
You can share an old favorite, or a classic piece of literature, maybe even your favorite cookbook, or perhaps introduce your family and friends to something new.
You can read more about family traditions and making memories here perhaps you will discover a new one that you want to adapt for your family holidays.
Where to find books to give as gifts
- Amazon: The good news is that you can still order books from Amazon for Christmas delivery.
- Local bookstore: Another place that you are sure to find something is your local bookstore where they can introduce you to new and notable authors, and make recommendations if the books that you are searching for are sold out.
- Used Bookstore
- Thrift Store: where there is a wide variety of book many that you probably did not even know about. This is a great “green gift” and you can buy more for your money.
- My Bookshop on Amazon where I share all of the books featured on the blog.
Do you give books for Christmas gifts? If so please share a few of the ones that you will be giving this year. If not, do you think this might be a tradition that you and your family would enjoy?
Homemade Christmas Gifts
If you are still making holiday treats you may enjoy these 2 recipes, I know that your family and friends will.
The BEST Soft, Buttery Homemade Pecan Caramels.
An easy recipe for Fresh Cranberry Walnut Bread and the best part is that it makes two loaves! You can keep one and gift one.
Until Next Time
I hope that you enjoyed this post about Jolabokaflod. Have a wonderful day. Enjoy the holiday prep and travel safe if you are off to visit family and friends.
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A friend of mine has a small book publishing house and is getting killed by the Internet and reduced library budgets. So yes! Buy books!
One year I gave a copy of "Le Coeur N'a Pas de Rides" by Marina Rozenman to all my female relatives and friends. It isn't a "girlie" book, but a collection of true stories about couples who found love late in life. The title translates to "The Heart Has No Wrinkles." It's only available in French, but anybody with high-school level comprehension would find it an easy read.
Another nice gift book is "Gift From the Sea," by Anne Morrow Lindbergh.
I have heard that Icelandic term used here recently, through our libraries.
What a precious, precious tradition Elizabeth….I simply love all your book recommendations!
I’m all in on this tradition! What a fun post, thanks for introducing me to this idea. xo
Hello Juliet! I think it is such a beautiful tradition! I knew that you could relate…hot chocolate and books what is not to love. xo
My two girls are knocking on the door for forty … They still receive a children’s Christmas book on Christmas Eve…and now my 8 year old grandson is as well. What I lovely tradition it to have been born from the devastation of WWII. Thank you for giving it a name (for me). Merry Christmas
Peg, that is a wonderful tradition! I have a stack of children christmas books myself! I love to read them in the lead up to Christmas.
Have a wonderful and a very Merry Christmas.