This Icelandic Christmas Tradition Reignites the Magic of the Holidays
Give a book on Christmas Eve! Bring the Magic of Jólabókaflóð into Your Christmas Eve: A Tradition Worth Adopting
Imagine this: It’s Christmas Eve, the snow is gently falling outside, and your home is filled with the cozy warmth of family, friends, and the scent of hot cocoa. There’s a gift waiting for everyone, but instead of rushing through flashy, expensive presents, each person is given something special: a book. This simple yet thoughtful tradition is called Jólabókaflóð — the “Yule Book Flood” — and it’s a beautiful Icelandic custom that we think more people should make their own.
What is Jólabókaflóð?
Jólabókaflóð is a cherished Christmas tradition from Iceland, where books are exchanged on Christmas Eve. After the books are opened, people spend the night cozied up, reading their new treasures and enjoying each other's company. This custom began during World War II, when Icelanders turned to books as gifts due to their affordability and availability. Over time, it grew into a national phenomenon that now feels like a comforting blanket wrapping around the Icelandic holiday season.
Why Jólabókaflóð Should Be Your New Christmas Eve Tradition
There are countless reasons to fall in love with Jólabókaflóð, but here are three big ones that might just convince you to make this lovely tradition part of your holiday:
A Fun, Meaningful Way to Celebrate Christmas Eve Christmas Eve is often filled with last-minute chaos, especially if you’re busy preparing for Christmas Day. Jólabókaflóð offers a chance to slow down, relax, and share a special moment with loved ones. Everyone gets to unwrap a gift, savoring the quiet joy of a great book. This not only adds a touch of magic to your evening but also turns Christmas Eve into an occasion filled with stories, laughter, and a shared love of reading.
Books Are a Low-Cost, Thoughtful Gift In a world where the holiday season often feels overwhelming with consumerism, Jólabókaflóð brings back the simple joy of giving. Books are relatively inexpensive compared to many other gifts, yet they can hold immense value. Whether it's a gripping novel, a heartfelt memoir, or an inspiring guide, a book can be chosen specifically to suit the person you love. It’s a gift that’s both personal and thoughtful, without breaking the bank.
Encourages a Love of Reading We live in a digital age where screens seem to dominate our every waking moment. Jólabókaflóð is a perfect way to encourage both kids and adults to disconnect from devices and rediscover the joy of reading. It fosters an appreciation for books, ignites the imagination, and creates a special bond between family and friends as everyone gathers to read. For children, this tradition can be especially powerful, creating lifelong memories of Christmas Eve spent diving into magical worlds.
How to Start Your Own Jólabókaflóð Tradition
Adopting Jólabókaflóð is easy and rewarding. Here’s how to start:
Pick the Perfect Book: Choose a book for each family member or friend based on their interests. It could be a classic novel, a beloved children's story, or even a cookbook for someone who loves to spend time in the kitchen.
Add a Personal Touch: Write a personal note inside the book, explaining why you chose it or sharing a heartfelt holiday wish.
Make It Cozy: On Christmas Eve, give everyone their books, then settle in with warm drinks, blankets, and soft lighting. Encourage everyone to read—either quietly or out loud to each other.
A Tradition That Brings Us Closer
Jólabókaflóð isn’t just about giving books—it’s about creating an experience that everyone can enjoy together. It’s a time to slow down, reflect, and embrace the spirit of giving in a thoughtful way. Instead of the frenzied pace of the holiday season, you get an evening of warmth, stories, and shared memories. It’s a tradition that connects, uplifts, and enriches—something we could all use a little more of.
This year, why not try something different? Adopt Jólabókaflóð and make Christmas Eve a night of stories and love. The gift of reading is the gift of imagination—and what better way to celebrate the holiday spirit?