Jólabókaflóð: Iceland's Cozy Christmas Book Tradition (and How You Can Join the Fun)
Ah, Christmas. A time for mince pies, dodgy jumpers and epic board game tournaments that inevitably end in recriminations and declarations of war. (Seriously, just go hide the Monopoly now. You'll thank me later.)
In Iceland though, they've cracked the perfect holiday tradition. Meet Jólabókaflóð, or “The Christmas Book Flood,” a national celebration of books, reading and cosy vibes.
A Brief History of Jólabókaflóð
Pronounced something like Jol-a-bok-a-flod (or so google tells me. My apologies to the people of Iceland if that's incorrect), this fabulous tradition began during World War II.
Paper was one of the few goods not strictly rationed or subject to import restrictions and so books became popular for gift-giving. Every year since 1944, the Icelandic Publishers Association has distributed a free book catalogue featuring new titles to every household in the country, allowing Icelanders to easily shop for books their loved ones might enjoy.
But it's on Christmas Eve that that real magic happens. Families get together to exchange books, drink hot chocolate and spend the evening reading.
Imagine it - no annoying sitcom repeats on TV, no doom-scrolling on social media, no last minute dashes to the garage because somebody forgot the gravy. Just peace, quiet and the rustle of pages.
How to Host Your Own Jólabókaflóð
Fancy pretending you're an Icelander this festive season? Here’s how:
1. Choose some books
Pick out a book for each person you’re spending Christmas Eve with - something they'll really enjoy! And if you can't quite trust them to get it right for you a self-gift is absolutely allowed!
2. Plan a Cosy Evening
Channel those hygge vibes - fluffy socks, blankets, candles and all things cosy.
3. Brew Up Something Delicious
You can't go wrong with a bit of hot chocolate - we're partial to topping it up with a splash of something stronger!
4. Relax, Read & Enjoy!
On Christmas Eve when the last of the sprouts have been prepped and there's nothing left to do, gather round in front of the fireplace, exchange books and settle in for a night of pure bookish bliss!
Why You Should Try It
Let's face it, this last year has been a tough one - will reading a book magically make the world a better place? No. But sometimes it's ok to just hit pause for a moment and enjoy the simple things.
So, this year, take a page from Iceland’s book (pun fully intended) and who knows? You might just start a new Christmas tradition of your own.
The Not-So-Subtle Upsell (You Saw This One Coming!)
If you need a hand finding your perfect Jólabókaflóð pick, why not check out our selection of festive bookish gift hampers?
Or better yet treat yourself to a book subscription and guarantee yourself those small moments of bookish bliss all year round.