Adopt This Icelandic Book-Loving Tradition This Holiday Season

Here’s a happy holiday word for you: Jólabókaflóð! It’s an Icelandic word that means “Christmas book flood.” While it may not look like a word that will just trip off your tongue (but it’s not so bad; this is how it’s pronounced: yo-lah-boke-uh-flowed), you might be more than a little interested in what that book flood is all about and ways to incorporate this cherished Icelandic holiday tradition into your own life.

The Christmas Book Flood

What is a Christmas book flood? According to holiday lore and studies by the Icelandic Literature Center, more than half of Icelandic people read at least thirty minutes per day. Novels are the top choice for readers, while true crime and biographies are also strong.

Because people in Iceland are dedicated to reading, there is a rising tide of book releases and promotions as the December holidays approach. Books are frequent gifts. Not only that, but Christmas Eve is the day of book giving and receiving, with the gifts often accompanied by food or drink treats. Then Christmas Eve night is spent reading together with loved ones.

This book lover’s dream of a tradition began in 1944, when Iceland declared its independence from Denmark. That year, Icelandic publishers created a catalog of new books that was sent, free of charge, to all Icelandic households. Did the country’s newfound independence lead to a sense of joy that found expression through the new catalogs? Unknown. One thing that is known is that Iceland has long been a country of readers, and it’s something the country takes pride in. Whatever spurred it, Jólabókaflóð has become a beloved tradition that’s welcomed year after year.

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Consider Creating Your Own Jólabókaflóð

It may be an Icelandic tradition, but it doesn’t seem likely that anyone there would take offense at people in other countries borrowing it. And there are so many great reasons to join the fun.

• Books make great gifts. The vast number of genres and subjects, not to mention formats (picture books, graphic novels, ebooks, beloved series and authors, etc.), means there’s something for everyone.
• Books can be budget-friendly. Look for paperbacks instead of hardcovers, visit used bookstores—and don’t forget one of the best resources of all: the library book sale. Not only can you find great options at a library sale, but the proceeds go right back to supporting the library.
• These are gifts that won’t get tossed aside in boredom the next morning. Grandma might enjoy reading that novel she’s longed for, which could take her many days, if not weeks, while the preschooler might become obsessed with the board book, carefully turning its sturdy pages over and over.
• Reading is beneficial to everyone at every stage of life. It promotes literacy, reading comprehension, analysis, and understanding, and it develops and reinforces appreciation for storytelling.
• It also supports libraries and authors. These are vital institutions and people in the community.
• Time spent reading with family and close friends can strengthen relationships and mutual enjoyment.
• What could be cozier in late December than curling up with a good book, close friends and family, quilts and afghans, and a hot beverage of one’s choice?
• Studies show that reading regularly can reduce stress and bring more relaxation to someone’s life. Who couldn’t use more of that?
• Small children who are read to and see their parents and other family members reading are more likely to continue reading themselves, gaining the invaluable gift of literacy.

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How to Start Your Own Christmas Book Flood

The wonderful thing about starting your own Jólabókaflóð is that it doesn’t need to be complicated or difficult. One critical factor is timing (planning in advance), but even that can be worked around. Here are a few things to consider:

• Talk to the family and friends you want to invite for the book event to find out what they’re interested in reading, if you’re not sure already.
• Plan a time (traditionally December 24 in the evening, but this ritual is flexible) and a place where everyone can gather.
• Gather up books. This can be done many different ways: shopping at bookstores, of course, but also stopping by Little Free Libraries and, naturally, your local public library to collect things people will want to read. Consider getting two to four books per person.
• Plan some tasty treats. Hot cocoa or cider, eggnog (spiked or not, your preference!), cookies, veggies and dip, Diet Coke, meat and cheese platter—whatever your group is fond of.
• Wrap the books and get ready to hand them out in the evening.
• Get ready, get set—read!
• Your call as to how to keep the evening going. Take breaks and discuss what everyone’s reading and how they like it, or just let everyone read quietly, lost in the world of words.

Reading is a gift any time of year, but especially as winter rushes in with short days, having books to escape to can be a blessing. Consider beginning your own Christmas book flood tradition with family and friends, and look at it as the start of a new annual tradition. And tell us! What’s on your book wish list this year? What are you most hopeful of finding under the tree?

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