Never heard of the Christmas tradition of Jolabokaflod?
The word Jolobokaflod comes from Iceland and means “Christmas Book Flood.” The people of Iceland share in the wonderful holiday ritual of giving books to one another on Christmas Eve. Then they spend the night reading.
The BBC reported in 2013 that “This island nation of just over 300,000 people has more writers, more books published and more books read, per head, than anywhere else in the world.”
Jolabokaflod dates back to World War II when currency restriction limited the number of gifts that could be imported. The regulation on paper was more lenient, so books rose in popularity.
Some historians think the practice dates back even further as Iceland is a country rich in storytelling and folklore.
In November, a catalog featuring all the new books is sent to every household. Commercials on television is less advertising for electronics, gadgets, and jewelry and focus more on books.
What a wonderful tradition to start with our families and friends. Give a book on Christmas eve. I think each book could have the date in the front and who gave the book, so each year you could reread gifts from previous years and hold those memories in your heart.
What book would YOU like to get December 24th?
We love books in our family–our granddaughters each own dozens of them. My daughter and I often share book recommendations. I love this idea of an evening by the tree reading books together. As for my pick, I’ll have to give that some thought! By the way, just read Beth Moore’s first novel, The Undoing of Saint Silvanus. Delightful. Someone may like to add that book to their list!
I didn’t know she wrote a fiction book. I will check it out. sounds good. I am a total book geek and just wrapped a bunch to give as presents today, mostly to the grandkids. Nancy, have a wonderful Merry Christmas!! so glad we connected.
Hi Jean! What a great idea. It was borne of necessity, but still, really a lovely idea. I have the thought of families gathered around a tree, enjoying their books and maybe a hot chocolate while it snows…
I love books on spirituality, and I picked one out for my husband to give me (nice one, right?), it’s a Joan Chittister I haven’t read.
Have a wonderful rest of Advent my friend, and a blessed Christmas and New Year,
Ceil
You and I love the same types of books. I have such a list of those I want to read. Just love books and love Joan Chittister too. I always learn from her. Praying for your Christmas too
What a fantastic tradition! As to which book I’d want on Christmas Eve? That’s a tough one! There are so many out there that I’ve been longing to read. Definitely something to think about.
Blessings, Jean!
I love books too Martha. I just made a new list of wanna’s and it isn’t even Christmas yet! Have a blessed weekend.