Jolabokaflod is an Icelandic tradition that means ‘Christmas book flood.’ On Christmas Eve, Icelanders exchange books which are opened and enjoyed immediately. Families read together, curled up in blankets, with hot chocolate (or jolabland – alcohol-free Christmas beer).
It started in 1944, when Iceland became independent from Denmark. Paper was one of the few items available due to rationing, and books were a popular gift. Nowadays, a magazine gets sent to every household in November encouraging families to order their Jolabokaflod books.
Jolabokaflod is part of a long history of reading culture in Iceland. In 2011, its capital Reykjavik was designated a UNESCO City of Literature. It is estimated that Iceland has more writers and more books read, per head, than anywhere else in the world. Icelanders even have a saying ‘ad ganga med bok I maganum’ which translates to ‘everyone has a book inside them.’
However, Jolabokaflod does not just celebrate books. Christmas can be a busy and expensive time. Jolabokaflod reminds families to savour the simple pleasures in life, such as sharing the magic of a good story.
Written by Ali Scott