Iceland’s Cozy Christmas Tradition: The Jólabókaflóð
Books and hot cocoa, what more could you want? 📚☕
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In Iceland, Christmas Eve isn’t just about gifts—it’s about books!
The tradition, known as Jólabókaflóð, or “Christmas Book Flood,” dates back to World War II, when paper was one of the few available commodities.
Families gift each other books on Christmas Eve, and then spend the night reading with a cozy cup of hot chocolate.
Iceland has a rich literary culture, with sagas like “Njál’s Saga” that are part of the national identity. This tradition keeps storytelling alive, making Iceland a paradise for book lovers during the holidays! 🎄📖
And one last thing - this publication will stay free forever, but if you feel I deserve a cup of matcha 🍵 here and there, then please buy me some - the next drink’s on me! ☕
If you’re interested in more things Icelandic, read this post in my Journey Jots publication about my recent trip to Iceland:
What a great tradition and a way to spend Christmas.
Seems these days people are more focused on looking at their phones and I don't like it .
Was mentioning to my family as they celebrate Christmas that my wish would be that we could just spend time together talking and laughing and just enjoying each other and meals together.
I just might suggest this tradition to my family... it sounds fun 🎉
I'm glad it inspired you, thanks for the feedback! They are a very small and isolated nation, with long and dark winters, and they have some uncommon practices, but this one is really applicable to any family.