This holiday season, we’re embracing a delightful new family tradition: Jólabókaflóð. This cozy celebration, which might take a bit of practice to pronounce (it’s “yo-la-bok-a-flot”), translates to “The Christmas Book Flood” and centers around our shared love of reading.
Originating in Iceland, a country renowned for its high literacy rates—93% of Icelanders read a book annually compared to just 73% of Americans—Jólabókaflóð marks the official beginning of the festive season. In mid-November, every household in Iceland receives Bokatidindi, a catalog showcasing all new books published that year. This tradition sets the stage for a holiday filled with excitement about books.
What is Jólabókaflóð?
So, what is Jólabókaflóð, and why are we adopting it? This charming custom involves gifting books to each family member on Christmas Eve. After the books are exchanged, we cozy up with blankets, enjoy hot chocolate or a non-alcoholic seasonal drink called jolabland, and dive into our new reads. It’s a serene evening, free from the chaos of toys or the frenzy of opening gifts—just the peacefulness of reading.
My children have really enjoyed the Scandinavian concept of hygge, which emphasizes warm, cozy moments during the cold winter months. We’ll be selecting age-appropriate books for each child, with contributions from every family member, so each child receives a total of four books. The books will range from early readers and Biscuit stories for my youngest to mythology and fantasy novels for my oldest. My husband will delve into nonfiction about fossils, while I plan to indulge in some long-awaited fiction.
Under our Jólabókaflóð tree, I envision a simple holiday, devoid of excess “stuff,” focusing solely on the beauty of books. Everything else will be tucked away until the morning of Christmas. We’ll put aside our devices, snuggle up, and immerse ourselves in the worlds within our books.
The History of Jólabókaflóð
This tradition began in 1944 when Iceland gained independence from Denmark, and books became a beloved gift during the holidays. If you wish to start your own Jólabókaflóð, consider these tips:
- Select books carefully for your children based on their interests, rather than what they “should” be reading. If they enjoy a book at a lower grade level, that’s perfectly fine!
- For younger ones, sticker books are also valid choices. The goal is enjoyment, not necessarily reading aloud the entire night.
- Create cozy reading nooks for them, such as “boat baskets” lined with blankets and pillows, to make reading even more inviting.
- While books are the main focus, warm socks or other small cozy items can be a nice touch.
- Keep it relaxed and embrace a pajama party atmosphere.
- Be mindful of your kids’ attention spans and send them off to bed when they’re ready.
- After the kids are asleep, take some time for yourself, perhaps wrapping up any last-minute gifts for the morning.
Ultimately, Jólabókaflóð is about savoring the joy of books. Whether you celebrate alone or with loved ones, take the time to enjoy a peaceful, book-filled evening. For additional insights on parenting and home insemination, check out this post on Home Insemination Kit. To enhance your fertility journey, explore this fertility booster for men as a helpful resource. Moreover, IVF Babble offers excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.
Conclusion
In summary, Jólabókaflóð is a cherished tradition that prioritizes reading and family connection during the holiday season. By focusing on simplicity and the joy of books, you can create a memorable experience that resonates with the spirit of the season.
Leave a Reply