Blame the Icelanders
for this one. Upon hearing about this holiday tradition, as well as being an
author, I was excited to write this article. Jolabokaflod literally translates
into ‘Christmas Book Flood’. Sign me up for that deluge! It’s the Icelandic
tradition celebrated on Christmas Eve to give and receive new books as gifts. There’s
also the gifting of chocolate in this celebration, and let’s face it—who
doesn’t want to receive books and chocolates for Christmas? *Holds hand up
high, waving frantically* So, how did this unique tradition begin? In truth,
the true origin of Jolabokaflod is unknown, but there are a few theories floating
around in cyber space.
Theory One: It’s believed that this tradition started in the 1930s with a
book club called The Reykjavik Library Foundation. Since
Icelanders must deal with long dark winters, the Foundation wanted to encourage
their people to read more during this time. Hence, Jolabokaflod was established
as an annual event to coincide with Christmas Eve, so people could exchange new
books to make their winters more bearable.
Theory Two: Jolabokaflod a.k.a. Christmas Book Flood began as a way to
promote literacy in Iceland. There was a study done from the 1800s that found
only 50% of Icelanders could read. That’s a big chunk out of a relatively small
population! So, again to encourage people to learn how to read, the tradition
was initiated. Hey, what a better place to bundle up in a cozy blanket by the
fire with a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine, and read a book?
Theory
Three: During World War 2, paper was one of the few items in Iceland not
rationed. This allowed for the continued publishing of books and printing of
newspapers. As a result, Icelanders habitually gave books as gifts for the
holiday season.
In addition to these theories, Iceland has a long history of being
well-read. Apparently, this started in 1786, when their first library was
established. Since there were no schools, the general population had very few
opportunities for education. A library opened the door for Icelanders to become
self-taught, and this love of learning has continued on. Today, there are
numerous lending libraries, and it’s estimated that a whopping 97% of all
Icelandic households have at least one book. Fun fact: Iceland is the first
country in the world to be recognized for having achieved ‘full literacy’. Wow.
Take it from someone who used to be a tutor at her local literacy chapter,
that’s a huge accomplishment!
Today, Jolabokaflod is a beloved tradition in Iceland’s culture.
On Christmas Eve, families gather together to exchange new books, and spend the
evening reading them. Nothing is off the table when it comes to giving books as
gifts, including novels (all genres), non-fiction, cookbooks, children’s books,
graphic novels, and even text books. It truly is the perfect way to celebrate
the holiday season and connect with loved ones. If you’re looking to bridge
this Icelandic tradition in a small way, then why not create a Jolabokaflod
gift basket for an avid reader you know? All you have to do is select various
books catering to the recipient’s interests, then add some cozy items such as a
comfy blanket, chocolate, candles, mugs, and hot chocolate mix. Trust me, it’s
the perfect holiday gift for your book-loving buddy.
So, if you’re still searching for a special way to spend the
holiday season, why not give this Jolabokaflod tradition a crack or create a
gift basket for the reader in your life? Even if you don’t live in Iceland, the
winters in the northern hemisphere can get awfully chilly and brutal. And if
you happen to live in the southern hemisphere, there’s definitely a beach book
with your name on it. Wink. Wherever you live, have a happy and safe holiday
season, readers! Cheers!
BTW – If you’re looking for a last minute holiday gift, may I suggest you ride the Icelanders’ tails, and purchase a book for the reader in your life? Here are some great book gift ideas and the buy links:
The
Last Timekeepers Time Travel Adventure Series:
The Last
Timekeepers and the Noble Slave, Book #3
MIRROR WORLD
PUBLISHING
׀ AMAZON ׀ BARNES & NOBLE ׀
The Last
Timekeepers and the Dark Secret, Book #2 Buy
Links:
MIRROR WORLD
PUBLISHING
׀ AMAZON ׀ BARNES & NOBLE ׀
The Last
Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis, Book #1 Buy Links:
MIRROR WORLD
PUBLISHING
׀ AMAZON ׀ BARNES & NOBLE ׀
Legend
of the Timekeepers, prequel Buy
Links:
MIRROR
WORLD PUBLISHING ׀ AMAZON ׀ BARNES
& NOBLE
׀
Mysterious Tales from Fairy Falls
Teen Psychic Mystery Series:
Lost and Found, Book One Buy Links:
MIRROR
WORLD PUBLISHING ׀ AMAZON ׀ BARNES
& NOBLE
׀
Blackflies
and Blueberries, Book Two Buy
Links:
