Have you heard of Jólabókaflóð? The Icelandic tradition that translates to “book flood.” As bookish people, you’ve likely heard of this tradition. I’m kind of obsessed with the concept and last year we gave it a try for the first time. If you want to share a Jólabókaflóð with your family or friends, here are some basic steps to get you started.
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Jólabókaflóð Steps
Step One: Get Everyone on Board
I don’t feel like this should be a hard sell, but any changes in tradition can be hard. With kids I highly recommend reading The Christmas Book Flood.
The Christmas Book Flood
by Emily Kilgore
pictures by Kitty Moss
I was delighted to find a picture book about the tradition. The illustrations are wonderful. They are warm, layered and full of magic of the holiday season. I don’t think they depict Iceland particularly well – they feel like the Book Flood is happening in England or somewhere else in Europe, but they are delightful nonetheless and hopefully forecast the spreading of this tradition. The highly readable text shares the Icelandic tradition of getting ready for and celebrating The Book Flood. A unique, exciting Christmas book.
Pick a Date & Make Gifting Assignments
In Iceland, they celebrate The Book Flood on Christmas Eve, but depending on your current holiday traditions this might not be possible and I think that’s okay. Look at your various holiday plans and see where you have a free evening. Put Jólabókaflóð on your calendar.
You will also want to establish who is buying and gifting books to whom. There are a lot of ways to do this. Everyone could gift to everyone else. Everyone could be randomly assigned one person to give a book to. I think you could also White Elephant the book gifting. however you think will best work with your family or group.
Shop for the Perfect Book
Now separately, everyone participating should pick out books for their assigned person or people to read on Jólabókaflóð. Head to your local bookstore. Order books online.
Need some book ideas? Here are some booklists to get you started:
- Must Read Children’s Books of 2023
- 10 Best Picture Books for Baby’s First Year
- 10 Wonderfully Illustrated Early Chapter Books
- The Best Graphic Novels for Kids ages 5-10
- Ultimate Guide to Christmas Books for All Ages
Wrap.
Wrap up what you buy and you’re ready for Jólabókaflóð. I’m currently kind of obsessed with reusable cloth gift bags. I love the idea of disposing of a little less paper. I found some last year in Target’s Dollar Section. You can also order these Christmas Bags online.
Prep Simple Food.
No one wants to put down their book on Jólabókaflóð to cook dinner so make a plan to order dinner or do something simple like a charcuterie board and a hot cocoa bar.
Gift. Open. Read.
I truly love the simplicity of this tradition so much. Obviously I love the underlying book theme, but it is also how in the midst of so much busyness that this feels so simply.
Gift a book.
Open the books.
Read the books.
Doing this by the tree or fire or somewhere cozy feels vital and like it adds so much light and warmth to the season.
