Jolabokaflod
In Iceland there is a tradition they call Jolabokaflod, the ‘Christmas Book Flood‘
“The culture of giving books as presents is very deeply rooted in how families perceive Christmas as a holiday … we give the presents on the evening of the 24th and people spend the night reading.”
What a wonderful idea – a tradition that causes you to slow down, to be with your family, to be, and to read.
(Credit to Jordan G. Teicher’s article)
What books are you giving and receiving this Christmas? Please leave a Comment below.
Ju
Photo by Pj Accetturo on Unsplash
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This idea needs to spread from Iceland to the world. What a great way to warm hearts from a cold place.
Love it! I think I was born in the wrong country! What a splendid idea to put into practice not only for this next Christmas holiday but perhaps at other times as well. I especially appreciate your thoughts to how it emphasizes slowing down, being with others, and sharing stories. Thank you…
In our digital age I think it is vital to keep the culture of reading alive. There are always books among our gifts at Christmas, although the amount of wine normally consumed the 24th and 25th it would make for difficult reading for us and our friends!
Every year my father gives me at one book for Christmas…it has been a chalenge to read them all! This year I sent my father the new book by Barrak Obama “A Promised Land”.
I’ve bought “Mr Wilder & Me’ by Jonathan Coe as a gift for someone.
I’ve bought The boy, the mole, the fox and the horse as a gift by Charlie Mackesy as a gift, I received a beautiful photobook Beyond Oneness by nature photographer Jan van der Greef.
I love the book The boy.., so moving and heart warming
We have been re-reading that book by Charlie Mackesy, as a friend reminded us of how pertinent it is to life now. I bought a history book for my son, who loves such things, and received a historical novel as a gift. I am very pleased to have some extra time to read something that is not work material. Thanks for sharing this great Icelandic tradition.
I have bought my uncle ‘My sister the serial killer’ which is deeply dark, but also funny and unexpected. I hope he will enjoy it as it’s a bit different
My wife must be part Icelandic. I received 4 poetry books for Christmas. Two we had already read but had given away and two new ones. Since poetry is a new adventure in my life, I look forward to the beauty and insight these books will add.
Happy New Years to all!
Hey Craig, to make poetry your new life adventure for 2021, that’s a great endeavor. Mine for 2021 is world cinema, which I will pursue through an annual membership on The Criterion Channel, a site loaded with excellent films from around the world, which I also gave to one of my kids as a Christmas present.