We are huge booklovers here at Yours, and the team enjoys a thriving monthly book club. That’s why we’re embracing Jolabokflod.
Jolabokflod is an Icelandic tradition that is all about celebrating books and the joy of reading. The custom is rooted in Iceland's literary history and celebrated during the Christmas season, bringing families and friends together over new books and chocolate. Sounds pretty perfect to us!
It originated in the mid-20th century, and Jolabokflod has since grown into a well-loved national event in Iceland as well as piquing interest around the world. We think it’s a lovely way to encourage reading and develop a love for books for anyone of any age.
What is the meaning of Jolabokflod?
Jolabokflod translates to "Christmas Book Flood" in English. The name itself provides insight into the the tradition: it symbolises a "flood" of books exchanged and enjoyed during the Christmas season.
The tradition dates back to World War II, when resources were scarce in Iceland. At the time, import restrictions made luxury items difficult to obtain, but the Icelandic publishing industry continued to thrive. Books became an affordable, much-loved gift, and they quickly turned into a traditional Christmas present.
Since then, Jolabokflod has grown into a nationwide celebration of books, encouraging Icelanders to purchase, give, and read books around Christmas time. The Icelandic publishing industry still relies on this tradition, as book sales tend to peak in the lead-up to Christmas, with most new titles being released in the last few months of the year.
How do you celebrate Jolabokflod?
Celebrating Jolabokflod usually begins well before Christmas Eve. Here are some of the ways Icelanders celebrate the tradition:
Receiving the Bokatidindi catalogue: Each year, Icelandic households receive the Bokatidindi, a comprehensive catalogue of newly published books in Iceland. This catalogue, sent out by the Iceland Publishers Association, plays a vital role in the tradition, as it helps readers and gift-givers discover the latest titles across various genres. Icelanders spend time leafing through the Bokatidindi, selecting books to give to family members and friends.
Book-giving on Christmas Eve: On Christmas Eve, families and friends gather to exchange books, which are often paired with a piece of chocolate as a sweet treat to enjoy alongside the reading. The custom is not just about giving books as gifts; it is also about creating an atmosphere and a shared appreciation books and reading.
Reading together: After exchanging books on Christmas Eve, Icelanders settle in for an evening of reading. Families, couples, and friends relax with their new books and enjoy shared reading time. This tradition in in sharp to the more commercial and Christmas Eve traditions elsewhere in the world. It’s the perfect time for connection with loved ones.
Jolabokflod is a special blend of warmth, family time and of course, books. Icelanders often read late into the night, something that many people cherish and look forward to each year.
Although primarily celebrated in Iceland, the tradition of Jolabokflod has begun to spread internationally, with book lovers around the world adopting it too.
How do you pronounce Jolabokflod?
The correct pronunciation of Jolabokflod is "yo-la-bok-flod." The Icelandic language can be challenging for English speakers, as it includes sounds and letter combinations that are unfamiliar. Breaking down the word can help make it easier to pronounce:
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"Jo" is pronounced like "yo" as in "yoga."
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"la" is similar to the English "la" in "lava."
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"bok" rhymes with "book."
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"flod" is pronounced like "flood" with a slightly longer "o" sound.
Icelanders who speak English will often refer to it as the "Christmas Book Flood."
Why is Jolabokflod relevant to us in the UK?
The simplicity and beauty of the idea has caused Jolabokflod to grow beyond Iceland. It promotes reading, family time, time away from screens, and a focus on meaningful gifts.
I don’t know about you, but as a book lover, there’s nothing I love more than to give or receive a book with the words “I think you’ll love this.” It’s why book clubs are so successful and fun – the chance to share the words we love with the people we care about.
In recent years, Jolabokflod-inspired events have started to appear in various countries, with libraries, bookshops, and community groups hosting book exchanges or reading events in the weeks before Christmas.
Embracing this tradition doesn’t require you to speak Icelandic or have an extensive knowledge of Icelandic literature — anyone can adopt it and make it a tradition of their own.
How to celebrate Jolabokflod at home
If you’re inspired to incorporate Jolabokflod into your Christmas, here are some ideas to help you get started:
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Pick books for your loved ones: Choose books that reflect the interests and personalities of your family and friends. Whether it's fiction, poetry, history, or a favourite author, selecting a personalised book can make your gift even more meaningful.
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Create a Jolabokflod evening: On Christmas Eve (or any evening close to Christmas), gather with your loved ones, exchange books, and settle in for a cosy night of reading. You could add candles, blankets, and perhaps even hot chocolate, tea or mulled wine to create a warm and relaxing atmosphere.
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Gift chocolate with each book: The combination of books and chocolate is part of Jolabokflod. Pairing your book gift with a small bar of chocolate or a box of treats can add an extra touch.
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Try a digital Jolabokflod with friends who aren’t close by: If your loved ones live far away, consider a virtual Jolabokflod. Exchange book recommendations, send each other books via the post or online, and plan a digital meet-up to share your thoughts on the books you’ve chosen for each other.
Our Jolabokflod recommendations
As previously mentioned, we are book lovers here at Yours. We could list a thousand books and still have more to share, but for now, we’ve included some of the best books we’ve read this year, as well as our recommendations for smaller members of the family, too. We hope you love them as much as we do!
Becky's top pick
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Senior writer Becky Fuller (that's me!) chose this book: "This is hands down one of the best books I have ever read. The writing is beautiful and it's a tale of friendship, happiness and above all, love enduring. There's humour, warmth, joy and sadness, and you'll be gripped by the incredibly vivid characters."
Becky's children's pick
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The BFG is Becky's children's pick, and here's why: "This is my favourite book of all time. I think all children should have the joy of sharing Roald Dahl's stories. They really do whisk you away to a magical place. I read this age 7, and have since had the pleasure of sharing it with my own three children who have also loved it."
Arabella's top pick
Puffin in BloomOur commercial content writer, Arabella Horspool, has chosen the classic book by Louisa May Alcott: "For warm, chaotic and homely vibes, you can't beat Little Women, particularly if you're a sister or have siblings. It captures family dynamics and coming of age in a way that's relatable to many, plus it has some pivotal scenes that are set around Christmas.
"After reading the book, I recommend cosying up on the sofa and watching the two film adaptations."
Arabella's second pick
AmazonArabella's second choice is a book that she's currently reading: "By Any Other Name is a newly released novel by bestselling author Jodi Picoult. If you're a theatre lover, history fan and a major bookworm like me, you'll devour this story. It brings together the stories of two women: a young playwright called Melina Green and her ancestor Emilia Bassano, an Elizabethan poet who she believes is the real voice and writer of Shakespeare's plays."
This heartwarming children's book is one that editor Claire Tapley brings out every year to read with her young daughters. "The classic tale of a humble stick and the trials and tribulations he goes through to get back to his beloved family is one that every family member will adore. It's especially good to read at this time of year as the Father Christmas makes an appearance and saves the day."
After watching the Netflix adaptation of David Nicholls classic book One Day editor Claire couldn't wait to get her hand on his latest offering, You Are Here..
"I love the female characters that David Nicholls creates. They are laugh out loud funny, intelligent, relatable and so incredibly likeable. If you love Emma Morely than you're bound adore 38-year-old copy editor Marnie Walsh, who along with 42-year-old geography teacher Michael are the main character of this love story. Both these lonely characters, from completely different walks of life, are forced to walk together across the Yorkshire dales and begin to strike up a friendship. Will it ever develop into something more or will they let their past lives get on the way?"
Akhila's Top Pick
AmazonThe Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a masterpiece that will have you racing through the chapters with suspense, dramatic twists and glamorous scandals. The book follows the life of Evelyn Hugo, iconic Hollywood movie icon as she decides to appoint a seemingly obscure magazine reporter Monique Grant to write her biography. The interview sessions between the two unravels secrets, untold truths and the real life of a woman the world thought they knew through her famous seven husbands, movies and gossip columns.
The book is very well written, and you are left with an unforgettable story and a set of characters that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. So if you or a loved one enjoys some riveting drama, our digtial writer Akhila Thomas highly recommends this book.
Akhila's Top Pick for Kids (and adults)
AmazonOur digital writer, Akhila Thomas first read The Little Prince when she was a child and then for the second time, when she had just completed her bachelor’s degree. The beauty of this little novella is that it remains just as magical to a child and an adult reading it. The Little Prince’s adventures in pursuit of his rose paint colourful worlds and imparts simple yet pivotal messages to children while it can transform perspectives and get an adult thinking about morality, happiness and life.
With quotes like - “All grown-ups were once children, but only few of them remember it” and “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye”, this book beautifully weaves childhood and adult life together in intricate ways that will make for a cosy read while also initiating quite a few conversations to have snuggled with a cup of hot chocolate or tea.
Young teen pick
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This is the pick of Becky's son, Chester. It's his favourite ever book. Chester says: "I do like all the Michael Morpurgo books but this one is my best. I like the cat, and my Mummy took me to the Savoy to see the statue of the cat that inspired the book. It's a really nice story and it makes me happy. Also, you learn a lot about the Titanic as well."
Final thoughts on Jolabokflod
Jolabokflod is a lovely way to reconnect with the simple pleasure of reading as well as spending time with loved ones. It transforms Christmas Eve into a quiet celebration focused connection. Whether you’re inspired to adopt this tradition fully or simply add a bit of it your Christmas, we hope you’ll enjoy a sense of warmth and enjoyment.