Jolabokaflod: An Icelandic Christmas Tradition for Book-Loving Families
If December feels like a blur of parties, programs, shopping, and stress, let me tell you about a Christmas tradition where sitting around in your comfy pants, sipping hot chocolate, and reading your favorite books with your kids is actually a thing. It’s called Jólabókaflóð (pronounced yo-la-bo-ka-flode), a cozy Icelandic tradition that translates to “Christmas Book Flood.”
And yes—it’s exactly as lovely as it sounds.
What Is Jolabokaflod?
Jolabokaflod is more than exchanging books. It’s the tradition of curling up together to read those books, usually with hot chocolate and delicious Christmas treats nearby.
In Iceland, it’s customary for people to celebrate with a Jolabokaflod on Christmas Eve, but it can be done anytime throughout the Christmas Season.
Just think. No rushing. No batteries required. Just stories, togetherness, and quiet joy.
This tradition dates back to the World War II era, when post-war imports were diminished, and gift options were limited for Icelanders. However, paper and books were not rationed and were available to most families.
Over time, it became a deeply loved part of Icelandic culture, celebrating good books and quality time together.
Why This Tradition Is Perfect for Families?
Living in a hustle culture that is constantly on the move, the Jolabokaflod tradition offers something that is becoming rarer with every passing year: stillness, stories, and connection.
As moms, we are always searching for meaningful moments with our kids, right? Ones that don’t leave us stressed and our kids overstimulated? Creating Christmas memories that don’t revolve around more stuff?
The best part is, we don’t have to live in Iceland to create a version of this fascinating tradition in our own homes.
How to Start Jolabokaflod Where You Live
You can adapt this tradition to fit your family, your budget, and your kids’ ages. Here’s how to make it simple and special.
1. Choose your Books
Choose your books thoughtfully and with intentionality. What will your family or friends enjoy? Each person gets at least one book—new, used, or even borrowed.
If you’ve got kids, are a few book lists to get you started (some of our family’s favorites):
- 25+ Best Beginner Chapter Books for 6-Year-Olds
- 50+ Engaging Stories for 7-Year-Olds
- Christmas Picture Books about Giving
- Short Winter Books for Bedtime Reading (Ages 2-8)
- 125+ Best Chapter Books for Boys Ages 6-18
- 125+ Best Chapter Books for Girls Ages 6-18
- 25+ Fantastic Family Read Alouds
- 50 Best Books for Third Graders
- 50+ Best Books for 2 Year Olds
2. Wrap the books (or Not)
If you wish to create some anticipation and excitement, wrap your Jolabokaflods books and do a book gift exchange around the Christmas tree.
Or, if the thought of wrapping multiple books sounds like a monumental task that you don’t have time for, you can simply put a basket of books out and let people choose what they want to read for the evening. It really is that simple.
3. Add Some Tasty Treats
Hot chocolate has a way of making moments magical, especially if you add marshmallows (so my kids tell me). Adding a treat, like hot cocoa, to your Jolabokaflod will really set the evening apart from other evenings. You could also put out some of your favorite sugar cookies, eggnog, or a charcuterie.
4. Settle in and Enjoy!
This tradition is about books and togetherness, so put away your devices and distractions and enjoy a cozy evening together.
It’s not about perfection, and it will look different for each family. If you have little kids, this may be a ten-minute read-aloud or a picture book bonanza. If you’ve got older kids, maybe it will be an hour of getting lost in their new chapter books, or an audiobook with the whole family.
Jolabokaflod in Faith-Filled Homes
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As Christians, at Christmas, we celebrate the Word made flesh—God choosing to enter our story through Jesus. What better way to honor that than by gathering with our children around words, stories, and truth?
This tradition could be adapted to include scripture, a faith-centered Book, a children’s Bible, a devotional, advent story, or a picture book about the Nativity. It can be a time to remember our Savior and His story–A quiet invitation to come draw near.
