JOLABOKAFLOD “Flooding Christmas with books”

Jolabokaflod is a tradition in Iceland, in which books are given to be read as a family and hot chocolate is shared. The name means “flooding Christmas with books”. It’s a tradition that was born after the World War II, after the independence of Iceland from Denmark. Because of their great love of books, over half of the population reads at least eight books a year, and 85% of the people read books. A catalogue with all the book promotions is published during the Book Fair of Reikiavik and people can buy them. On December 24th presents are opened and the family enjoys reading and drinking hot chocolate or a local beer with no alcohol.

It would be an excellent tradition for our holidays: to give interesting, educational and inspirational books that will encourage us, bond us as a family, and give us elements of good communication.