Jolabokaflod: What is it?

Jólabókaflóð

Roughly translated from the Icelandic to be:

Christmas Book Flood

Need we say more? But wait, it gets better.

Jólabókaflóð is the coziest, most wonderful of Icelandic traditions.

How to celebrate in 3 easy steps:

1. Exchange books on Christmas Eve

2. Everyone settle in with your new book and hot cocoa

3. Enjoy the cozy delight of a holiday evening spent with family reading and sipping hot cocoa

It’s seriously that easy!

Extra points? Gift hot cocoa with the book!

Not sure what books to get for friends and loved ones? Ask our booksellers! We read hundreds of books every year to be able to recommend that next fabulous title for you.

What began with an abundance of books during a time of few pleasures in World War II (paper was one of the few things not rationed in Iceland during the war), quickly developed into a national tradition. This tradition cemented Iceland as a nation of bookaholics and has since spread to be celebrated more worldwide in recent years. Be still our bookish hearts!