Personal Studio Learning...Jólabókaflóð Anyone?
A Delightful Icelandic Christmas Custom
On the cozy subarctic island of Iceland, the delightful tradition known as Jólabókaflóð is celebrated during this joyous Christmas season. I am not Icelandic, but anything bookish and I’m ALL in! Jólabókaflóð, which translates as "Yule Book Flood," is an annual celebration that centers around the love of books and the joy of reading. (*sigh* where has this been all my life?) This year, I hope to suggest this wonderful tradition to my loved ones, as a part of our family Christmas festivities.
The Origins of Tradition
According to an article from the NPR website, Literary Iceland Reveals its Annual Book Flood, the origins of Jólabókaflóð can be traced back to World War II when paper was one of the few resources that was still available. During this time after the war, there were restrictions on imported gifts, which made it difficult for these island dwellers who relied heavily on being able to import goods during the holiday season. As a result, books became popular as cherished gifts during the holiday season. This tradition has continued ever since and embodies the Icelandic passion for literature, storytelling, and a strong reading culture.
Jólabókaflóð is more than just a gift-giving exchange; it represents a cultural phenomenon deeply rooted in Icelandic values. In Iceland, reading is cherished, as a means of, personal growth, enlightenment, and an escape from the wily, winter darkness.
How to Celebrate the Icelandic Way
The festivities of Jólabókaflóð begin on Christmas Eve when Icelanders exchange beautifully wrapped books as presents. Families gather together in their homes, eagerly awaiting the moment to dive into the captivating worlds to be discovered within the pages of their new literary treasures. The evening is spent cozy by a fire, with cups of hot chocolate or traditional Icelandic drinks like Jólabland (an alcoholic drink made with orange and malt flavors), as everyone loses themselves in the pages of their books.
As the snow blankets the stark and picturesque landscapes of Iceland, Jólabókaflóð brings warmth, feeds the imagination, and connects people, and isn’t that what we are all really craving during the winter months? It encapsulates the spirit of the holiday season, reminding us of the magical worlds that reside within the pages of a book and the quiet joy that can be found in the simple act of turning a page.
So, this Christmas, I’m going to take a page from Iceland's book and embrace the Jólabókaflóð tradition, even if it is a self-imposed one. Let the essence of literature and the spirit of giving fill you this Christmas with the magic of storytelling during the most wonderful time of the year.
If you are interested, below are a couple of procured holiday lists that could go with my downloadable {Companion Project Guides} in the shop, as well as my sort-of-current reading list. Many of the books are about nature, some about art, and others are just for seasonal enjoyment.
A Beginner’s Guide to Constructing the Universe- still reading very dense for my non-math brain but incredible fodder for both sides of my brain!
Gathering Moss-reading buddy book(same author- Braiding Sweetgrass also SO good)
The Wild Places- just started
Entangled Life-going to read
Herbal Recipes-used for gift making this season
Pacific Northwest Medicinal Plants-for when I get lost in the wilderness
The Cracked Spine- A Scottish Bookshop Mystery-cozy mystery lover and anything Scottish