The Book Bump

Imagine a Christmas Eve spent cosily reading books, surrounded by twinkling lights and hot chocolate. In Iceland, this is tradition – and it’s called Jólabókaflóð, the Christmas Book Flood.

Over the years, Iceland has gained a reputation as one of the world’s most book-loving nations. It’s not surprising, then, that one month before Christmas, all newly published books are listed in the annual catalogue Bókatíðindi (the Journal of Books). This journal is then distributed free of charge to all households, making books the most popular Christmas gift in the country.

But where does this tradition come from?

Iceland’s powerful relationship with books dates back to the Middle Ages, when farmers and fishermen often read and wrote. Iceland valued storytelling, poetry and literacy. Iceland’s love of books was already firmly rooted in society before this modern tradition started.

Jólabókaflóð started in the 1940s. During the Second World War, Iceland faced many import restrictions; however, paper was one of the few things the country could still import easily.

With luxury goods almost impossible to acquire, books became the easiest Christmas gift to give. Publishers jumped on this and started releasing most of their new titles in autumn, timed to coincide with Christmas shopping.

This seasonal increase of book releases is “the flood” in Jólabókaflóð.

Publishers identified all the new releases in a catalogue called Bókatíðindi, which was then delivered to all households. To this day, a majority of Icelandic households still receive the annual catalogue.

Exchanging books on Christmas Eve and then spending the rest of the evening reading cemented books as the centrepiece of the holiday experience.

This tradition has endured because it still represents Iceland‘s values: literacy and storytelling. Iceland publishes more books per capita than almost any country. Jólabókaflóð is still a major cultural event.

There’s something intimate and personal about gifting a book. Nothing says “I see you” more than a book.

Gifting a book reflects how well you know the person. The genre, themes, and tone all imply something about the reader. When you pick a book to gift someone, you are making a judgment about what will resonate with them. On the other hand, the choice of a book also reveals a lot about the person giving the book. Most people will give a book they loved, or that deeply touched or changed them. Trusting someone enough to provide them with something that mattered profoundly to you isn’t innocuous.

A book isn’t instant consumption. It requires time investment. Readers nurture relationships with characters and fictional worlds, and many stay with the reader long after the last page has been read. Depending on the reader’s age, books can help shape identity. They influence our thoughts, beliefs, and views of the world around us. A book isn’t just a moment of entertainment; it is also a lens on the world.

When you give a book, you aren’t just giving an object; you are starting a conversation.

This year, I intend to celebrate the spirit of this tradition, as I have most years, although with a slight adjustment. In our family, we exchange gifts on Christmas Day. I tend to make sure I always buy everyone at least one book, which we open early afternoon. This allows family members to sit down and enjoy a quiet moment reading during an otherwise very hectic day.

It creates a moment to snuggle up under a blanket or near the fireplace – if you have one – and take a break. The Christmas holidays can often be stressful and overstimulating, especially for young children. A quiet reading time allows everyone to pause and reset. It is a moment for intergenerational bonding as a child may ask a grandparent or an aunt to read their book aloud.

Jólabókaflóð turns Christmas into a celebration of stories and quiet connection, instead of focusing on excess. Taking time to read books together reminds us of the simple joys of getting lost in a book, of savouring connection and slowing down.

I think Jólabókaflóð is a tradition that should be adopted worldwide. It’s such a beautiful way to bring a family together. If you fancy trying this but are stuck for ideas on what books to give this Christmas, you can find my reviews here.

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