Imagine infusing winter night warmth into Christmas Eve with the joy of a new book, cozying up with loved ones, and spending the evening reading while sipping hot cocoa. Welcome to Iceland. Jolabókaflóð is the Icelandic tradition of a “Christmas book flood”.
Pronounced “yoh-l uh- boh-k uh-flawd”, as if you’re saying, “jolly book flood”. It’s a delightful tradition that involves exchanging books on Christmas Eve and then spending the evening reading. Read on to find out how to import this wholesome, relaxing tradition and make it your own.
Combine the beauty of togetherness with this restful antidote to harried holiday stress.
WHAT:
Boost connection and well-being by importing the Icelandic tradition of Jolabókaflóð on Christmas Eve.
WHY:
Reading is the perfect way to diffuse the holiday blues. Like a mini-vacation for your mind, reading transports you to a different world. As the ultimate stress buster, it:
- Reduces stress. A 2009 study at the University of Sussex found that reading can reduce stress by up to 68%. As you immerse yourself in the pages, your heart rate slows down, your muscles relax, and your breathing becomes deeper and more rhythmic.
- Improves sleep. The blue light emitted by these devices disrupts our natural sleep patterns. Swap screen time for a book and give your eyes a break from the digital world.
- Promotes mindfulness. Reading requires focus and concentration, which naturally steers your attention away from stressful thoughts. As you get absorbed in a book, you escape the chatter of the outside world.
- Is an act of self-care. By prioritizing this quiet, leisurely activity, you’re sending a message to yourself that your well-being matters.
HOW TO USE:
Here is how to infuse this charming Icelandic tradition into your holidays.
- Spread the word. Let your family know that you’d like to read together on Christmas Eve. Just as you would for a Movie Night or Game Night, schedule it on the family calendar and set reminders.
- Share your wish list and gather theirs. Have each participant write his/her name on piece of paper and the title of 3-4 books they’d like to read. Throw the names in a hat and pass it around so everyone draws a recipient.
- Purchase a book from the wish list. Feel free to jot a note inside the front cover as an added memory and wrap the book in tissue or kraft paper.
- Exchange books on Christmas Eve. Then, grab some snacks, and cozy up in the same general area
BONUS TIP:
Create an inviting reading atmosphere. Set up a cozy reading nook (or fort if you have kids!) with blankets, pillows, holiday treats and warm beverages like hot chocolate or tea. Add to the ambiance with a playlist relaxing reading music (like this one from Spotify) or even playing a virtual fireplace on a TV or tablet.
BOTTOM LINE:
Take a page out of Iceland’s book (see what I did there.) and simplify your holidays with this easily imported tradition. Perfection is not the goal. A tradition such as this one is intended to create meaningful connection. Forgot to buy wrapping paper? Skip it. Didn’t have time to bake cookies? Buy them instead. Calendars don’t line up? Switch the date to the 23rd, or 31st. Or next Wednesday. Can’t pronounce Jolabókaflóð, call it Reading Eve. Or Winter Book Night. Point is, make it your own.
Whether you choose to put Jolabókaflóð, or Movie Night, or Game Night, or Knitting Mittens Night on the holiday calendar, shift your attention to intentionally spending quality time with loved ones. Cherish the moments of laughter and conversation and know that these shared experiences are what truly capture the beauty of the holiday.
You prep your book list.
We’ll prep the house for Jolabókaflóð.
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