Jólabókaflóð

Jólabókaflóð is Iceland’s “Christmas Book Flood” which is celebrated more widely than ever.

So what are the origins of this book reading tradition?

The story of Jólabókaflóð is tied to both Iceland’s love of literature and the deprivations during World War II.

Icelandic Literature: Iceland’s literary tradition goes back to the medieval sagas, the histories and epic tales of Icelandic families (12th – 15th centuries). This is the foundation of Icelandic identity and pride in literature.
World War II privations: unlike other products that needed to be imported at cost, paper was less restricted than other goods which made books an affordable, practical, and meaningful present at Christmas.
1944 was all when Iceland became a republic and the Icelandic Publishers Association released the first Bókatíðindi, a catalogue of books sent to every home in the country. The became the starter for the Christmas Book Flood. Families picked books to give each other for Christmas and so it became a tradition.

How does Jólabókaflóð work?

Mid–November:
Bókatíðindi (now in print and digital formats) is published annually and distributed across Iceland.
Late November–December:
Icelanders browse the book catalogue, visit bookshops and find the “right” book for each person in their family.
December 24:
In Iceland, Christmas Eve is the main gift-giving evening. After dinner, families open presents and once unwrapping is finished, the room gradually stills and people read the books gifted to them.
Dark, long nights:
With limited daylight in December, reading fits perfectly into the rhythm of Icelandic winter. Jólabókaflóð is also about slowing down life and reading as a family.

Does every Icelander participate in Jólabókaflóð? Of course not.

Yes, books are still a hugely popular Christmas gift.
Yes, many families include reading as part of their Christmas traditions.
No, it’s not a strict rule. Many families are more focused on streaming platforms and gaming than silent reading holiday.
Compared to most countries, Iceland takes literature very seriously.

In a season that can feel rushed and hectic, Jólabókaflóð is the opposite: slow, quiet, and deeply human.

It’s not about the perfect tree or the biggest pile of presents that dominates Christmas holidays.

For Christmas and beyond, you might ask yourself a very Icelandic question:

What book will I give? What book will I read this holiday?