The Cozy Magic of Jólabókaflóð: Finding Comfort in Simplicity This Christmas
(First off, I want you all to know. I had to install a different keyboard on my laptop to spell some of these words! I wanted to make them look like they should. That in itself took me 20 minutes to figure out!)
As the holiday season draws near, many families are facing a Christmas that may look a bit different this year. With rising prices, some going without paychecks, and many worried more about putting food on the table than filling stockings, the pressure to make the holidays feel “normal” can feel overwhelming. In times like these, the Icelandic tradition of Jólabókaflóð, or “The Christmas Book Flood,” offers a gentle reminder that the best gifts don’t have to be expensive — or even new.
The tradition started during World War II, when money was tight and imports were scarce, Jólabókaflóð began as a creative way for Icelanders to celebrate without extravagance. Books were relatively affordable, and gifting them became a way to share comfort, and connection during uncertain times.
Today, the tradition continues: every year, Icelanders exchange books on Christmas Eve, then spend the night reading by candlelight with a mug of hot chocolate or other festive drinks. It’s a quiet, cozy celebration that values togetherness over extravagance — something many of us are craving this year.
There’s something deeply soothing about Jólabókaflóð. It’s slow, simple, and soothing — a celebration that asks for nothing but time, warmth, and a good story. It’s also a tradition that feels especially right for this season, when many families may have to choose between gifts and groceries.
If your holiday budget is tight, you can still create a magical Christmas by embracing the spirit of this Icelandic custom. Here’s how:
- Gift a used book. Visit a local thrift shop, used bookstore, or even your own shelves. A pre-loved book with a heartfelt note inside can mean far more than something shiny and new.
- Start a family book exchange. Each person picks a book they’ve loved and wraps it for someone else — a sustainable, low-cost way to share stories and memories.
- Create a cozy reading night. Turn off the screens, light some candles, pour hot cocoa or tea, and spend the evening together in quiet comfort.
- Stretch the joy through December. Instead of gifting books just on Christmas Eve, start a new tradition by giving one book per night from December 1st to Christmas Eve. These don’t have to be new — even gently used books from friends, family, or secondhand shops will do. Each evening becomes a small moment of joy, anticipation, and connection leading up to Christmas.
- Pair it with kindness. If you’re able, donate a book or two to a community library, classroom, or local shelter — spreading the warmth beyond your home.
Jólabókaflóð reminds us that joy doesn’t come from abundance, but from appreciation. Even in tough years — especially in tough years — stories can lift our spirits and connect us in ways that last long after the wrapping paper is gone.
So this Christmas, consider letting go of the pressure to give more, and instead, give something timeless: a story, a quiet night, and the comfort of being together.
