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Iceland celebrates Christmas with book-giving tradition

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Iceland celebrates Christmas with book-giving tradition
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Bogi Nils Bogason, President & CEO of Icelandair Group | Icelandair

Iceland, a nation renowned for its literary culture, prints more books per capita than any other country. Over half of Icelanders read more than eight books annually. This affinity for reading is reflected in one of the country's cherished Christmas traditions, Jólabókaflóð, or the "Christmas flood of books." The tradition starts with the release of a book catalogue in mid-November and culminates on Christmas Eve when people exchange and read new books.

The origins of Jólabókaflóð date back to World War II when paper was one of the few non-rationed commodities. Books became affordable gifts during this period. Even after the war ended and other luxuries returned, this tradition continued and remains integral to Icelandic Christmas celebrations.

The annual event begins with the distribution of Bókatíðindi, a free catalogue from Iceland’s Publisher’s Association delivered to every home in Iceland. Families select books for their loved ones and spend Christmas Eve exchanging and reading them.

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Iceland's rich literary history includes medieval literature known as the Icelandic Sagas. These narratives cover events from around 1000 AD and were written down between 1190-1320. They depict stories about kings, explorers, families, bishops, and saints rather than focusing on fantastical creatures.

Halldór Laxness is another significant figure in Icelandic literature. He is the only Icelander to have won the Nobel Prize for Literature. His notable works include "Salka Valka," "Independent People," and "The Fish Can Sing." Laxness' former home has been converted into a museum near Reykjavík.

In contemporary times, Yrsa Sigurðardóttir has gained recognition in Nordic Noir fiction with her crime novels featuring characters like attorney Thóra Gudmundsdóttir and detective Huldar alongside child psychologist Freyja.

Alda Sigmundsdóttir writes about various aspects of Icelandic culture through works such as "The Little Book of the Icelanders at Christmas" which explores local customs during Yuletide.

Jólabókaflóð offers an opportunity to share literature's joy with family while learning about Iceland's unique cultural heritage during Christmas time.

Organizations Included in this History
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