How to Celebrate Jolabokaflod with Kids Book Flood Tradition
Celebrate Jolabokaflod with Kids. There is a Christmas bookish tradition that I have missed out on. Jolabokaflod. Have you ever heard of it? Jolabokaflod (translated as Christmas Book Flood) is an Icelandic tradition on Christmas Eve in which they dedicate the whole day to giving and reading books. Now, that’s a holiday for all book lovers. I desire to instill a love of literature in the hearts of my girls. The Yule Book Flood is a wonderful opportunity to exchange books with each other and spend time reading together while sipping a cup of hot chocolate in front of the fire. (Okay, no fire. I have a toddler, but we will safely get there one day.)
May this list help your own family have a peaceful reading experience and celebrate Jolabokaflod with kids.
What is Jolabokaflod?
The Icelandic Christmas Eve tradition, Jolabokaflod (translated in English as Christmas Book Flood), was created during the Depression after World War II in response to rigid restrictions on foreign imports and rationing of commodities. Paper was not rationed, so Icelandic publishers started flooding the bookshops in Iceland with new books. Since 1944, the Book Bulletin catalog (a list of every new book) has been released before the Reykjavik book fair, a popular book fair in November.
Fun Fact: 50% of Icelanders read more than eight books a year (2013, Bifröst University) and 93% of Icelanders read one book a year.
How Can You Celebrate Jolabokaflod With Kids?
10 Simple Steps to Celebrate Jolabokaflod with Kids
1. Pick a Date
The Icelandic Tradition is celebrated on Christmas Eve, but don’t feel restricted to Christmas Eve. Find a day that works for you and your family. The perfect day may be a random Tuesday or the day after Thanksgiving to kindle the Christmas spirit. If the holiday season is too busy, then exchange books for Christmas presents and celebrate New Year’s Eve reading together. What a great way to bring in the New Year together!
If dedicating an entire day to reading seems daunting with young children, consider an evening of reading. Alternatively, you can try moving bedtime earlier and plan an extended read-aloud session before sleeping, then finish the night by reading with your spouse.
2. Gather or Gift Books
Don’t be intimidated by the name “Christmas Book Flood” – it’s not about reading an overwhelming number of books. In fact, it refers to the Jolabokaflod tradition where bookstores are flooded with new books around Christmas time.
Try to aim for at least one book for each family member. You don’t have to buy new titles. Make a trip to your local library. If you don’t have the time to browse your library, put them on hold. If you are looking for picture book recommendations, I have loads of Children’s books HERE. Give wrapped books as Christmas gifts, fill baskets with board books for the youngest reader, seek out literary gems at your local secondhand bookstore, or have a book swap with friends. This is also the perfect time to reread your favorite book or one of the classics you have been dying to read. If your young readers struggle to sit and read, find an audiobook that the whole family will enjoy and put together a puzzle, build with blocks, or any other great read aloud activities.
Here is my plan: I’ve compiled a list of all my daughters’ favorite picture books and will let each pick a few (except they choose books for each other). In the morning, we will have a fun exchange of books for the opening of this beautiful tradition.
3. Simmer a Soup or Plan an Easy Dinner
Here are some ideas on how to make the most of your reading day:
- Utilize your crockpot to cook meals with ease.
- Consider ordering takeout to save time cooking.
- Prepare your meals in advance or create a variety of finger foods for snacking throughout the day. Think of it like a tailgate party, except with books instead of football!
My daughters have requested Chicken and Dumplings
Here’s my plan to Celebrate Jolabokaflod with kids:
- I’ll prepare extra biscuit dough for dumplings.
- For breakfast, we’ll have sausage and biscuits.
- I’ll cook a whole chicken in my Instant Pot and shred it for chicken salad sandwiches for lunch.
- Finally, I’ll use the remainder of the chicken and broth to create chicken and dumplings for dinner.
4. Pick a Space
Don’t be afraid to get creative when celebrating Jolabokaflod with kids. Let them construct their own reading fort using pillows, blankets, and flashlights for a cozy reading nook. Alternatively, you could consider other cozy locations like cafes, parks, hammocks, around a bonfire, or even the library.
If you’re planning to celebrate at home, spruce up your living room with a few strands of Christmas lights, light up the Christmas tree, and a few candles for a warm and inviting ambiance. This year, we’re opting for a cozy celebration right in our own home.
5. Snacks
Here is a tip: always prepare plenty of snacks. Make everyone’s favorite snack available. Maybe you aren’t participating all day but only an hour, then allow everyone to pick one snack and drink for their reading time.
6. Hand-made crafts and gifts
If your children enjoy crafting, encourage them to create gifts for the occasion. From designing bookmarks to making ornaments out of recycled book pages, there are plenty of DIY projects to choose from. You could even suggest decorating a canvas book bag or having everyone thrift for a unique coffee mug.
Bookish Activities (when Kids get restless)
7. Read in Different Places
Don’t feel like you need to stay in one place. Begin reading in the comfort of your cozy nook, travel to a café or park, take a walk, and discover a new reading spot. Finally, return home to finish your book. Kids will love this adventure and the change of scenery.
8. Take a Reading Break with your Favorite Christmas Movie
Pick your favorite movie and divide into four parts. After each part, take a break with festive fun like baking cookies, listening to a read aloud while putting puzzles together, or bundle up for some free play outside. Can you tell that I have littles?
9. Bake Bookish Christmas Cookies (or Build a Gingerbread House)
Try baking your favorite soft sugar cookie recipe and decorating it to match the theme of your current book. Alternatively, build a gingerbread house with family or friends as a fun activity during your audiobook.
10. Dance Breaks to Your Favorite Christmas Music
Prepare a Christmas playlist to capture the Christmas and dance out those wiggles to help the youngest readers stay attentive during storytime. We have collected a few Christmas albums on vinyl, which always add a nostalgic touch to any holiday occasion.
Bonus: Board Game.
Interested in More Booklists for Kids: Check These Out!
25 Best Books to Read Around Christmas to Kids
Get the complete booklist of the best Christmas books to read aloud around the Christmas season HERE.
25 Light-Hearted and Fun Christmas Picture Books for Kids
Get the complete list of favorite Christmas themed books Here.
Best Christmas Board Books for Toddlers
Get the complete booklist HERE.
27 Books about Snow: A Picture Book Collection
Get the complete booklist HERE
More Booklists Coming Soon!
Thanks for Stopping By!
Lastly, thanks for stopping by! Please share your favorite Christmas memory or classic in the comment section below. This year is our first time celebrating Jolabokaflod with our kids, and we can’t wait to share the experience with you. Have you celebrated this Icelandic tradition before? I would love to hear about it. Also, I haven’t chosen my Christmas Book Flood read, yet. I’m considering revisiting one of my favorites like Little Women, The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, and The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. With toddlers around, I might only manage a few pages this year, but that’s perfectly fine. We’re raising readers, so there’s always next year. Don’t forget to sign up for our monthly newsletter if you enjoyed this article!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
– With Great Joy, Katie
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