#jolabokaflod

[gdfalksen]

This should be all over

[natkhat-sa-shyam]

In Iceland, There's a tradition known as Jolabokaflod, which translates roughly to "Christmas book flood" in English.

Where books are exchanged on Christmas Eve,

then the tradition is to spend the rest of the night reading and eating chocolate.

That sounds absolutely perfect<<3

[booksandteaandstuff]

Happy Jolabokaflod! Get your books and chocolates... the time is coming!

[godzilla-reads]

Gearing up to celebrate Jolabokaflod on Sunday- I don’t really celebrate Christmas but my family does so I’m roped into it. I’m not a big fan of Christian holidays, since I’m pagan, but I will always celebrate Jolabokaflod.

[mattsmemes]

[curtvilescomic]

this needs to be global

[medusapelagia]

Jolabokaflod

I have recently discovered the existence of this tradition in Iceland and I’m totally in love with it. I can’t buy a book for everyone, but I really love giving presents (which is why I'm in 3 different fics exchanges probably!) and I wanted to do something special so, in the next few days, I'm going to post some little gift fics for the people that I met in the last few months in the ST fandom to thank them for being so kind to me. I have an entire system planned for this silly thing I invented for myself and I hope that everyone will enjoy their little present!

With everyone else, I'll share the three Exchange fic I wrote (two Steddies and one Harringrove) and the gift I made to myself: 15.000 words of Harringrove Mermaid AU inspired by @lemonhitsu incredible art that I'll post on the 24th of December.

I wish you all happy holidays, health, peace of mind, and many many many positive things for the future. Medusa

[murderousink23]

12/24/2023 is Jolabokaflod 📚🇮🇸, Christmas Eve 🎄🎅🌎, National Eggnog Day 🇺🇸

[mckitterick]

Happy Jólabókaflóðið!

meet the Icelandic tradition of Jólabókaflóðið (YO-la-bok-a-flothe) - or "Yule book flood" in English

the tradition began during World War II after Iceland gained independence from Denmark in 1944. paper was one of the few commodities not rationed during the war, so Icelanders shared their love of books even more as other things were in short supply, increasing giving books as presents and reinforcing Iceland’s culture as a nation of bookaholics - a 2013 Bifröst University study found that half the country’s population read at least eight books each year

to support the tradition, the Icelandic book trade publishes a catalogue - Bókatíðindi ("Book Bulletin") - that they send to every household in the country in mid-November during the Reykjavik Book Fair

everyone opens their literary gifts on 24 December and reads them right away with hot chocolate or jólabland (or insert your favorite beverage)

I propose Tumblr adopts this tradition!

[caterpillarinacave]

Y’all, my family is doing Jolabokaflod I got a copy of “The Private World of Tasha Tudor”, I’m never gonna stop staring at this book

[annawayfinder]

Happy jolabokaflod, everyone. A few years ago I was introduced to this wonderful Icelandic tradition of giving books on Christmas Eve and spending the day reading and eating chocolate.

This year, I have been gifted She and her Cat by Makoto Shinkai, thus adding another book to my collection of books about cats. Definitely going to spend some time today curled up with a blanket, tea, and this book.

[josjournal]

Jolabokaflod (Full Moon Ficlet #516 - Eve)

Written for @fullmoonficlet

Stiles stood in front of the bookstore, looking through the window at the display. He’d heard of Jolabokaflod before but didn’t know much about it. The window had caught his eye as he’d searched through the shopping district for the perfect gift for Derek. This was their first Christmas as a couple, and he wanted to start some traditions with him, knowing how much things like that meant to Derek.

They both liked to read, loved it even, so the thought of celebrating Jolabokaflod together every year seemed like an excellent idea. Nodding to himself and taking a deep breath, he entered the shop. The woman behind the counter waved without missing a beat in her conversation with a young boy about the picture book in his hands.

Stiles headed to the classics, knowing how much Derek enjoyed them. He stopped when a display of Christmas books caught his eye. Maybe that would be an excellent addition to the tradition. His eyes traced the titles, stopping on a beautiful copy of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. 

“Perfect,” he said, picking up the book. Now, he would just have to find one for him. Frowning, he looked at them all, beginning to feel overwhelmed.

“Can I help you find something?” Stiles turned around to find the woman who’d greeted him. “I’m Rose. Welcome to Cover to Cover.”

“Hi, Rose. I’m Stiles,” he said, smiling. “I noticed your display about Jolabokaflod, and I thought it’d be a great tradition to start with my boyfriend, but I only know it happens on Christmas Eve.”

“That’s right,” Rose said, smiling. “It started during World War II when paper was one of the few things not rationed, so books became even more popular as gifts. Iceland is known for being a land of bookaholics, so this fit right in for them.”

“That’s a great idea. My mom used to love giving books as gifts, too,” Stiles said, picking up the copy of A Christmas Carol. “My boyfriend will love this. He loves classics.”

“What about you? If you’re just starting the tradition, will he know to get you a book?” she asked.

“No, but I’m not sure what to get for myself. How do Icelanders do this every year?” Stiles asked, running a hand through his hair.

“There’s a catalog that gets sent out every year,” Rose supplied. “Since we don’t have that option, what kind of books do you like to read?”

“I like to read everything.”

“Yeah, you’re helpful,” Rose teased. “What do you do for a living?” She studied him. “Wait, you’re a deputy, aren’t you?” Stiles nodded. “I thought I recognized you. Do you like mysteries?”

“Yeah, actually,” he said. “I doubt there are very many mysteries set at Chri-” He cut off when she picked up a book with a black cover. He took it and studied the cover. “The Christmas Murder Game.” He flipped it over and read the synopsis. “I think this is perfect.”

“Excellent! Is there anything else? Bookmarks?” Stiles nodded and followed her through the store, chatting while he let her sell him way more stuff than he probably needed.

On Christmas Eve, after the Pack had headed home to be with their respective families and the Sheriff had headed to work, Stiles went upstairs to grab the bag from Cover to Cover. He returned downstairs and found Derek with an identical bag and burst out laughing. 

“Did you meet Rose, too?” he asked, and Derek nodded, laughing. “Hopefully, we didn’t get the same books.”

Derek reached inside and pulled out a copy of A Christmas Story by Jean Shepherd. Stiles handed over the wrapped book he’d gotten him, relieved. He took a wrapped book from Derek while pulling out his book. Settling onto the couch, they unwrapped their books. Stiles had his open while Derek had only run a finger under one edge.

He gaped at the beautiful cover of Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien. “This is amazing!” he said, looking up to see Derek smiling down at his book, fingers tracing reverently over the title as a tear ran down his cheek. “Are you alright?” Stiles asked, panicked.

“My mom used to read this book to us every year. One chapter a night leading up to Christmas,” Derek said. “It’s one of my favorite memories of her.” He looked up at Stiles. “Thank you.” 

“You’re welcome,” Stiles said. “Next year, we can read it to the Pack,” he suggested, and Derek nodded.

“Maybe we could get them to join in on Jolabokaflod.” Derek commented, looking hopeful, and Stiles decided to start working on book lists for each member of the pack right away. “I’ll make some cocoa, and we can start reading.”

“Another new tradition,” Stiles said, smiling when Derek nodded. His eyes still held tears, but he radiated happiness as he left the room. 

Stiles watched him go, knowing that the book lists would hold off until they finished reading. Nothing would stand in the way of his and Derek’s first celebration of Jolabokaflod.

Cross-posted to AO3

[s-n-arly]

Happy Jolabokaflod!

It’s books and chocolate day!  I need to get pulla started before the family wakes up.  Then I need to make sure we have all the cozy reading nooks possible and a couple of soothing holiday music playlists ready to go. Books and chocolate, here we come!

[booksandteaandstuff]

Happy Jolabokaflod! Get your books and chocolates… the time is coming!

[chantireviews]

Happy Yuletide and Jolabokaflod from All of Us at Chanticleer and a Special Message from Kiffer Brown

Dear Chanticleerians, I am writing this Chanticleer message on Christmas Eve morning before starting to prepare for our traditional Le Réveillon de Noel dinner this evening. And, yes, we are starting with local oysters, Olympias, from Taylor Shellfish on Chuckanut Bay. If you come out for CAC24, be sure to add this place to your must-go list. Meanwhile, Argus and I are listening to KUVO Jazz…

[bonnettsbooks]

12/23/23 - Open 6-9p. Closed Monday. Back on Tuesday 12/26. Mask recommended. No open containers, please.

A last minute reminder of Iceland's cool tradition of book sharing; the Yule Book Flood, or Jólabókaflód. Stop in tonight to make this tradition part of your holiday.

Merry Christmas! 🎄