The Christmas Book Flood by Emily Kilgore

Book Feature - The Christmas Book Flood by Emily Kilgore

Imagine this:
As you enter your cozy home on Christmas Eve, the air is filled with the comforting scent of holiday spices and the soft glow of twinkling lights adorning the Christmas tree. The warmth of the fireplace embraces you as you kick off your shoes, feeling the soft carpet under your feet.

Your family is gathered in the living room, laughter and joyous chatter echoing through the air. The room is adorned with festive decorations, and a festive playlist plays softly in the background. Wrapped gifts rest under the tree, their shiny paper reflecting the festive lights.

The anticipation builds as your family exchanges presents. The excitement in the room is palpable, and you can't help but smile as each person unwraps their carefully chosen gifts. In return, you receive a beautifully wrapped package, the anticipation growing with each rip of the paper.

As you unveil the gift, you find a book that you've been longing to read. The cover is inviting, and you can't wait to lose yourself in its pages. Gratitude and warmth fill your heart as you exchange thankful glances with your family, appreciating the effort put into choosing such thoughtful presents.

With the gift exchange complete, it's time for a special treat. You head to the kitchen, where the rich aroma of high-quality chocolate wafts through the air. You prepare a decadent cup of hot chocolate, you splurged for the really nice, rich, expensive kind for this evening. The chocolate slowly melts into the hot milk, creating a velvety and indulgent beverage that promises to be a delight to your taste buds.

Returning to the living room, you settle into a comfortable spot on the couch. The soft glow of the Christmas lights and the crackling fire create the perfect ambiance. With a warm cup of hot chocolate in hand, you snuggle in with a cozy blanket and open the pages of your new book.

As the night unfolds, the sound of pages turning mixes with the crackling of the fire, creating a symphony of comfort. The soft glow of the Christmas lights illuminates the room, casting a warm and tranquil atmosphere. Surrounded by the people you love, sipping on the luxurious hot chocolate, and engrossed in the world of your new book, you couldn't ask for a more perfect Christmas Eve.

This is Jolabokaflod.

The Christmas Book Flood by Emily Kilgore

As the holiday season approaches, various cultures around the world celebrate in unique and charming ways. One such tradition that has gained international attention is the Icelandic custom of Jolabokaflod, which translates to "Christmas Book Flood." This heartwarming tradition combines the joy of reading with the spirit of giving, creating a literary celebration that has captured the hearts of book lovers worldwide.

The Origins of Jolabokaflod:

Jolabokaflod has its roots in Iceland, a country known for its rich literary heritage and avid readers. The tradition dates back to World War II when paper was one of the few commodities not rationed. In 1944, Iceland gained its independence, and the population, eager to celebrate, began to exchange books as gifts for Christmas. The practice stuck and has since evolved into a cherished annual event.

The Christmas Eve Book Exchange:

At the heart of Jolabokaflod is the Christmas Eve book exchange. The evening begins with family and friends coming together to exchange books as gifts. These books are often carefully selected based on the recipient's interests, making each gift a thoughtful and personal gesture. The exchange is a joyous occasion, with the excitement of unwrapping a new book and the anticipation of the literary adventures that lie within its pages.

Choosing the Right Book:

Part of the beauty of Jolabokaflod is the emphasis on thoughtful book selection. Givers take the time to choose books that reflect the tastes and interests of the recipients, making the exchange a meaningful experience. Whether it's a novel by a favorite author, a genre the recipient enjoys, or a book that holds sentimental value, the act of choosing the perfect book adds an extra layer of warmth to the tradition.

The Role of Chocolate and Cozy Reading:

To enhance the Jolabokaflod experience, many participants include a delicious element – chocolate. Hot cocoa, chocolate bars, or other sweet treats are often paired with the books, creating a cozy atmosphere for a night of reading. As the evening unfolds, families and friends snuggle in with their new books and indulgent chocolates, creating a peaceful and festive environment.

Jolabokaflod Beyond Iceland:

In recent years, Jolabokaflod has transcended its Icelandic origins and gained popularity in other parts of the world. Bookstores, libraries, and literary communities in various countries have embraced the tradition, organizing Jolabokaflod-themed events and encouraging book exchanges during the holiday season. The simplicity and warmth of the tradition resonate with people who appreciate the joy of giving and receiving books.

Jolabokaflod as a Family Tradition:

Jolabokaflod is a celebration that beautifully combines the magic of Christmas with the love of literature. Whether you're in Iceland, the United States, or anywhere else in the world, embracing this heartwarming tradition can add a special touch to your holiday festivities. So, this Christmas Eve, consider exchanging books with your loved ones, and immerse yourself in the joy of Jolabokaflod. After all, what better way to celebrate the season than with a good book and the company of those you hold dear?

Growing up, my family read The Night Before Christmas on Christmas Eve. Last year, with the birth of my son, I decided to add on to this tradition by reading The Christmas Book Flood by Emily Kilgore to set the tone for the evening.

Book Feature - The Christmas Book Flood by Emily Kilgore

From the publisher:

Start your own holiday tradition inspired by this bestselling Yuletide story. Based on a real Icelandic tradition where people gift books to their family and friends on Christmas Eve, The Christmas Book Flood brings all the sparkle and anticipation of the winter season―and of the joys of reading―to the page.

As northern lights dance and snow blankets the ground, a young girl searches for the perfect book to give her loved ones for their annual book exchange on Christmas Eve. When December 24th finally arrives, they gather together to share magical stories, curl up by the fire, and read all night long―so the Book Flood begins!

With gorgeous artwork, a lyrical text, and a diverse cast of characters, Emily Kilgore and Kitty Moss’s heartwarming picture book is a surefire holiday classic best enjoyed with a mug of hot cocoa.

Includes an author’s note explaining the book’s inspiration and the historical origins of the Icelandic tradition.