Author’s note: I know, I know. I’m not trying to feed the Christmas machine that seems to start earlier and earlier every year. But, after I spent the weekend in some shops that were boldly and proudly (and already) playing Christmas music, I thought it might be a great time to reintroduce this one way of doing Christmas. Before the hustle and bustle begins, just know that you do have options for how to celebrate this season—from the grandest of grand to the sacredly simple. This tradition has been one that’s given me life over the past few years, and it’s also been a fan favourite of my readers. So, here is a psychologie rewind. An article I first posted last November on the lovely Nordic tradition of Jolabokaflod. I hope you enjoy.
The holiday season can be such a beautiful, spirited, and whimsical time—full of twinkling lights, festive gatherings, and all the lovely things.
Yet, the holiday season also often brings with it a hustle and bustle and fullness of schedule that can leave us with a feeling of overwhelm and even stress below the surface.
Imagine cosying up on Christmas Eve, wrapped in a blanket, with the gentle flicker of candlelight and a calming, soothing ritual to top off the season.
A perfect night cap to the whirlwind of the past couple of months.
The ritual is called Jolabokaflod.
It’s the Icelandic tradition of exchanging books on Christmas Eve.
If you love books and feel a rush of excitement (or perhaps just the warm fuzzies) when opening one—this is the essence of Jolabokaflod.
The name Jolabokaflod translates to “Christmas Book Flood”, and it’s a tradition rooted in a long history.
During the 1940s, post World War II, many items in Iceland were scarce due to the war.
Yet, paper was still in abundance in Iceland.
As a result, books became a popular gift for Christmas.
This historical happening created a yearly “book flood”, where families would exchange books on Christmas Eve, settling down for a peaceful night of reading together.
I’ve always loved giving books for Christmas.
To me, it’s the perfect gift.
To gift a book to someone, you have to really know them.
You have to have taken the time to listen to them.
Been curious about their interests and delights.
You can’t just pop into a shop and grab the latest best seller on the shelf.
You have to give the gift of a book some thought.
You have to know the person’s likes.
What lights them up inside.
But beyond the joy of giving and receiving a new book, there are perhaps surprising psychological benefits to this custom that can make this act of book-gifting more meaningful.
Giving and receiving books on Christmas Eve is not just heartwarming.
It’s also good for mental health.
Here are 4 reasons why adopting your own version of Jolabokaflod can bring an outflowing of mental health benefits to you and yours this Christmas.
1. Jolabokaflod fosters connection.
Books are a form of shared experience.
When two people give books to each other, it shows that they care about the recipient’s interests, values, and even mental well-being.
This kind of thoughtful gift strengthens bonds and creates a deeper emotional connection between the pair.
Receiving a book can feel personal and intimate and provide a deep, shared experience during family or friend gatherings.
Furthermore, the essence of Jolabokaflod is to read your gifted books together.
So, not only are you bonding over the gift-giving experience, but it’s also an experiential gift.
It provides a moment for you to share an experience of cosiness and calm with your loved ones on Christmas.
2. Jolabokaflod can reduce stress and anxiety.
The act of reading itself has been shown to reduce stress levels.
In fact, studies have found that reading for just six minutes can lower heart rate and reduce muscle tension.
Reading also provides a form of mindfulness, where people can focus on the present moment and disconnect from the overwhelming stimuli of modern life and the holiday season.
Practicing Jolabokaflod can be the perfect finale to a busy and stressful season.
It can grow into something you and your friends and family look forward to each year, a calm and peaceful ritual to signify the resolution of the Christmas season.
3. Jolabokaflod encourages restful sleep.
Christmas Eve can bring with it a dose of sleep deprivation.
Especially if you have littles in the house, you’ve bent yourself forwards and backwards to prep and tend for all that goes into the season.
The seasonal demands might carry on late into Christmas Eve as you finalize any last-minute arrangements for the big day ahead.
Reading before bed is a known habit for winding down.
The ritual of opening a book on Christmas Eve and reading by candlelight with those you love can encourage relaxation and improve sleep quality—essential if more celebrations await you the next day.
It also offers a welcome break from screens and a remedy for the very real temptation to turn to stress-induced doomscrolling—both of which are habits known to disrupt sleep patterns.
4. Jolabokaflod can boost cognitive health.
Reading books is good for your brain.
Reading stimulates cognitive function and fosters creativity.
By engaging with a book, the mind stays sharp, and the imagination is exercised.
By incorporating Jolabokaflod into your Christmas rituals and traditions, you are encouraging this healthy practice in your friends and family.
Your loved ones will thank you!
If you’re someone who feels most alive when discovering new places, you can think of Jolabokaflod as a kind of armchair adventure. Books have always been a portal. Tiny passports to other worlds. A good story can transport you to Icelandic fjords, Parisian cafés, or quiet seaside villages, even if you’re curled up under a blanket at home.
In that way, reading becomes its own form of travel. It opens the same parts of us that come alive on a journey. Curiosity, wonder, perspective, and connection. If you’re not able to step onto the tarmac and travel right now, reading can be a great travel lover’s substitute!
And, if you’re already dreaming of your next trip, you might even make Jolabokaflod a part of your travels. Exchanging books set in the places you (or your loved ones) hope to visit or even gifting yourself a travel memoir this Christmas.
It’s a way to remind ourselves that both travel and reading are acts of expansion. Each invites you to step into another story. And, return to your own life a little more awake, a little more changed.
Beyond Jolabokaflod as a beautiful holiday tradition, it’s clear that the psychological benefits transform it into something more.
It’s an opportunity for self-care and for strengthening connections—two things we all desperately need, especially in today’s fast-paced world and holiday season frenzy.
This year, consider how you could make Jolabokaflod a part of your holiday season.
Whether you’re celebrating with loved ones or enjoying some quiet moments on your own, exchanging books and taking time to read can bring not only joy but peace to your mind and soul.
The gift of a book is timeless and so are the psychological benefits it offers.
If you’re a book-giver or if you’re considering adopting your own tradition of Jolabokaflod this holiday season, tell me some of your favourite book recommendations for gifting in the comments below.
Or perhaps you have your own plans for how to make your holiday season more mindful and connected.
I’d love to hear about it!
Cover image by Nenad Kaevik used under license
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One of my favorite traditions! Loved reading more about it.
Jolabokaflod is a perfect family tradition! I absolutely love receiving a book as a gift on my birthday as well at Christmas time - my book recommendation is “Elphie - A Wicked Childhood” by Gregory Maguire.