Jólabókaflóðið - a book lover’s dream Christmas Eve

What a wonderful tradition this is! Well, I would say that, wouldn’t I, being both a book lover and an author (who, incidentally, has written a Christmas romance set in a bookshop)! I mean honestly, what could be better than Christmas, romance and books all wrapped up together in one glorious package?

The tradition I’m talking about is the Icelandic custom of giving books on Christmas Eve – known as Jólabókaflóðið, or ‘The Christmas Book Flood.’ Isn’t that a marvellous phrase? It conjures up images of a cosy fireplace, twinkling fairy lights, scented candles, and a gentle flood of words and stories spilling across the page.

This lovely custom began during World War II, when imports to Iceland were restricted and paper was one of the few things that remained affordable. Out of those challenging times came something truly special: a national passion for gifting books. Every year since, Icelanders have exchanged books on Christmas Eve, and then (here’s the best part!) they spend the evening curled up reading, often with mugs of hot chocolate or glasses of mulled wine.

Just imagine... the quiet rustle of pages turning, the scent of cinnamon and pine in the air, a blanket tucked around your knees, the world outside hushed by snow (if you live in Iceland - in the UK it's more likely to be drizzle but that spoils the vibe I'm aiming for!) and that delicious feeling of losing yourself in another world.

I love that this tradition celebrates not just the joy of receiving a gift, but the experience of it - of slowing down, of taking time to savour words and stories, and of sharing the love of reading with the people closest to us. It feels like such an antidote to the bustle and noise that often takes over December. And perhaps that’s why Jólabókaflóðið has started to catch on beyond Iceland’s borders. Around the world, readers are discovering this heartwarming way to mark Christmas Eve: exchanging books, lighting candles, and letting stories carry them into Christmas Day.

So this year, I might just borrow a little Icelandic magic for myself. A few new books, a glass or two of Baileys Irish Cream and an evening spent immersed in a good story. Because really, there’s no better gift than a book. It’s like handing someone an adventure all tied up with a ribbon.

And if you’re still wondering what to give your favourite reader this Christmas… well, I hope I’ve just given you the perfect idea!

Interested in my books?

See my Lilac Mills romance novels.

I also write feel-good contemporary romance as Liz Davies and uplifting romantic novellas as Etti Summers.

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About the Author

Lilac Mills writes heartwarming romance inspired by life in the Welsh countryside, her love of simple pleasures, and the beauty of everyday moments. She’s the author of over twenty feel-good novels, and also writes as Liz Davies and Etti Summers. Meet her here.