In a world that continues to be riotously raucous, the picture book can continue to be both a reflection of the real world, but also one we long for our children to be connected to; the world of the imagination!

Have you ever heard of the Icelandic Christmas Eve tradition of “Jolabokaflod, (pronounced yo-la-bok-a flot)?” Started in Iceland during World War II when imports were restricted, but paper was inexpensive, the “Yule Flood of the Books” began.

With a small population, publishers pushed out titles at the end of the year to support the less-than- year-round publishing industry. People exchanged books on Christmas Eve and “settled in for a long winter’s nap” with a book and munching on chocolate.

Publishers send out the “Bokatidini,” free each year, to start the holiday season. In it, are ALL the listing of books published that year! It’s sent to every household!

Did you know that Iceland is also the third most literate country in the world?

Maybe in lieu of the frenzied consumerism that becomes part of our culture’s Christmas kick off with people trampling over each other for a great buy on Black Friday after Thanksgiving, why not give the Icelandic tradition a try with a Christmas Eve exchange of books?

Maybe, years from now, your young readers may be rereading to their children a book they received, and they will be thumbing through a memory YOU provided.

Jolabokaflod is a great new Christmas tradition to begin! Try it with your young readers!

As we approach the countdown to Christmas Eve 2022 and eye its year in the rear view mirror filled with pandemics and pandemonium,  watching it passing from view, this may just be the perfect opportunity to start a brand new Christmas tradition with your family.

Some families discover the reading taste of other members of the family and buy a book and wrap it for that person’s particular taste.

Or, perhaps a slew of books spread out on the table for everyone to pick and choose from, might be another way to go.

Don’t forget the chocolate accompaniment to nosh on while reading Christmas Eve, snuggled beneath the covers.

Whatever way that best suits your family, books are the perfect gift to end a year and begin a new one. No guessing of sizes involved here.

Joyous Jolabokaflod from The Snuggery!

Let the reading commence!