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| Jolabokaflod |
The Christmas Book Flood, or “Jólabókaflóð,” has roots in Iceland that go back to the mid-20th century. It began during World War II, a time when many items were scarce due to rationing.
Although many goods were restricted, paper was still available in Iceland. This made books an accessible and meaningful gift option. To make the most of this, Icelandic publishers started releasing most of their new books in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
The tradition really took off in 1944, the same year Iceland gained independence from Denmark. That year, the first “Bókatíðindi,” a catalog of newly published books, was sent to every home in Iceland. This catalog allowed people to browse and choose which books to give as gifts.
The Christmas Book Flood became a way for Icelanders to celebrate their cultural heritage and love of literature. Today, it remains a central part of the holiday season in Iceland, with people eagerly awaiting the arrival of the annual book catalog and the chance to discover new stories.
I notice that the blog site that the 'Days of the Year' site links you to seems to have petered out Advent calendar wise, as of Christmas eve 2025 it seems to finish at Day 7:-(
Although many goods were restricted, paper was still available in Iceland. This made books an accessible and meaningful gift option. To make the most of this, Icelandic publishers started releasing most of their new books in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
The tradition really took off in 1944, the same year Iceland gained independence from Denmark. That year, the first “Bókatíðindi,” a catalog of newly published books, was sent to every home in Iceland. This catalog allowed people to browse and choose which books to give as gifts.
The Christmas Book Flood became a way for Icelanders to celebrate their cultural heritage and love of literature. Today, it remains a central part of the holiday season in Iceland, with people eagerly awaiting the arrival of the annual book catalog and the chance to discover new stories.
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POST [WAS] STILL IN PROGRESS, AS I'm OFF TO BED BEFORE SANTA GETS HERE AND SEES THAT I'm STILL AWAKE
I'm beginning to think that Santa is nothing but a myth after all;-)
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And don't forget it's summer down here at Christmas, not winter.
POST [WAS] STILL IN PROGRES, BECAUSE I've GOT A FAMILY PISS UP LUNCH TO GO TO.
CHEERS:-)
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I've also picked up a few of her other books from street libraries and am yet to read.
Maybe I'll gift Icelandic themed books to people close to me for next time the 'Christmas Book Flood' comes around, with the proviso that if they really don't want to read the books to donate them to a street library in exchange for something that they do want to read, so the 'book angel' can gift the books to someone who really wants to read them.
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Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you all.
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