The Christmas Book Flood (Jólabókaflóðið) emerged during World War II after Iceland became independent from Denmark in 1944. Paper was one of the few items not rationed at this time, and printed works were readily available. The Journal of Books (Bókatíðindi) was a free catalog released that year and books immediately became the most popular gift at Christmas time. With Iceland’s long history of story-telling and love of epic sagas, the Christmas Book Flood tradition was born.
This cherished tradition includes exchanging books on December 24, followed by everyone reading their books together while nibbling on chocolates, sipping hot cocoa, and a Christmas ale called jólabland.
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