In Iceland, what is the tradition of giving books on Christmas Eve called?

In Iceland, the tradition of giving books on Christmas Eve is called Jólabókaflóð, often written with the definite ending as Jólabókaflóðið.

The name translates roughly as “Christmas book flood” or “Yule book flood.” It describes the seasonal surge of new book publishing before Christmas, followed by the custom of giving books as presents on Christmas Eve. Many recipients then spend the evening reading, often with hot chocolate or another warm drink.

The tradition took shape during the economic restrictions surrounding World War II. Imported gift goods were scarce, but paper was less restricted, making books an especially practical present. Iceland’s older literary culture, including its medieval sagas, also helped make books unusually central to national identity.

A common mix-up is assuming the term refers only to the act of exchanging books. More broadly, Jólabókaflóð describes the entire publishing-and-gifting season. Since 1944, the annual Bókatíðindi, or Journal of Books, has helped households discover newly published titles.