Iceland’s Christmas book-giving tradition is called Jólabókaflóð.
Jólabókaflóð literally means “Christmas Book Flood.” The custom involves giving books as Christmas presents, especially on Christmas Eve, followed by reading them during the holiday. Books are a prominent part of Icelandic publishing and seasonal gift culture, making the tradition both a household practice and a major commercial period for publishers and booksellers.
The modern custom developed in the period around the Second World War. Import restrictions made many imported goods scarce, while paper was comparatively available, helping books become especially practical Christmas gifts. Publishers traditionally issue a seasonal catalogue, known as the Christmas Book Flood catalogue, to highlight new titles.
Jólabókaflóð is not the name of a single festival meal or a New Year ritual. Its defining feature is the exchange of books and the quiet reading that follows, rather than a public parade or gift-bringing character.