Jólabókaflóðið: The Christmas Book Flood

By Phyllis Smith

It is that time of year again where giving gifts to family and friends is part of our tradition. Icelanders experience the Jólabókaflóðið, both giving and being given a book, or more! The best part is curling up with that new book and a hot beverage of choice.

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Friends who have heard far too much about the Icelandic side of my lineage will send me messages in the lead-up to Christmas. “I just read an article about Iceland. Have you ever heard about the book flood? I love it!”

Yes, yes, I have heard about it. Anyone who mentions it to me will be subjected to a long-winded discussion of the long history of literacy in Iceland and the love of literature and poetry. I confess it makes me proud to say I descend from such people.

I will share that my grandmother kept a bookcase in the house that contained the Icelandic library for the small community in Keewatin, Ontario. My grandfather, who immigrated to Canada in 1910 and worked as a grain cleaner in the local flour mill, wrote poems about home and tried to improve his English by reading popular books of the day. I grew up with books all around and still have far too many books. I can’t help it; it’s in my genes.

There’s nothing better than being gifted a book at Christmas. That is what the Book Flood is all about. Every year, Icelanders await the release of Bókatíðindi or The Journal of Books, which lists newly published books. I imagine children circling their preferences and adults leaving a dog-eared copy of the catalogue around as a hint.

The tradition began in 1944, the first year Bókatíðindi was released. As a result of the high cost of importing most giftware items into Iceland during WWII, there were limited options for interesting gifts. Restrictions on paper were not as strict, and books quickly became the most available gift item.

The arrival of Bókatíðindi signifies the beginning of the holiday season. The bookstores stock up for the onslaught of Christmas shoppers. Everyone gives and receives books on Christmas Eve. Once they have prioritized their pile of new books, Icelanders can spend a luxurious Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with their beverage of choice in one hand and a new book in the other.

Doesn’t that sound heavenly?!

You can see this year’s selection in Bókatíðindi 2025. Mind, it is in Icelandic. You might find English translations of Icelandic authors by searching your favourite bookseller’s website.

Are you reading any Icelandic authors, or books with an Icelandic theme? Share your recommendations on the Icelandic Roots Facebook group.

An ideal choice for your personal Jólabókaflóðið is The Advent by Gunnar Gunnarsson (translated by Philip Roughton). It was first published in 1936 but has just been re-released and translated into English in October 2025. Vanity Fair said, “Gunnar Gunnarsson’s novel is the Icelandic ‘A Christmas Carol’.”  

Gunnarsson, Gunnar. The Advent (Translated by Philip Roughton). Oct 2, 2025: Vintage Classics.

“With his dog and his ram by his side, traversing wild snowstorms and crystalline nights, fuelled by endless cups of hot coffee, Benedikt dedicates himself to helping other living beings in need. It is midwinter in the harshest of landscapes, but this is a place of deep belonging and peace – brutal and remorseless yet irresistible and indispensable. It is also a time of peace, filled with the anticipation of that special time of year – the days before Christmas: Advent. This enchanting Icelandic classic of one man’s selfless quest at Christmas time has been newly translated into English for the first time in 90 years.” Amazon

Read More

Wijerathne, Nipun. (12 Nov 2025). “Why Icelanders Read Books on Christmas Eve.” In Medium. Retrieved from https://medium.com/@mr.don07/why-icelanders-read-books-on-christmas-eve-and-what-it-says-about-quiet-joy-80873e1b9f46