What’s your favourite Christmas tradition? For some, it’s waking up, bleary-eyed and sleepy to discover Santa has left a stocking at the foot of the bed (we don’t care how old we get, we always want a stocking!) while for others, it’s the non-negotiable post-lunch family walk or the picky bits for dinner ensconced on the sofa. Whatever it is, our treasured festive rituals are steeped in nostalgia, giving us all the feels.

And we have good news: we might have discovered your newest tradition, courtesy of our Icelandic neighbours. Nobody does cosy season quite like the Nordic countries, who have gifted us the concepts of hygge, fika and koselig, among others, and our recent discovery of  Jolabokaflod might just be our favourite yet. 

Here’s everything you need to know about this Christmas’s comfiest, most soothing practice. 

Loosely translated as the ‘Christmas Book Flood’, the concept of Jolabokaflod dates back to the Second World War. According to historians, paper was one of the few commodities which wasn’t rationed during WWII, hence the tradition of exchanging books as gifts on Christmas Eve began. 

“The Icelandic tradition of Jolabokaflod is a beautifully inspiring celebration of literature, connection and personal wellbeing,” notes psychologist Barbara Santini. “Every Christmas Eve, Icelanders exchange books with one another and then spend the evening reading, often snuggled up with a cup of cocoa or tea. In today’s fast-paced world, where we are all striving to prioritise mental health and mindfulness, this tradition feels like a much-needed breath of fresh air.”

Each November since 1944, households across Iceland receive a book catalogue called the Bókatíðindi (or ‘book bulletin’) during the Reykjavik Book Fair. This is used to order books for friends and family to exchange. But far from being a purely commercial venture, arguably the most important part of this ritual (aside from the giving and receiving of a literary parcel) is the act of sitting and reading together – something that most of us rarely do during the rest of the year. 

Reading generally has so many benefits for us both emotionally and physically, too. From giving our brains precious downtime and allowing us to escape our everyday lives, a regular reading practice also helps improve our attention span and concentration. According to a study conducted by the University of Sussex, reading can reduce stress levels by around 68%, even more effectively than music or a walk, while some research even suggests that reading can help us to live longer. 

“Many people live mainly in their sympathetic nervous system state, always ‘on’ ready for the next thing, much of the time exhausted but with a drive to keep going regardless of what they are doing to themselves,” says holistic life coach and wellness expert Nichola Henderson. “Reading is a practice that enables us to come back to ourselves through the beauty of slowing down and being present, helping to reduce feelings of stress, relieve anxious thoughts, and encouraging mindfulness.”

And never are we more in need of some zen than in December, which makes it the perfect time to indulge in the gift of reading. 

It encourages a time for quiet reflection 

“Jolabokaflod isn’t just a charming tradition, it’s a powerful one,” agrees Santini. “Reading has long been proven to have therapeutic benefits. It reduces stress, boosts cognitive function and provides a quiet, reflective escape, something many of us desperately need during the often-hectic holiday season. This practice creates that space for calm and connection in a way that feels grounding and deeply restorative.”

It gives us the opportunity to pause 

“Jolabokaflod has many personal and social benefits. The practice allows time to relax, to slow down, unwind and settle in our space,” Henderson tells Stylist. “Many of us can be so busy rushing around for Christmas preparations it’s easy to forget that it can also be a time to pause, reflect and let the mind wander. This can be an act of pure mindfulness, being only in the moment where you are. This reading on Christmas Eve in a cosy environment can be a beautiful escape and a time for our brains to switch off and relax.”

It strengthens relationships

Nothing says someone understands you like the thoughtful gift of a much-loved book, and the act of giving and receiving these can help to forge stronger bonds with friends and family.

“Instead of getting caught up in the commercialism that often dominates this time of year, Jolabokaflod invites us to connect with something deeper,” says Santini. “Gifting a book isn’t just about the object itself. It’s about the thought and care that goes into choosing a story for someone you love. It is a meaningful gesture that says, “I know you and I want to share something that will inspire or comfort you.”

“Jolabokaflod can also strengthen relationships, bring people closer together and inspire new fresh conversations,” agrees Henderson. “The act of choosing a book for someone else is a thoughtful gift-giving exercise, which encourages people to think more deeply on each other’s beliefs and values. The bonus is that when you then read together as a group, there is a shared social experience that fosters bonding and special time with friends or family.”

It encourages a sense of community

There’s something deeply comforting about knowing that you’re doing the same thing as others at exactly the same time.

“As well as being a tradition, Jolabokaflod is a social norm, giving people permission to relax, to stop and sit together in peace, supporting a feeling of cultural togetherness and unity,” agrees Henderson. 

If you’re sold on the benefits of the book-giving tradition (and who isn’t, at this point?) then there are many ways you can be inspired by Jolabokaflod this season – and don’t worry, they don’t all involve spending money. 

“Organise a book exchange where everyone brings a wrapped book to swap during a friends or family gathering,” suggests Henderson. “You can add a personal touch by including a note on what the book meant to you.”

Or consider starting a book swap with friends you know have similar tastes to you. But don’t forget that you need to schedule some down time in which to read them – mark it in your diary, if necessary. However, it’s important that this doesn’t become yet another thing we all have to do this season. 

“Incorporating elements of Jolabokaflod into your own holiday routine is simple but incredibly impactful – but you don’t need to reinvent the wheel,” advises Santini. “Just think about carving out an evening for quiet reading with your family or give books as gifts to spark connection and reflection. There’s something incredibly human about sitting together, lost in the worlds of your books, but sharing the quiet, comforting presence of one another.”

Even if you’re not an avid reader, just setting aside some time to pause can be beneficial. “Jolabokaflod serves as a powerful reminder to stop and breathe, and focus on what truly matters at this (and every other) time of year: connection, personal growth and a sense of calm amid the noise.”

Now there’s a Christmas tradition we can all get behind. 

Images: Getty