A Feast of Books: Saint Nicholas and Jolabokaflod
Jolabokaflod is a wonderful Icelandic tradition has recently made a grand entrance in our American literary world. The tradition is to give others books on Christmas Eve and to spend the evening reading, sipping hot cocoa and munching on cookies. Our Christmas Eve is too crazy for that, therefore we have started doing this on another day: St Nicholas’ day.
Why St. Nicholas’ day?
Long ago we instituted giving our children Christmas picture books for St Nick’s day, so the book giving part was already a tradition. Since that was already a day dedicated to book giving it just made sense to add the extras. We are rarely able to dedicate the whole day to Jolabokaflod but we have been trying to spend some unhurried evening time reading the different books that were received that morning. It has been lovely.
St. Nick’s tradition
On St. Nicholas’ Eve, the children set out their shoes in front of our prayer altar (the front of the wood stove/chimney being too toasty for chocolates to remain intact, lol). Then once they are in bed, a wrapped book and a bag of treats, usually clementines, pistachios, chocolate coins and candy canes are added to their shoes. I finally made cute bags last year only, better late than never!
When everyone is awake in the morning, usually too early, each child takes his turn opening his book. We have accumulated quite the Christmas picture book collection thanks to this tradition.It is a tradition that has been maintained, even with the young adults and they still want picture books. Makes this mama’s heart so happy!
St. Nick’ s Day with Jolabokaflod
This year was a bit of a flop as it was a Friday and we usually go to Mass on Friday mornings. Therefore we had to rush things a bit to get out the door. We have not quite caught up yet, some of the books are still unread, but that’s ok since all of them this year were old friends, we are just taking our time enjoying them.
How to make it happen
Keep it simple! If I overcomplicate it, and I usually do, it won’t happen…
1- Pick a day that seems to not have anything planned into it 😉 You know that one blank page on your planner. And try to keep it that way!
2- Order books and wrap them. That’s where having tagged it to St. Nick’s day makes it easier for me, as I am already ordering books for St. Nick’s day no matter what.
3- Check your pantry for hot chocolate, marshmallows and any other treats you like with your hot chocolate.
4- Bake some cookies, you gotta have cookies.
Then on D-day, enjoy it!
Jolabokaflod Day
On Jolabokaflod day, I try really hard to not schedule anything outside of the home, but life must go on. I like to read the Saint Nicholas’ books on his feast day, which is why I picked that day. And I love slow mornings. Unfortunately, running a farm involves having to go outside first thing in the morning, so we have to schedule around that a little. But once we are back inside I try to have a yummy breakfast ready and a roaring fire in the stove. People can get back in their jammies if they want to and we can read as long as we want. It does not usually take us all day, just a few hours in the morning, until everyone is satisfied. The goal is an enjoyable morning all together, doing what we love best.
What books are available for Jolabokaflod?
Any and all books! I usually read aloud one or two of our St. Nick’s books. Then everyone takes a break and reads whatever they want to: more Christmas picture books, their current read, etc… Occasionally, if we are in the middle of an audiobook as a family, we will turn that on and give everyone an opportunity to work on their Christmas presents while listening.
A few favorite Christmas books:
- The Toymaker, by Gretchen Nelson, illustrated by Jessica Fellmeth
This one is not to be missed, even if I am biased because I know the author, it is truly a great story. This is a beautiful story of following God’s will. - Father and Son: A Nativity Story by Geraldine McCaughrean, illustrated by Fabian Negrin
This is a beautiful monologue of Saint Joseph, while he watches the Infant God sleep. I love the simplicity of it and the truths in what Saint Joseph thinks. It is sweet and simple but full of goodness. - The Legend of Papa Noel: A Cajun Christmas Story, by Terri Hoover Dunham, illustrated by Laura Knorr
If you have any Cajun or French in you, this one is a must read! It is so whimsical and funny while being tender and just right. The illustration really add quite a bit of whimsy to the story. - Sister Bear: A Norse Tale, by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Linda Graves
There are many versions of this tale but this is one of our favorites. The Cat of the Dovrefell by Tomie dePaola is another version of the same story that we love, and his trolls are more fun! However Linda graves’ trolls have a fantastic style all of their own. A girl and ehr bear take refuge into a farmer’s cabin on Christmas Eve while on their way to visit the king of Denmark. When trolls invite themselves to dinner…. - The Night of Las Posadas by Tomie dePaola
Not to be missed, Christmas miracles still happen 😉 and it’s Tomie 😉 AND if you keep your eye out for it, there might be a Picture Book Exploration for this one coming out very soon… - The Donkey of Nazareth, by Audrey Tarrant
I love this one! Beautiful illustration (almost Tasha Tudoresque), and a beautiful retelling of the Nativity story from Mary’s donkey’s perspective. Just truly lovely!
More on Jolabokaflod
Sarah Mackenzie, of The Read Aloud Revival, has a wonderful podcast and video on the origins of Jolabokaflod and on more ideas on how to adopt the tradition into your own family.
I hope you will treasure this tradition as much as we do.We will probably have a re-do this year since we kind of rushed through it, lol. I look forward to a peaceful evening at home, reading or listening to some Christmas stories and not rushing for just 5 minutes…
Happy Book Flood Day!
Love,
Mattie
