I came across this delightful tradition … from an article in CountryLiving – no idea how I got there! …
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| Christmas books |
… something I hadn't heard about … during World War II paper was not rationed in Iceland – it was in England … as J R Tolkien found out when his works were published during the War.
So this is where the post came from … the Icelanders gave each other books at Christmas time … turning them into a country of bookaholics … there's some stats in the links …
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| Hot chocolate |
I'm keeping this shortish … as people are causing me headaches – which takes time out of life … and leaving me somewhat frustrated and irritated, but that's life when one volunteers.
Then for some 'brilliant' reason – my computer needs something and I can't find it – or how to fix it … such is life … and now it wants to snow!!
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| Our Cocoa - in this little country of ours - England! |
So I really endorse Jolabokaflod (which roughly translates to Christmas Book Flood – in English, we might have guessed that!?) …
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| Presumably Jolabokaflod in Icelandic |
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| Looks good ... |
So … enjoy your books and your cocoa … or more likely now-a-days … a large mug of hot chocolate with frothy cream on top … sprinkled with drinking chocolate powder …
A few links below …
Country Living – Jolabokaflod … the Icelandic tradition of giving books … way to go!
Wikipedia has more information on the Christmas Book Flood …
Founding Story of Jolabokaflog.org …
I know you've all family things to sort out … as do I, but in limited form – mostly done, thankfully … but I have a dinner to ensure runs smoothly by and for Wednesday …
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| Christmas Books at Waterstones |
I'll probably get another post in before the end of the year – but in case not … have a peaceful and happy festive time … computer time being kind I'll be around … just straggling at the back of the queue for now …
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
40 comments:
It's been awhile. We used to visit each others blogs frequently. Hope to see you get back to it. I've seen some posts on FB about the book thing and Iceland. The only presents I get my neices and nephews are books. They have far too many toys. I'm probably not their favorite aunt because of it, but hey...maybe they'll grow up to be good readers because of it.
Sandy's Space
Hari OM
I had been wanting to tell my sibs not to bother with giving for giving's sake for a couple of years, but didn't want to be 'the old grinch'... thankfully the younger ones this year initiated the suggestion, so agreement has been made that we will each give an extra donation to our favourite charities in the name of the family as a whole and share our choices in a conference call at Christmas. I cannot get my head around the fact that it's in a fortnight and 2023 crashes in right after it... Oh, and mine's a Horlicks, ta! 😋 YAM xx
From my teenage years onwards my parents always gave me "book money" at the beginning of December to buy whatever books I wanted. These were then wrapped up and put under the tree till Christmas Day. It was such a good idea when I was a grumpy teenager - when I tired of being sociable at Christmas I could retire to my room and say I wanted to read my book!
I found the Icelandic way of celebrating Xmas so interesting. A very little known fact. Thanks for sharing this.
A wonderful tradition. I always received books for Christmas (and birthday) as a child and still do. For which I am very grateful.
I hope your headaches go away and your 'puter is fixed. And that your Christmas and the year(s) to come are wonderful.
Christmas book flood - great idea.
Sorry you are having computer issues.
I'm offline the rest of the month, so wishing you Merry Christmas now!
May Christmas bring you lots of books - your own personal flood. Have a good one!
@ Sandy - good to see you again - I'll be over ... oh yes of course I hadn't thought of that ... I don't do FB. Excellent you're giving nieces and nephews books ... I'm sure they'll enjoy the books in due course and enjoy reading in the future ...
@ Yam - that makes sense doesn't it ...and then to share your choices over Christmas - we're into small this year, and I do/will have a book to read that I wanted ... oh yes I've been looking for Horlicks - I must hunt around again!
@ John - what a sensible idea ... that makes a brilliant idea - I've had books and never been able to get into them ... that early purchase and then ready under the tree ... for getting away and reading - such a good thought of your parents. I'm sure you never grumped as a teenager - I know I didn't either ... ??!!!
@ Pradeep - so glad you enjoyed learning about Jolabokaflog ... I just thought it was a fun tradition to find out about ...
@ EC - thanks ... I did - but never my choice ... but we had lots of books at home that I got stuck into. It's my people headache, not an actual one - I'm pleased to say. My computer needs to be addressed ... something simple just not sure how to solve it ... it's silly irritation. Thanks re Christmas ...
@ Alex - great to see you ... and you too have a happy month away from this thing ... enjoy the time with family and friends.
Thanks to you all - we've had snow ... such fun!?!? Cheers Hilary
Thanks Anabel - you slipped in ... I know I have one I want to read coming by way ... my bookshelves are full of TBRs ... I hope I can get some read over the season and into the New Year ...
Cheers - thanks for calling in - Hilary
I've known about the custom from social media posts, but your post sprung me into researching this. It's snowing where I live right now, and our Christmas decorations are up, so why not? I love books and I love hot chocolate. Sorry you are so stressed; I hope things get better for you soon. Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com
Computer issues are no fun. I hope you get it all sorted. I've done a couple Christmases where it was all books for gifts. I think I enjoyed that more than the recipients.
I think Iceland's Yule Book Flood was a brilliant idea, both individually and nationally. A nation that is great at soccer will win heaps of fame, but a highly literate country will add more to world creativity and intellect.
But has the Yule Book Flood survived the computerisation of children's lives? I always gave books to the grandchildren, even though only one grandchild turned out to be a passionate reader.
Christmas Book Flood. Love it!
@ Alana - great to see you ... I don't do social media - so explains my lack of knowledge about the tradition of Jolabokaflod - but I was struck what a great idea it was ... and the fact about paper in WW2.
I'm fine - but just need to make sure I get the dinner (40/50) of us organised and run efficiently this Wednesday ... coping so far - thank you.
@ Liz - yes I have to work out how to fix the problem before it gets more serious ... I've asked for vouchers ... but get given books that I'm not really interested in reading ... I'm much more interested in non-fiction ... but yes - I enjoy buying books for others ... not sure they enjoy them!
@ Hels - it is a brilliant idea isn't it ... it was the link that during WW2 the Icelanders had paper and so books were readily available. It seems the Icelandic 'family' read to each other over the Christmas season ... so can discuss and enjoy each other's tastes ...
@ Sandra - thanks so much ... a great idea isn't it ...
Cheers to you all - and thanks for commenting - I just love books ... Hilary
Hope you enjoy your unwinding time! I need to do that today, myself. Poor Tolkien...what a bad surprise when his books were being publishing during wartime!
All the very best for the holiday, Hilary, with lots and lots of chocolates. I insist that you have a glass of wine too. We don't formally celebrate any of this stuff and don't give or receive gifts, but anyone who has even the briefest acquaintance with me knows that books will win me over every time. I understand your comment about being frustrated with volunteers. I have experienced this on more than one occasion when people have committed to things and fail to deliver. With volunteers you have no way to enforce it. "The best laid schemes o' mice an' men / Gang aft a-gley.” - all too often I'm afraid, and you wind up doing it yourself. Relax, enjoy, unwind! Big hugs - David
Book flood - what a wonderful idea.
That's so awesome. In our family we always received at least one book and I've kept that up. I hope you get that cup of cocoa and a break for headaches. :) Happy Holidays.
I love the Icelandic traditions of giving books, and I would love to see a book flood all over the world. December is a month for relaxing and reading more. My cats love to curl up with me as I sit on the couch or bed reading. Have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful new year, Hilary. ")
@ Elizabeth - I sure hope you can get some unwinding time down today ... there's always so much hustle and bustle going at this time of year ... you're right re Tolkien ... but at least his books were published ...
@ David - thanks so much ... I hope not too many chocolates! and I've been quite good re the vino - but suspect there'll be a tipple or two - I need it at the moment!
It's the new chair - she's only been in Eastbourne a short time ... so hasn't taken account of the group - many of whom who've been around and active for over 20/10 years ... and really they should be considered first ... and sadly, as far as I'm concerned, has mucked things up. So I've resigned from my post ... I feel easier now. I've learnt not to get worked up now-a-days ...
@ Diane - it's great idea isn't it!
@ Holly - what a fun idea from your family ... a book a person ... and excellent you've carried the idea forward ... I'll get a cup of something at some stage ...
Have fun and a peaceful break over the end of year seasonal time ... and thanks to you all for visiting ... cheers Hilary
Hi Christine - yes a book flood in many countries would be a good idea ... and you're lucky that you can switch off and read more with your cats curled up with you ... I remember those long ago days - a few of those would suit me now!
You too have a happy Christmas and all the best for the coming year - cheers Hilary
Maybe I'm part Icelandic - I love giving books. It is a busy time of year, but in that hustle bustle I do take time to just sit, read, look at our Christmas tree. Enjoy dinner with friends, have a cuppa, and all the best for the season. Cheers to another year of blogging/conversation in writing. I enjoy your posts.
Book flood..interesting thought !
Christmas book flood sounds pretty standard, for my family, at least. Hope the irritating ones leave you in peace.
I love receiving books and tend to give them as well, so I'm all for this idea of a book flood. Wishing you peace and tranquillity this Christmas, Hilary. I hope you get time to drink that cocoa and read your tbr books! Have a lovely Christmas!
@ Joanne - yes ... I'm hooked on books too - but I don't think I have Icelandic genes; I will relax more once tomorrow is over ... a dinner to organise and adjust to life of others ... eg members coping with rail strikes, difficult weather ... et al ... so I do look forward to not worrying about things! All will be well and I'll be back with some interesting posts (I hope!) ... love your comment ...
@ Ashok - it is an interesting thought ... as long as I can sit underneath a tree and happily have time to read them all ...
@ Janice - I'm sure we did too - but I rather like the traditions people are suggesting their families had ... sorry now irritated by noise outside ... men and machines!
@ Val - great to see you ... like you books each way suit me down to the ground. I'll look forward to some time with a hot chocolate probably and one of the many books from TBR list on my lap ...
Thanks so much for being here ... visiting and making lovely appropriate comments - cheers Hilary
Good on you for volunteering. Hoping folks are no longer giving you headaches.
Cheers,
Hilary, you won't guess what I've been getting every Christmas and every birthday since I could read. And I'm not an Icelander ;-)
Have a wonderful time, and may many of your wishes come true. Lazy Sean's good thoughts are with you.
Interesting post and what a dismal world it would be without books.
No family things to sort out here. I am the last one in my line, and Nigel only has a sister and a nephew in Australia. He is though still sorting out all the paperwork from his father's death - we hope to get it all done before we go on holiday but it seems that is not going to happen.
Bird flu here means no birds in the shops, so I guess we might have to do Xmas as the French and live on oysters!! I do though have some chicken in the freezer!!
Keep well and have a good Christmas, cheers Diane
Grand 'what I'd love's.
@ Sandra - I do what I can where I can ... and enjoy it ...
@ Sean - yes I suspect many of us 'writers' and like you 'wordsmiths' have always had books to hand ... I know I did growing up. I'm definitely not an Icelander - I'm not happy in too cold, or too hot lands! thanks for your thoughts and wishes - I reciprocate.
@ Diane - lovely to see you - yes wouldn't it be a dismal world without books. I'm now the eldest and our sorting has been done ... I was lucky I had a SIL, and on the other side a brother - both professionals who looked after official paperwork on behalf of my Ma, also she'd been in Nursing Centre for over five years - so we'd organised that side of life too ... nothing at the end to dispose of ...
I'm sure we'll have a turkey from a local farmer, but there are still a few birds etc in the stores ... certainly the shops are stocking up - there's money still around, though many don't have.
@ Sandra - thanks for both your comments ...
Cheers and thanks for commenting and visiting ... I'm about to have a little more free time so I'll be around - all the best for now - Hilary
I like the idea of giving books for Christmas (or any occasion). If don't check back, or you don't post, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas, Hilary.
The very thought of a Christmas book flood makes me happy! Thanks for the thought, my dear ;-) Merry Christmas!
Not familiar with Bournville Cocoa but I'm sure it's yummy.
Have a great one.
Hi Hilary I'm really hoping that my comment comes through. For some odd reason I am not receiving your blogs as I automatically used to.
I had to smile about the hot chocolate drink with frothy cream and chocolates and marshmallows close by. And books to read - bliss.
Giving books for Christmas is such an excellent idea -
A very merry Christmas and festive season Hilary - keep well and warm. I hope you like your new prime minister ... o my everything is so topsy turvy these days. The warmest of good wishes, Susan
@ Dan - yes ... I give myself rather too many book presents - the goal next year is to read some of them! I'm around as and when and hope to get a post up later on today ...
@ Diedre - yes ... it's a fun concept isn't it ... imagine scrabbling around for the next read ... and hoping they keep going round and round.
@ Sandra - Bournville was one of Cadbury's products ... they of the Quaker chocolate family factory ... so well known here for cocoa - a dark chocolate and not as sweet as drinking chocolate: it's good!
@ Susan - no I know I've lost feeds too - and must settle to learn how to get them back - I miss so many people and their blogs.
A lovely warm arm chair and huge mug of chocolate and that book I'm reading in front of a log fire - the best place to be in the middle of winter! Well the thought is - as you say: 'bliss' ...
I give myself way too many ... but yes this year there's a few lined up here for the day itself ... I do like our new Prime Minister - he's got a few challenges from within and without ... we shall see - we just need to get back to post war years' thinking when we all had to cope (and not whine!) ...
Thanks everyone for your thoughts - we're now wet ... but like everyone being anxious for the future ... take care and happy joyous times ... Hilary
Hi Hilary! I'm here to wish you a Merry Christmas. All of my things are done and I want to relax, but I had too many children and they all know I'm off work until Christmas so every time I put my feet up one calls with something. All good, and I love it and them, but like you, I'd like to just put my feet up with a cup of hot cocoa (coffee for me, please) and read! That sounds very delightful. :) It's nice to volunteer, especially this time of year. :)
Hi Rosey - great to see you ... lucky you with the kids all around - keeping you engaged with them ... not having had kids - life is somewhat easier, and most distinctly less involved. Cocoa takes me back a few decades - before drinking chocolate ... while coffee is for breakfast and that's it! English tea at tea time ...
The volunteer aspects keep me occupied throughout the year - 'my work' now ... I learn, engage and enjoy the company at the various things I'm involved with ...
Cheers to you and your family - have a fun and happy Christmas and all the best for the New Year ... Hilary
I absolutely love this tradition. I think it is amazing!
~Jess
Hi Jess - thanks ... it's such a brilliant tradition isn't it ... I love the name of it 'Jolabokaflod' ... so pleased to see you here - cheers Hilary
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