Jólabókaflóð, an Icelandic Christmas Eve tradition, is the "Christmas Book Flood," where books are exchanged and enjoyed on Christmas Eve, fostering a culture of reading and literary celebration.
People usually sit together in a cozy environment, reading and discussing books, while sipping a hot beverage like hot chocolate.
Besides being a celebrated Christmas tradition, the Icelandic Book Flood brings with it a number of mental health benefits.
Personalized book choices serve as therapeutic tools, offering comfort and insight for individual well-being.
Reading during Jólabókaflóð encourages a mindful escape, promoting relaxation and a break from daily stressors.
Engaging in the tradition contributes to ongoing learning, stimulating cognitive function and mental agility.
Sharing books with others enhances social connections, fostering a sense of community and mutual enjoyment.
Diverse literature exchanged during Jólabókaflóð nurtures empathy, fostering a deeper understanding of varied perspectives and experiences.
Reading books and interacting in a social setting reduces the risk of winter-related psychological issues like seasonal depression, Christmas anxiety, holiday stress and trauma, etc.