Jolabokaflod: What is it?

Jólabókaflóð

Roughly translated from the Icelandic to be:

Christmas Book Flood

Need we say more? But wait, it gets better.

Jólabókaflóð is the coziest, most wonderful of Icelandic traditions.

How to celebrate in 3 easy steps:

1. Exchange books on Christmas Eve

2. Everyone settle in with your new book and hot cocoa

3. Enjoy the cozy delight of a holiday evening spent with family reading and sipping hot cocoa

It’s seriously that easy!

Extra points? Gift hot cocoa with the book!

Not sure what books to get for friends and loved ones? Ask our booksellers! We read hundreds of books every year to be able to recommend that next fabulous title for you.

What began with an abundance of books during a time of few pleasures in World War II (paper was one of the few things not rationed in Iceland during the war), quickly developed into a national tradition. This tradition cemented Iceland as a nation of bookaholics and has since spread to be celebrated more worldwide in recent years. Be still our bookish hearts!

Celebrate Christmas at The Story Shop!

Looking for a venue for a holiday celebration for your work, small group, or book club?

Either somewhere fun outside of the workplace or somewhere you don’t need to clean or decorate?

We’ve got you covered!

Rent out our Celebration Room on a Thursday or Friday evening (or during the day upon request and availability) all decked out for the holidays!

Your rental includes:

• Whimsical Christmas décor

• Place settings for 20 seated guests

• Christmas tunes playing lightly in the background

• Our staff prepares the room and cleans up afterward

• All you need to bring is anything you’d like to eat or drink