9 Heartwarming Holiday Book Traditions from Around the World
December 20, 2024
The holiday season is a time for family, food, festivities, and, of course, traditions. From decorating trees to sharing meals, every culture has its own unique way of celebrating this special time of year.
One tradition that unites many countries is the love of books and reading, and there are some fascinating holiday book customs around the world.
Whether it’s giving a book as a gift, reading together as a family, or celebrating literary traditions with an annual event, books have a special place in holiday celebrations. Here’s a look at nine of these heartwarming literary traditions from different corners of the globe.
1. Jólabókaflóð (Iceland): The Christmas Book Flood
Iceland is renowned for its literary heritage, and one of the most beloved traditions in this Nordic island nation is the Jólabókaflóð—or “Christmas Book Flood.”
This custom has been a part of Icelandic Christmas celebrations for decades and involves the exchange of books on Christmas Eve.
Icelanders typically spend the evening reading their new books, sipping hot chocolate or coffee, and enjoying cozy moments with family.
The origin of this tradition can be traced back to the paper shortage during World War II, when books became an ideal and accessible gift to give.
In Iceland, books are a cherished gift, and the tradition is so widespread that new books are often released specifically for the Christmas season. Bookstores in Iceland stay open late to accommodate the demand, and many people gift books with the intention of spending the entire evening reading them. It’s a beautiful way to share the joy of literature and create cherished memories that last a lifetime.
2. La Nochebuena (Mexico and Latin America): Christmas Eve Storytelling
In many Latin American countries, Christmas Eve, or La Nochebuena, is a time for family gatherings, festive meals, and stories.
One special tradition that has stood the test of time is the reading of Las Posadas, a traditional story that recounts Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay in Bethlehem.
This story is often read aloud during the Christmas Eve celebrations and is accompanied by songs, prayers, and sometimes even dramatic reenactments.
In addition to religious tales, many families also enjoy reading or gifting books during the holiday season, particularly those that feature Christmas themes or folklore.
Children often receive books as gifts, and bedtime stories become a key part of the holiday ritual.
In some regions, La Nochebuena is also an occasion for community storytelling events, where local authors or storytellers share tales with large audiences, celebrating the tradition of oral history.
3. Kwanzaa (United States): Celebrating African American Heritage with Books
Kwanzaa, the week-long celebration of African American culture and heritage, begins on December 26 and ends on January 1. One of the central themes of Kwanzaa is the celebration of family, community, and culture, and books play a key role in this.
During the seven days of Kwanzaa, families often come together to read stories, both traditional and contemporary, that highlight African American history and values.
Books about African heritage, resilience, and the importance of unity are often gifted, and storytelling plays an important part in the celebration.
Many families also focus on reading works by Black authors and poets to inspire and educate their children.
In some communities, public events such as readings, book fairs, and storytelling sessions take place throughout the week, highlighting the power of literature to foster cultural pride and connection.
4. Sinterklaas (Netherlands and Belgium): Gifts and Stories
In the Netherlands and Belgium, the feast of Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) is celebrated on December 5th and 6th with great fanfare. One of the traditions associated with this holiday is the exchange of gifts, which often includes books.
Children eagerly await the arrival of Sinterklaas, who, according to legend, arrives from Spain on a steamboat. He brings gifts, including books, sweets, and toys, to children who have been good throughout the year.
Bookshops are particularly busy during this time, with families picking out books for one another.
Many households also incorporate reading into their Sinterklaas celebrations, with stories about Sinterklaas and his helpers being read aloud to children before bed.
It’s a time when books and storytelling are intertwined with the magic of the holiday season, creating lasting memories for young readers.
5. Fête des Livres (France): Book Festivals and Christmas Markets
In France, the holiday season is marked by the Fête des Livres—a celebration of books and reading that often coincides with Christmas markets.
In many French cities, you’ll find outdoor book fairs where both new and second-hand books are sold.
These fairs are popular spots for families, who take advantage of the opportunity to browse for holiday gifts or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Additionally, French children often receive books as presents during the holiday season, and reading plays an important role in family gatherings.
One tradition involves reading classic Christmas stories such as Le Petit Prince (The Little Prince) by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry or Le Noël de Benjamin (Benjamin’s Christmas).
Treasured stories such as these focus on the themes of kindness and togetherness.
These books are often read aloud to children as part of the festive experience.
6. Advent Calendars and Christmas Stories (Germany)
In Germany, the tradition of the Advent calendar is deeply intertwined with the Christmas season.
While the traditional Advent calendar often features chocolate or small gifts behind each door, there are also Advent calendars filled with books or short stories.
These calendars provide a delightful daily treat in the lead-up to Christmas, with a new story or chapter revealed each day.
This tradition encourages families to gather around and read together as they count down the days to Christmas.
In addition to Advent calendars, the tradition of reading holiday stories also plays an important role.
Classic German tales such as The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol are often read aloud, creating a festive atmosphere that emphasizes the spirit of giving, kindness, and family.
7. Baking and Books (Sweden): A Fika Tradition
In Sweden, the holiday season is synonymous with fika—a Swedish term for coffee break, which also refers to a social ritual involving coffee, pastries, and good conversation.
During the Christmas holidays, families often combine their fika moments with reading together.
Picture books, holiday novels, and even poetry are shared as families take a break from their busy holiday preparations to spend time together.
Swedes also have a tradition of giving books as Christmas gifts, especially for children.
Many of these books have holiday themes, from the beloved Pippi Longstocking stories to more recent works.
Fika and reading make for the perfect combination of relaxation and holiday cheer in Swedish homes during the season.
8. The Finnish “Christmas Book” Tradition
In Finland, many families make it a tradition to read a “Christmas book”— known as the Joulukirja — as a way to celebrate the holiday.
The Joulukirja might feature Christmas stories, poems, or illustrations, and it is often something the entire family enjoys together.
This can range from books about the birth of Christ to fairy tales and traditional Finnish Christmas folklore.
This beautiful tradition emphasizes the importance of quiet moments spent together, sharing stories that bring families closer.
9. Chag HaSefer HaIvri Book Festival (Israel)
In Israel, Hanukkah is a time not only for lighting the menorah and celebrating with family but also for fostering a deep appreciation for culture and learning. One significant tradition during Hanukkah is the promotion of literature through book fairs and cultural events.
The holiday coincides with Chag HaSefer HaIvri (the Hebrew Book Festival), during which bookstores and libraries across the country highlight Jewish literature, offering discounts and organizing readings of Hanukkah-themed stories. This focus on books reinforces the connection between the Festival of Lights and the illumination of the mind through learning.
Schools and communities in Israel often host storytelling events during Hanukkah, where children gather to hear tales of the Maccabees’ bravery, the miracle of the oil, and other stories that celebrate Jewish resilience and identity.
Educational institutions frequently use the holiday to encourage reading and learning, incorporating themed books into their curriculum. By integrating books into Hanukkah celebrations, Israelis not only honor the holiday’s historical and spiritual roots but also promote a lifelong love of reading and storytelling.
Conclusion
Books have the remarkable power to bring people together during the holiday season.
From Iceland’s Jólabókaflóð to Israel’s Chag HaSefer HaIvri, books create lasting memories and connections. In each of these traditions, books aren’t just a gift; they are a way of preserving culture, sharing stories, and fostering the joy of reading with loved ones.
So, no matter where you are in the world, why not embrace the spirit of these traditions and make books a part of your own holiday celebrations? Whether you’re gifting a book, reading together, or simply enjoying a good story, books are an ideal way to make this holiday season unforgettable.
