The air outside is getting crisp, and the classroom is buzzing with that specific December energy that only teachers understand. While we are busy wrapping up the semester, my heart always drifts toward home and the quiet moments we can carve out amidst the chaos. There is nothing quite like the glow of tree lights and the smell of old pages. This year, I want to invite you to slow down and create holiday book traditions that will stick with your children long after the wrapping paper is thrown away.
The Inspiration: A Flood of Books
Have you heard of the Icelandic tradition called Jolabokaflod? Roughly translated, it means “The Christmas Book Flood.” It originated during World War II when paper was one of the few commodities not rationed in Iceland. Families began exchanging books on Christmas Eve and spending the rest of the night reading in bed while drinking hot chocolate.
I recently read the picture book The Christmas Book Flood by Emily Kilgore, and it completely captured my imagination. The illustrations depict the sheer joy of hunting for the perfect story to share with someone you love. It reminded me that books aren’t just objects; they are vessels for connection. Adopting a version of this “flood” is a beautiful way to prioritize literacy and togetherness during the busy season.
Our Ramona Family’s Cozy Traditions
In the Frazier household, we have experienced a few lovely traditions that we hope to continue on. Growing up, one of my favorite traditions with my mom was how she saved our Holiday books each year. Picture those huge popcorn gift tins. She would clean that out really well to save them and put our books in each year. The tin would sit out and we could pick a book to enjoy throughout the season together. To make it cozier, she would also buy us new pajamas. These memories bring me so much joy when I think about my mom, the holidays, and our family together.
In New York, we have a teammate that chooses 24 winter or holiday-themed books. She wraps each one individually, and numbers them from 1 to 24. Each day in December, they unwrap one book and enjoy it together any time of day. This countdown invites calm, joy, and quality time during an otherwise busy season.
Down in Texas our teammate strives to associate this season not just with toys, but with the comfort of a good story, too. Every year, her two children receive new Christmas books. The new books are wrapped up with a brand-new pair of pajamas. There is something magical about putting on fresh jammies, cuddling up under a blanket, and cracking open a new picture book together to share. It creates an instant core memory where the world melts away, and it is just them and the story. They now have a full bin of winter books to bring out each year and they just love it!
Bringing the Book Flood to the Classroom
As teachers, we have the unique privilege of bringing this magic into our schools, ensuring every child feels that spark of ownership over a story. Check out these ideas I’ve done or seen done:
- 10 Day Book Countdown– Grab my free picture book countdown to add magic to your classroom this holiday season!
- Gifting a brand-new book to each student. (pro tip: I hoard my Scholastic bonus points all year long to make this happen without breaking the bank!)
- For a high-energy twist, try a Picture Book Exchange. Have your class sit in a circle holding wrapped books, and as you read a story or play a festive song, have them pass the books every time they hear a specific “trigger” word. It is chaotic joy and I have just the freebie for you to give it a try!
- Consider asking friends and family to “adopt a student” by sending in a book; it is a beautiful way to ensure the warmth of the season reaches every single desk.
What Are Your Traditions?
At Ramona Recommends, we believe that community is built through shared stories. We are currently collecting favorite traditions from our amazing community of teachers and parents. Do you wrap 24 books and unwrap one each night like an advent calendar? Do you have a special breakfast where you read aloud?
We want to feature YOU! Please comment below or send us a DM on Instagram sharing your family’s favorite bookish holiday tradition.
Open the Magic This December
Whether you adopt the full Icelandic Book Flood or simply commit to reading one extra bedtime story this week, you are doing the important work of building a love for reading. Let’s make this December a time of connection, quiet, and a little bit of magic.
