“You’re never alone when you’re reading books.”
— Susan Wiggs, American novelist
Before Christmas Sam and I were gifted a book “The Christmas Candle,” along with a suggestion to read the book together during the holidays. While both of us are readers the idea of reading a book together was a novel idea. As the whole year had been filled with novel ideas and adaptive ways of living, we decided to give it a try. We alternately read aloud and stopped at the end of each chapter no matter how tempting it was to continue. The book turned out to be more than a book but an experience likely to become a Christmas tradition. About the same time, I learned of another novel tradition involving both books and Christmas. The tradition is called “Jolabokaflod.” The Icelandic word is translated as Christmas book flood. Here’s a few book facts gleaned from the internet.
The tradition in Iceland is to give a book as a gift on Christmas Eve. The recipient curls into a comfy chair with a warm cup of hot chocolate, coffee, or Christmas ale and reads the book late into the night if not all night. The idea started during World War II when imports of gift items were severely limited. Paper was not rationed and books were printed. Everyone loved to get a new book for Christmas. By 1944 the practice of Jolabokaflod was established in Icelandic tradition.
Each year by mid-November Icelandic publishers ready their book catalogs to be sent to every household. Iceland publishes more books per capita than any country in the world.
In 2013 Iceland’s Bifrost University conducted a survey of book readers. Results showed 50% of Icelanders read eight or more books a year. 93% of Icelanders read at least one book a year. I caught myself feeling slightly competitive.
Since last March I have re-read books from my own library until the supply was exhausted. I text my neighbor who has a floor to ceiling collection of books. I asked for something light and wonderful. Something that would keep me reading and yet allow me to sleep at night. (the world is too much with me at times). She provided five books to fit the bill.
During this pandemic year I did not go to the library though they have made every effort to make resources safe and available. Even now the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library system is hosting a Winter Challenge via its Beanstack reading platform. The Challenge involves reading 10 books over a three-month period starting January 1 through March 1, 2021. Find information at lowndes.beanstack.org or 662-329-5300. Give the Icelanders a run for their money.
Following close behind is World Book Day on March 4, 2021. The website worldbookday.com has a world of books, activities, virtual readings, and more benefitting children all over the world.
Locally this newspaper promotes the Imagination Library providing children up to age five with a new book every month delivered by mail. Information is available by calling the Commercial Dispatch office at 662-328-2424 or online at lowndesil.org. To receive a book is an extraordinary gift at any time all over the world.
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