JOLABOKAFLOD - An Icelandic Book Exchange

How it works:

On Christmas Eve, books are given as gifts to family members. Everyone then settles in to read their new books for the rest of the evening. Hot chocolate or other treats are a common accompaniment to the reading session.

Origins:

The tradition started around 1944, during World War II. Restrictions on foreign imports made paper one of the few available commodities. Publishing houses released a large number of new books in the weeks leading up to Christmas, creating the "Christmas book flood". The tradition has continued and is a deeply ingrained part of Icelandic culture. A book bulletin, known as the Bokatidindi, is delivered to every household in November to showcase new publications and help with gift selection. Iceland is known for publishing more books per capita than any other country, and a significant portion of book sales occur in the months before Christmas.

SWAP DESCRIPTION:

For this swap, everyone will have a Book Wishlist link on their Profile for their partner to access. An Amazon Wishlist, for example. Everyone will choose one book off their partner's list to send to them. These books don't have to be brand new. They don't have to be bought off Amazon. They can be purchased anywhere, even a used bookstore, or a library book sale, but they HAVE to be in very good condition. No marks, writing, or highlights in the book, unless you find an author signed copy 😁, no rips, no damage. Basically I want everyone to receive a like new copy. These are Christmas gifts, after all.

There is no spending requirement. You might find a Like New book for $5 depending on where you find it, or you might spend 10 or $12 on Amazon purchasing it directly from there. Most books are not expensive on Amazon. You can get paperback or hardback editions. Partners can specify on their wishlist which they prefer, but you may receive a softcover of a book when you preferred a hardcover. The point of this swap is to receive a book title you're interested in.

After you purchase the book, wrap it up like a Christmas gift in Christmas paper. These are Christmas gifts If you do not have Christmas paper, any solid color paper can be used (red, green, gold, silver, white, or even brown Kraft paper, etc) and embellished with Christmas themed stickers, rubber stamping, washi, or yarn or ribbon, etc. Just make the package Christmas-y. 😊 Also there are great tutorials online on wrapping books so there are pockets. Inside these pockets you can add extras like stickers, bookmarks, tea packet, cocoa packet, etc. Please include hot chocolate or chocolate candy with your book as the tradition does include this I think a cozy note or letter would be a nice inclusion for your partner to read, perhaps describing what traditions you enjoy and if this Icelandic tradition is one you might continue. It is not required but do consider this cozy inclusion.😊

When you mail your book and chocolate, you should automatically receive a tracking number at post office when you get postage applied. Please send tracking number to your partner AND to me the Hostess in a PM.

To participate in this swap, you must live in USA. You must have a 4.98 minimum rating. You must have completed 20 Type 3 swaps. No unresolved 1s. No double profilers. If you see any in the Participant list, LMK. I do ban after the swap ends but I appreciate any heads up beforehand if you know anything. I also Angel my swaps.