I was surprised at the scarcity of websites or links that describe book traditions that occur on Christmas when I scoured the internet for some ideas for this post. I found a couple, but below I have suggested a few more traditions that may help your friends and family get into a reading and possibly writing mood this Christmas season.
1. Read the Nativity Story from the Bible.
This is perhaps the most obvious—and the most important—way to remind your family about the importance of record-keeping and the written word, but what better way to remind them about the true meaning of Christmas than form the primary source?
2. “Jolabokaflod” – The “Christmas Book Flood”
In Iceland, there is a tradition where family and friends give their loved ones wrapped books for Christmas and then read with them on Christmas Eve. I personally think it’s high-time America adopts this tradition, don’t you?
3. Read aloud Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
I’ve seen this tradition done before, but I wonder how many people actually do this. At any rate, it seems like a nice idea to remind people about the classic stories and traditions of the Victorian Christmas (a time that introduced people to the famous Christmas traditions that many people still practice today).
4. White Elephant Book Exchange
I was saddened that I didn’t get the chance to participate in a White Elephant gift party this Christmas (usually my church puts one on), but what a neat idea to have a book-themed one!
5. Christmas Eve bookstore or library trip.
I’m going off the Icelandic tradition with this one, but I thought that it would be fun to go with friends or family, or both, to a bookstore or a library and pick one book to read on Christmas Eve, or Christmas Eve-Eve (depending on when they are open).
Hopefully, you have had the chance or will have the chance to share the written word with your loved ones this Christmas or next season! Happy Reading this Christmas and New Year!
Ashley Weaver 