There is an Icelandic tradition called the “Yule Book Flood” which involves the gifting of books on Christmas Eve. Participants spend the night before Christmas reading their newly acquired tomes and drinking hot chocolate. Apparently (according to our friend Google), this well-loved tradition began during World War Two and has continued to be a festive favourite among our Nordic neighbours. Of course I don’t need to remind you, fellow literary fans, of my own yuletide family tradition involving the gifting of festive fiction but when contemplating this sumptuous tradition, it made me ponder: why do books make such a wonderful gift? Here are 3 reasons why:
1. The Personal Touch
A well-chosen read that suits the individual's taste can be a sign of familiarity and affection. If your 87-year-old Grandma enjoys nothing more than a gruesome Stephen King, then gifting her a signed, hardback copy of Misery will make her day! You might be wondering whether this example is based on truth? My dear readers, it is! My Grandma (who sadly left us almost 19 years ago) informed us one Sunday, with great enthusiasm I might add, that she had watched a film called Misery. “It was good-o!” she exclaimed, “and the end... the make-up lady did a fantastic job!” It’s telling your recipient that you accept them and wouldn’t change them for anything.
2. Immediate Captivation
I grew up in an era where annuals at Christmas were a staple stocking filler. We knew exactly what they were, the rectangular, hardbacked shape giving it away. Tearing the paper off, I immediately pored over the escapades of my favourite characters from my weekly magazines (anyone read Judy magazine? Just me...?). When you acquire a new book, what do you do first? Do you read the blurb on the back? Do you sniff the pages? Or like me, do you run your fingers over the front cover? It’s a tangible, sensory experience. It immediately invites us to take a closer look, whether this be reading the first page or scrutinising the illustration on the front cover. I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m rather partial to an audiobook, but nothing beats holding a brand-new book.
3. A Sign of Affection
I am about to read A Box of Delights for the second time in as many years. I mentioned to my dear Dad last year that the TV series from the 80s was being re-shown to celebrate its 40th anniversary. A couple of days later, a Quentin Blake illustrated copy of John Masefield’s classic tale dropped onto my mat. The perfect Christmassy tale, filled with nostalgia and fantasy. If, like me, you are lucky enough to have a close-knit community of bookworms, a regular conversation starter might be “I’ve just finished reading this book and I immediately thought of you.” What greater way to tell someone that you were thinking about them!
So, literary loungers, I am in full support of our Icelandic brethren. In fact, it appears that this is a tradition we all share. The gifting of books, whether on Christmas Eve, birthdays or just because you care is a wonderful thing. Throw a hot chocolate in and it might just be on the verge of perfection!
“Gleðilega lesningu!”
(Happy reading!)
Debx
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