Embracing the Spirit of Christmas: More than Just Presents- its a Book Flood
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There have been years where I've had my Christmas shopping all wrapped up by the end of October… this is definitely not one of those years! As the festive season ramps up, I would normally be getting excited to be super organised and sorted for December.
I have always adored Christmas. I love the tradition of putting our tree up on the 1st of December, decorating the house with wreaths and candles, all while the classic carols play in the background. It's these little moments that build the magic of the season.
This year, is going to be different and we will be moving house.... so no house decorating for us. In recent years, I've fallen in love with a beautiful Icelandic tradition called Jolabokaflod, which translates to the "Christmas Book Flood."
The idea is simple: you gift a book to someone you love on Christmas Eve. This tradition began during World War II when many goods were scarce, but paper was still available, making books the perfect gift. On Christmas Eve, families and friends exchange books, sip on hot chocolate, and spend the evening reading together.
I absolutely love this concept. It's such a beautiful way to slow down and connect. If your inspired to start your own Jolabokaflod this year, here are a few of our favourite books for gifting.
Our Jolabokaflod Book Picks
For the Kids: The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. A true Christmas classic that captures the magic and wonder of the season. The beautiful illustrations and enchanting story make it a perfect book to read together on Christmas Eve.
For the Whole Family: A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig. This is a heart-warming and hilarious story about the origins of Father Christmas. It's full of adventure and has a wonderful message about kindness and hope.
For the Grown Ups: The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan. A charming and cozy novel set in a magical bookshop in Edinburgh during Christmas. It's the perfect escape for any book lover needing a little festive cheer.
This year may be a bit different for us, but I still be spending Christmas Eve reading. December in Australia is a wee bit hot for hot chocolate, so maybe a cold milo for kids would be better... I will be up for a glass of festive bubbles (or two!) and happy to eat some delicious chocolate or a healthier chocolate alternative, while I read my book.
This lovely tradition taps into the real heart of the Christmas spirit – the joy of giving. It's a time when we open our hearts, not just to our loved ones, but to those who might be doing it tough. We find so much fulfilment in acts of kindness, whether it's volunteering, donating to a charity, or simply showing extra generosity to those we meet.
Christmas is also a perfect time to pause and reflect on the blessings we so often take for granted. It's an invitation to slow down, savour the moments of togetherness, and create lasting memories. Whether it's sharing a meal, playing a game, or just having a good chat, these are the moments that truly matter.
Of course, for many, Christmas can be a challenging time filled with loneliness, financial pressure, or conflict. It's a timely reminder to be kind to the retail staff, the nurses, the support workers, and everyone you encounter during this busy period. You never know what someone is going through, and a small act of kindness can make a world of difference.
This Christmas, I encourage our Mumma Chelles community to carry the essence of the Christmas spirit beyond the festive season, let's all be a little kinder, more understanding, and more generous all year round.
May we all embrace the true spirit of Christmas and let it transform our lives, one joyful and compassionate act at a time.
Merry Christmas to you all.
love,
Chelle 💗
P.S. Mumma Chelles will now be on a blogging break until January 2026. Thank you so much for being part of the Mumma Chelles Community. Keep an eye on our social pages for best sellers and bargains heading to the New Year.
Special Educator Complex Supports and Family Support Specialist
