Each person can read from as many (or as few) books as they choose! So they can read one book the whole evening, or dip into several books depending on their mood. We *may* also read aloud once or twice during the evening. There are many ways to do it!
If we had only very young children (ie, non-readers) it would look a bit differently: simply an evening of reading aloud together.
My family wasn't doing the Jolabokaflod, and I don't think I did it intentionally, but for some reason on New Year's Eve I ended up reading a few pages of Dickens' "Great Expectations." I really enjoyed it, because I'm at the very beginning of the book and am just starting to get into the story. So it looks like I followed your tradition after all!
Love all of your suggestions here, Shannon. We started "book flood" about five years ago after one of our kids heard about it in a culture class at their tutorial. We've done thrift store books to brand new books, quirky, surprise books to books that they've been waiting to be released. I try to find some fun chocolate to have out to snack on.
I will say that in late high school one of my kids lost their love of reading and hasn't gotten it back five years later (this is tough for a mama who kind of prided herself on having a family full of readers). So I try to find a way to make it fun for her too instead of make her feel bad for not being excited about books. And now that they are older I lower my expectations that they will truly read all evening.
LOVE the idea of moving this to New Years Eve. Christmas Eve is never short of activity but we always struggled with what to do with NYE. Plus it spreads out the gift giving!
I have never heard of this, and I love it! We have been talking about the traditions we want to start for our family and this is one I'd love to incorporate. What a rich history too. The word literally sounds like "jolly book flood."
Ohhh I like this so much! Remind me, what is the age range of your children? I have two readers who would really enjoy this — I have to remove chapter books from their bedroom on a weekly basis to make sure they get a good night’s sleep. So, permission to stay up late reading is a dream come true for them!
Your tips are so helpful, too. Thank you, Shannon, and Happy Jolabokaflod to you and your family!
They’re 14 to 4; we’ll put the youngest down at her usual time, and the second youngest (6) we’ll put down a bit later than usual. Then the older four (ages 9-14) will be allowed to stay up til midnight! They absolutely love it.
And it sounds like your readers will love it, too! Enjoy!
This is so cozy! St. Nicholas brings our kids books every year so Dec 6 ends up being a day like this. But I like the idea for NYE!
I think it is a lovely tradition to do anytime during the Christmas season!
Just to clarify... Do you read only from one book, finish a few, or start several of them?
Each person can read from as many (or as few) books as they choose! So they can read one book the whole evening, or dip into several books depending on their mood. We *may* also read aloud once or twice during the evening. There are many ways to do it!
If we had only very young children (ie, non-readers) it would look a bit differently: simply an evening of reading aloud together.
My family wasn't doing the Jolabokaflod, and I don't think I did it intentionally, but for some reason on New Year's Eve I ended up reading a few pages of Dickens' "Great Expectations." I really enjoyed it, because I'm at the very beginning of the book and am just starting to get into the story. So it looks like I followed your tradition after all!
Love it! Enjoy your Dickens :)
We do this the day after Christmas and it’s the best!
Perfect day for it!
This sounds really lovely!!
Thank you! It is lovely, but not always *peaceful*. 😉
Love all of your suggestions here, Shannon. We started "book flood" about five years ago after one of our kids heard about it in a culture class at their tutorial. We've done thrift store books to brand new books, quirky, surprise books to books that they've been waiting to be released. I try to find some fun chocolate to have out to snack on.
I will say that in late high school one of my kids lost their love of reading and hasn't gotten it back five years later (this is tough for a mama who kind of prided herself on having a family full of readers). So I try to find a way to make it fun for her too instead of make her feel bad for not being excited about books. And now that they are older I lower my expectations that they will truly read all evening.
LOVE the idea of moving this to New Years Eve. Christmas Eve is never short of activity but we always struggled with what to do with NYE. Plus it spreads out the gift giving!
Yes! New Year’s Eve can be hard; this seems to be a great way to spend that evening for the homebody/bookish types!
I have never heard of this, and I love it! We have been talking about the traditions we want to start for our family and this is one I'd love to incorporate. What a rich history too. The word literally sounds like "jolly book flood."
I love it because it is so simple!
Sometimes Christmas traditions are exhausting and overwhelming; this one is so restful and leisurely.
Sounds lovely! Planning to do this very soon ☺️
Love it! Enjoy!
I love this idea!! My kids are 1 and 4 right now but I would love to implement it when they get a bit older.
Yes! And honestly you could even start it now, just reading together, but skipping the stay-up-til-midnight part ☺️
Ohhh I like this so much! Remind me, what is the age range of your children? I have two readers who would really enjoy this — I have to remove chapter books from their bedroom on a weekly basis to make sure they get a good night’s sleep. So, permission to stay up late reading is a dream come true for them!
Your tips are so helpful, too. Thank you, Shannon, and Happy Jolabokaflod to you and your family!
They’re 14 to 4; we’ll put the youngest down at her usual time, and the second youngest (6) we’ll put down a bit later than usual. Then the older four (ages 9-14) will be allowed to stay up til midnight! They absolutely love it.
And it sounds like your readers will love it, too! Enjoy!
I love this!! I’ve never heard of it but absolutely need to implement it.
I almost didn’t want to write about it because I felt like everyone had already heard about it…so glad I did!
Oh I’ve wanted to do something like this for so long! Maybe one day! It sounds simply heavenly! 🤍
I say do it! No need to wait til December; all of the dreary, dark winter months are just perfect for an evening spent reading.
This is beautiful, Shannon! Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you and your family, Bethany!