Pages of my Life – Kelly Goshorn
by Kelly J. Goshorn
I don’t know about you, but I love giving and receiving books as Christmas gifts. In fact, my book club has gotten in the habit of having a “Blind Date with a Book” gift exchange each December. That tradition got me thinking about what other cultures might have fun reading or book giving traditions around the Christmas holiday. From cozy firesides to candlelit evenings, here are a few ways different countries celebrate Christmas through the written word.
Iceland: A Nation of Books on Christmas Eve
Perhaps the most famous Christmas reading tradition comes from Iceland. Known as Jólabókaflóð, or “the Christmas Book Flood.” This custom dates back to World War II, when paper was more accessible than many imported goods. Every Christmas Eve, Icelanders exchange books as gifts. The evening is then spent reading, often accompanied by hot chocolate. For many families, it’s the highlight of the holiday—quiet, intimate, and deeply personal. This tradition reflects Iceland’s strong literary heritage and its belief that books are among the most meaningful gifts one can give.
Italy: Storytelling Across Generations
Italian Christmas traditions emphasize oral storytelling as much as printed books. Families gather to share stories—particularly those connected to the Nativity but may also come from the country’s own folklore. While children may receive books as gifts, older relatives often recount familiar tales from memory.
Spain and Latin America: Stories After the Celebrations
In Spain and many Latin American countries, Christmas festivities extend well beyond December 25, lasting through early January. Reading often happens during the quieter moments between celebrations. Children frequently receive books around Epiphany (January 6) rather than Christmas Day. Folktales, Bible stories, and contemporary children’s literature play a strong role, alongside family storytelling traditions that emphasize moral lessons and cultural history.
The Philippines: Faith and Family Narratives
In the Philippines, where Christmas is deeply rooted in faith, reading during the season often centers on Bible passages and devotional materials. Families may read from the Bible together or share stories connected to the Nativity during the long Christmas season, which unofficially begins in September and ends well into January. Children’s books that combine faith, family values, and local culture are especially popular, reinforcing the role of storytelling in communal life.
Australia: Summer Reading Traditions
Christmas in The Land Down Under falls during summer and reading traditions reflect that. Books are often read outdoors—on beaches, patios, or during holiday travel. Christmas gifts frequently include novels, memoirs, or lighthearted fiction ideal for relaxed summer reading. While Christmas-themed stories exist, many readers associate the season with simply having time to read for pleasure, making books an essential part of the holiday break.
Mexico: Faith and Storytelling Together
In Mexico, Christmas reading traditions are closely connected to faith and community. During Las Posadas, which take place in the days leading up to Christmas, families and neighbors reenact Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. These gatherings often include readings or recitations that tell the Nativity story. On Christmas Eve, passages from the Bible are commonly read aloud before or after the evening meal. Children’s books retelling the Christmas story are also popular, helping younger family members understand the meaning behind the celebrations.
A Shared Love of Stories
Across cultures, Christmas reading traditions blend storytelling, faith, family, and quiet reflection. In a season often filled with noise and activity, books offer us an opportunity to slow down—a chance to reconnect with ourselves, our Father, and our families. Whether it’s opening a new novel in Iceland, reading on a beach in Australia, or listening to the Nativity story in Mexico, books remind us that stories are one of the most enduring and meaningful gifts throughout the world.
Do you have any special reading traditions, books or stories you like revisit each year?
Kelly Goshorn is the bestselling author of The Undercover Heiress of Brockton and A Love Restored. When she is not writing, Kelly enjoys binge-watching BBC period dramas, exploring historical sites with her husband, board-gaming with family and friends, and spoiling her Welsh corgi, Biscuit.
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