JolaLOPIflod

Icelandic Christmas Yarn Flood

Jolabokaflod 📚

If you have scrolled Instagram in the past few weeks (and you have yarn- and book-enhanced algorithms like me), you may have seen the beautiful photos and videos that describe Jolabokaflod. This is the Icelandic tradition which translates to “Christmas Book Flood.” Essentially, on Christmas Eve people gift their loved ones new books, and everyone stays up all night reading.

I’m with those who think that this tradition sounds absolutely amazing! [All of you book lovers are nodding your heads.] Of course, I would imagine that not every Icelander appreciates the tradition. I have to wonder how many people make it through the whole night awake and reading. I know a few people who would accept their books graciously, grab a cup of hot chocolate, pad off to their rooms, and then fall asleep within a half-hour.

I suppose they separate to their own spaces so that people can make their die hard stay-up-and-read or give-in-to-sleep choices privately.

Jolalopiflod 🧶

While this all sounds lovely, I believe I have come up with a better tradition! On Christmas Eve, let’s gift each other YARN (or “lopi” in Icelandic) and go off to knit/crochet/weave/make all night while we listen to our favorite Christmas audiobooks, music, or movies.

💠 Knitting by candles and twinkle lights. 💠 Cuddled down under blankets. 💠 Listening to media that feels like Home. 💠

What a lovely and magical way to spend a night.

Now I just have to convince all of my non-fiber-artist family and friends that this is a great idea! Wish me luck.🤞

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Let me know if you precipitate your own Christmas Yarn Flood!

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Check out my great-for-Christmas-Eve-knitting patterns on Ravelry and Etsy. And don’t forget that the Whomping Willow Warmer and Diamonds in Snow Sweater Ornament patterns are still on sale through the end of 2023! No code needed on Etsy; use code GIFTGIFT on Ravelry.

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Feel like watching some knitting tutorials or chatty “What I’m knitting and reading” videos? Here are links to YouTube and photo inspo from Mountain Song Designs:

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