The Perfect Gift For Readers this Christmas.
We dispatch daily all throughout the month.
Order before the 19/12/25 for delivery by Christmas!
Jolabokaflod
One of my favourite things about the holidays is traditions. Weather it’s small family traditions like wearing matching Christmas jumpers each year or the large national scale like the entirety of Ireland tuning in to watch kids excitedly sing and play with toys on The Late Late Toy Show every year. There is something so unique, heart-warming and connecting about all these traditions.
Which is why when I learned about Jolabokaflod I was so intrigued as it seemed to encapsulate both small family traditions and large national ones so seamlessly!
Jolabokaflod (or the Christmas book flood) is an Icelandic tradition going back to the aftermath of World War Two when shortages put a lot of Christmas Gifts in short supply. But one thing there was an abundance of was paper. This led to a catalogue called the Bókatíðindi (or book journal) being made and handed out to all around the country. It contained all the new releases for the year and encouraged books as the go to present for the coming Christmas. Something that was so easily available and yet so meaningful as a present.
As the years went on the tradition grew and now Iceland has the highest reading rate in Europe with 93% of the people reading at least one book every year! Every year on Christmas Eve Icelandic households gather around to give each other new books. Often the curl up in front of a fire enjoying a nice mug of hot chocolate and quietly enjoy their new books together on the cold wintery night. I don’t know if it is the overly enthused book worm in me, but there is something so magical about the idea of sitting down with all your loved ones to enjoy some fantastical new story in amongst all the hustle and bustle that normally occurs around Christmas. Any to know thousands of families around the country are doing the same. Taking this small moment of quiet and peace. Alone but together.
It really sums up the Joys of Christmas to me. A time to gather and enjoy the simple things together. It’s a beautiful tradition and one that I think a lot of families would love to participate in!
What are some traditions your families celebrate? Do you think you’ll participate in the “Christmas book flood” this Christmas Eve?
If you'd like a surprise read each month picked just for you, why not treat yourself to a Willoughby Book Club subscription? Think of us as your personal book concierges, and let us take the stress out of deciding what to read next.
Fiction Subscription
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£49.00 GBP
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Calling all readers! Our Fiction Book Subscription is the perfect way to enjoy a book each month that has been chosen just for you, by the Willoughby Book Club team of book specialists. What could be a nicer treat than a beautifully presented book, chosen just for you arriving on your doorstep each month?
Perfect as a thoughtful gift, or as a special treat to yourself, our Fiction subscription will take you on a curated reading adventure tailored to your tastes. From thrilling mysteries and epic fantasies to poignant dramas and heartwarming romances, our selection promises an adventure on every page.
Think of us as your personal book concierges; simply tell us about your reading tastes, then sit back and let us do the rest.
We're book lovers and readers, and sharing our love of books is our passion. We can't wait to share our book selections with you! We aim to delight you with every book, and bring you on a journey of the imagination, introducing you to books and authors you may not have already encountered.
No two subscriptions are ever the same, because we know that all readers are unique.
What will my Fiction Book Subscription include?
- Free UK delivery, straight to their door
- Hand-selected books for each recipient
- Beautifully gift-wrapped books, making it an extra special parcel!
- A Willoughby Book Club bookmark with each book
- A beautiful reading notes notebook enclosed with their first book
- A special message from you included in the first delivery (optional)
- Your first fiction books will be dispatched within five working days
- Thereafter, books will be dispatched at the start of each month
- You will instantly receive a Gift Certificate to your email to gift to them (or print and pop in a card)
What we do:
- Our book specialists curate selections based on the recipient’s reading tastes, no two subscriptions are the same
- All our packaging is fully recyclable, including the stickers
- Our boxes are sustainably produced and sourced locally
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We donate a brand-new book to Book Aid International for every subscription purchase
Not sure which genre they like? Gift the Book Gift Tin where the recipient can inform us of their own reading tastes.
If you would like to set up an International subscription please select one of our International Book Subscriptions.
Read more about how our book subscriptions work