Nowhere in the known universe is there a safer haven for a book than in Iceland. While Christmas in the U.S. might be about toys, gadgets, and other knicknacks, in Iceland, it’s about books.

Local books aren’t published year round the way they are elsewhere, but at the end of the year – in time for the “Yule Book Flood,” or Jolabokaflod.

That kicks off the book-gifting frenzy, which culminates on Christmas Eve. This is when Icelanders open their gifted books so the rest of the holiday can be enjoyed curled up with a good story.

And we’re bringing this cozy tradition to Portland.