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Every December, something magical happens in Iceland. Families exchange books on Christmas Eve, curl up with warm drinks, and spend the night reading. This tradition is called Jólabókaflóð, meaning “The Christmas Book Flood,” and it has become a beloved celebration of stories, connection, and cozy winter reading. 

But this tradition isn’t just for Iceland—it’s become a global inspiration. And for authors, it opens up a meaningful, seasonal marketing opportunity. 

Here’s how you can tap into the charm and warmth of Jólabókaflóð to promote your book and connect with readers who love the idea of giving and receiving books during the holidays. 

What Is Jólabókaflóð? (And Why Readers Love It) 

Jólabókaflóð dates back to World War II, when imported goods were scarce but paper was inexpensive. Books became the go-to Christmas gift, and the tradition stuck. Today, it’s still one of the most cherished cultural rituals in Iceland. 

Readers worldwide are drawn to it because it celebrates: 

• Books as meaningful gifts 

• Cozy, slow winter evenings 

• The pleasure of reading with no distractions 

• Connection through shared stories 

This is exactly the emotional atmosphere authors can use to make their book feel like the perfect holiday purchase. 

How Authors Can Use Jólabókaflóð to Promote their Book 

1. Frame Your Book as a Cozy Holiday Gift 

Use posts, graphics, or email copy that tie your book to the tradition: 

• “Celebrate Jólabókaflóð with a new book!” 

• “The perfect pick for your Christmas Book Flood reading night.” 

• “Give the gift of a warm, immersive story this holiday season.” 

Appeal to the feelings of comfort, connection, and slow, mindful reading. 

2. Host a Jólabókaflóð-Themed Giveaway 

Giveaways are great for engagement, especially when tied to seasonal traditions. 

Prizes might include: 

• A signed copy of your book 

• A cozy gift bundle (tea, cocoa, candles) 

• A holiday bookmark or bookplate 

• An eBook version for instant gifting 

Ask entrants to share, tag, or comment on what they love about holiday reading. 

3. Create a “Jólabókaflóð Gift Guide” 

Readers love curated lists, and your book can shine among them. 

Ideas include: 

• A blog post featuring books similar to yours 

• A carousel or story series on Instagram 

• A downloadable PDF list 

• A YouTube or TikTok video talking through book picks 

Highlight your book as a perfect addition to a reader’s Christmas Eve stack. 

4. Offer Personalized Signed Copies 

Nothing embodies the spirit of the Christmas Book Flood like a signed book gifted to someone special. 

Promote: 

• Signed copies mailed in gift-worthy packaging 

• Personalized inscriptions 

• Holiday bookplates 

• “Gift this book” options on your site 

Make gifting as convenient and sentimental as possible. 

5. Share Bookish Holiday Imagery 

Lean into cozy aesthetics: 

• Cups of cocoa 

• Warm blankets 

• Winter candles 

• Snowy windowsills 

• Your book in festive settings 

Readers respond strongly to seasonal visual storytelling—it brings Jólabókaflóð to life. 

6. Partner With Local Bookstores for a Themed Event 

Pitch a “Christmas Book Flood Author Night” or “Holiday Cozy Reading Event.” 
Activities could include: 

• A reading or signing 

• A cocoa or tea station 

• A discount for buying multiple books as gifts 

• A book-pairing or blind-date-with-a-book table 

Bookstores love seasonal events that gather book lovers. 

7. Encourage Readers to Gift Your eBook 

The Icelandic tradition focuses on physical books, but the modern “book flood” absolutely includes digital reading. 

Promote eBooks as: 

• Instant last-minute gifts 

• Affordable stocking stuffers 

• Great for travel during the holidays 

You can even create a printable “gift this eBook” card or insert. 

8. Incorporate Jólabókaflóð Into Your Newsletter 

Send your subscribers: 

• A personal note about your own holiday reading 

• A coupon code 

• A themed giveaway 

• A “behind the scenes” look at your writing tradition 

• Printable gift tags inspired by the Book Flood 

These add value and deepen reader connection. 

A Cozy Tradition that Helps Authors Connect with Readers 

Jólabókaflóð isn’t just a charming Icelandic ritual—it’s a universal celebration of reading, relaxation, and shared stories. By tapping into this tradition, authors can position their book as a thoughtful, heartwarming holiday gift and deepen their relationship with readers who love meaningful seasonal experiences. 

Whether through themed giveaways, cozy imagery, giftable formats, or curated recommendations, your book can become part of someone’s Christmas Eve tradition—and maybe even their new favorite read. 

Outskirts Press 
Where gratitude meets great publishing. 

Connect with a Publishing Consultant today to learn how Outskirts Press can help YOU publish YOUR masterpiece:

• Call 1-888-672-6657
• Live Chat at OutskirtsPress.com
• Schedule a free consultation 

Outskirts Press stands behind our book printing and design services with the best 100% satisfaction guarantee in the self-publishing industry. Start publishing today.

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Have you written a book that you’d like to publish?

Connect with a Publishing Consultant today to learn how Outskirts Press can help YOU publish YOUR masterpiece:

• Call 1-888-672-6657
• Live Chat at OutskirtsPress.com
• Schedule a free consultation 

Outskirts Press stands behind our book printing and design services with the best 100% satisfaction guarantee in the self-publishing industry. Start publishing today.

^{Click above to watch the video. New authors, click here for your free publishing kit.}

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The holiday season moves fast—and so do holiday shoppers. As December winds down, many people are still scrambling to find meaningful, affordable, last-minute gifts. That’s great news for authors, because eBooks are one of the easiest, fastest, and most giftable digital products available. 

Whether readers need a quick present for a friend, a budget-friendly stocking stuffer, or a thoughtful add-on to a larger gift, your eBook could be exactly what they’re looking for—and you can position it that way. 

Here’s how authors can tap into this seasonal buying mindset to boost holiday sales and reach new readers at the very moment they’re ready to buy. 

Why eBooks Make Perfect Last-Minute Gifts 

1. Instant Delivery Means Instant Gratification 

No shipping delays. No sold-out worries. No package tracking. 
Shoppers can purchase and send an eBook in seconds, making it an ideal solution for last-minute gifts or forgotten stockings. 

2. Budget-Friendly for Tight Holiday Wallets 

During a time when budgets are stretched, eBooks offer an affordable option that still feels thoughtful and personal. This makes them attractive to price-conscious shoppers. 

3. Easy to Personalize with a Message 

Most platforms allow gift senders to include a custom message (“Thought you’d love this!”), making the gift feel intentional—not rushed. 

4. Perfect for Stockings and Add-Ons 

Even digital gifts can be represented physically: 

• Print a pretty “You’ve Been Gifted an eBook!” card 

• Slip a bookmark or postcard into a stocking 

• Pair with chocolate, tea, or candles as a cozy reading bundle 

It’s a small gift with big perceived value. 

How Authors Can Promote eBooks for Last-Minute Holiday Sales 

1. Run a “Last-Minute Gift” Campaign on Social Media 

Use language that speaks directly to overwhelmed shoppers: 

• “Need a thoughtful gift—fast? My eBook delivers instantly!” 

• “Perfect stocking stuffer for readers!” 

• “Great for last-minute holiday shoppers—give the gift of a new read!” 

Pair these with cozy holiday graphics, book mockups, or a simple “gift card” style announcement. 

2. Post Countdown Reminders the Week Before Christmas 

People wait until the final week for many purchases. 
Daily countdown posts (“Only 3 days left—avoid shipping delays!”) tap into urgency without feeling pushy. 

3. Offer a Limited-Time Holiday Discount 

A small markdown—especially when paired with messaging like “holiday special”—can attract buyers quickly. Make sure to emphasize: “Instant delivery—arrives in their inbox today!” 

4. Share Easy-to-Gift Instructions 

Not all readers know you can gift eBooks. 
Create a short post showing how: 

• On Amazon 

• On Apple Books 

• On Kobo 

• On other platforms 

Screenshots or 10-second videos work beautifully. 

5. Create Printable Gift Inserts for Last-Minute Buyers 

Offer a downloadable PDF gift note: 

• “You’ve been gifted [Your Book Title]!” 

• Space for a personal message 

• Your cover image 

• A bonus quote or tagline 

Buyers can print and slip it into a stocking, card, or envelope. 

6. Send a Holiday Email to Your Newsletter 

Include: 

• A short holiday message 

• A reminder that eBooks make perfect last-minute gifts 

• A clear link with “Gift the eBook” text 

• Optional discount 

• A printable insert download 

People are actively checking email this time of year. 

7. Encourage Fans to Gift Your eBook, Too 

Ask your existing readers to gift your book to a friend who: 

• Loves your genre 

• Needs inspiration 

• Enjoys cozy winter reads 

• Is looking for something new for the new year 

Fans often enjoy supporting indie authors, especially during the holidays. 

Turn Procrastinating Shoppers into New Readers 

December’s last week is a goldmine for digital gifts, and eBooks fit perfectly into the last-minute holiday shopping mindset. By naming this benefit, promoting it clearly, and giving buyers the tools to gift easily, you can boost visibility, increase sales, and introduce your book to new readers right as the year ends. 

Outskirts Press 
Where gratitude meets great publishing. 

Connect with a Publishing Consultant today to learn how Outskirts Press can help YOU publish YOUR masterpiece:

• Call 1-888-672-6657
• Live Chat at OutskirtsPress.com
• Schedule a free consultation 

Outskirts Press stands behind our book printing and design services with the best 100% satisfaction guarantee in the self-publishing industry. Start publishing today.

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