According to an official jolabokaflodid website, the ritual began during the second world war after Iceland had gained its independence from Denmark in 1944. Paper was one of the few commodities not rationed during the war, so Icelanders shared their love of books as other types of gifts were in short supply.

During the festive season, gifts are opened on 24 December and, by tradition, everyone reads the books they have been given straight away, often while drinking hot chocolate or alcohol-free Christmas ale called jólabland.

So if you’re socialising less, prioritising relaxation or simply don’t want to face the outside world right now, why not try switching off the Christmas films in place of getting lost in a good book? We guarantee you’ll feel even a tiny bit better for it.

Jolabokaflodid: how this cosy Icelandic Christmas Eve tradition can help you feel more festive