National Christmas Book Day is a festive celebration dedicated to purchasing, reading, and gifting Christmas-themed books, marking the beginning of the holiday season’s literary traditions.
Quick Facts
When is it: December 1st annually
Tagged as: Literary Holiday, Christmas Celebration
What’s the hashtag: #ChristmasBookDay
When was it founded: 2021
Who founded it: Jill Roman Lord, author of “That Grand Christmas Day!”
History of National Christmas Book Day
The day was established to promote the love of Christmas literature and encourage families to start their holiday season with festive reading traditions. While relatively new as an official observance, the practice of giving books during Christmas has deep roots, particularly in Iceland’s Jolabokaflod tradition dating back to 1944.
Timeline
- 1843: First Christmas cards coincide with publication of “A Christmas Carol”
- 1944: Iceland establishes Jolabokaflod tradition
- 2021: First official National Christmas Book Day celebration
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | December 1 | Monday |
| 2026 | December 1 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | December 1 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | December 1 | Thursday |
| 2029 | December 1 | Friday |
| 2030 | December 1 | Saturday |
Observed
The day is celebrated by reading Christmas books, giving books as early holiday gifts, and organizing festive reading gatherings. Many bookstores and libraries host special events, storytimes, and book displays featuring holiday-themed literature.
Fun Facts About Christmas Books
- “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens was published the same year as the first Christmas cards
- The tradition of Christmas book-giving in Iceland involves exchanging books on Christmas Eve
- Many classic Christmas stories were originally published as newspaper serials
- Christmas-themed books are often passed down through generations as family heirlooms
Quiz
- When was “A Christmas Carol” published?
- What is the Icelandic Christmas book tradition called?
- Who wrote “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas”?
-(Answers: 1843, Jolabokaflod, Clement Clarke Moore)
FAQs
- Can I celebrate if I don’t have Christmas books?
Yes, you can start your collection on this day or borrow from libraries. - Should I only read Christmas books?
While Christmas themes are traditional, any book that brings joy is appropriate. - Is it only for children?
No, readers of all ages can participate.
Related
- World Book Day
- National Read a Book Day
- Independent Bookstore Day
- Children’s Book Week
- International Literacy Day