Create a Holiday Book Flood
There are many ways to create beautiful advent traditions in your family.
We have used chocolate advent calendars from Trader Joe's, read through All Creation Waits and Unearthing Wonder, and even made our own animal advent calendar to coincide with All Creation Waits.
We have also made our own clay advent wreath to place a candle in for each day of advent.
Another way we have celebrated advent is by wrapping up 25 favorite Christmas stories and opening them one at a time leading up to Christmas.
This made an activity we already to at Christmas, reading aloud, into an exciting advent activity.
In Iceland, this custom of wrapping up books and giving them as Christmas gifts is called a "book flood" or, Jólabókaflóð. As homeschoolers who love sharing beautiful books with our children, this is a perfect tradition to adopt. And what better way to introduce it than one story at a time over the whole month of December!
We have an exciting new resource for you this year so you can recreate this fun holiday memory.
Introducing the Peaceful Press Holiday Book Flood!
Over the 25 days preceding Christmas you can enjoy:
🌲 A new read aloud each day with Youtube links
🌲 An active game or nature study activity
🌲Something to make, a recipe, craft, or handmade gift
🌲Something to look at or listen to; a poem, art work, or hand rhyme
We also include 25 cards with the activities so you can hang them on twine for a visual advent calendar!
This is an all ages guide that would be a fun daily morning time activity, and when paired with our Unearthing Wonder Advent Guide, would make your holiday holy and happy.
Here is a peek at the 25 books we've selected for this resource. We included a mix of heartwarming Christ centered stories, nature themed stories, and a few that are just for fun!
- Christmas Day in the Morning by Pearl S. Buck
- The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
- The Nutcracker illustrated by Valeria Do Campo
- Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry
- Three Wise Kings by Tomie de Paola
- The Jolly Christmas Postman by Allan and Janet Ahlberg
- The Message of the Birds by Kate Westerlund
- Gingerbread Baby by Jan Brett
- The Legend of the Poinsettias by Tomie de Paola
- The Twelve Days of Christmas by Rachel Isadora
- Candle Walk by Karin Holsinger Sherman
- Sounding Joy by Ellie Holcomb
- Santa’s Lost Reindeer by Rachel Hilz
- The Friendly Beasts by Tomie de Paola
- Saint Nicholas: The Real Story of the Christmas Legend by Julie Stiegemeyer
- The Candymaker's Gift by Helen Haidle
- Christmas Farm by Mary Lyn Ray
- The Tree That’s Meant To Be by Yuval Zommer
- If You Take A Mouse to the Movies by Laura Numeroff
- A Simple Christmas on the Farm by Phyllis Alsdurf
- The Night of Las Posadas by Tomie de Paola
- The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clark Moore
- An Orange for Frankie by Patricia Polacco
- The Story of Holly and Ivy by Rumer Godden
- Room for a Little One by Martin Waddell
Click Here to Purchase the Peaceful Press Holiday Book Flood!
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What exactly is the Peaceful Press Holiday Book Flood?
The Holiday Book Flood is a 25-day Christmas reading and activity guide inspired by the Icelandic tradition of Jólabókaflóð—the “book flood.” Each day includes a read-aloud (with YouTube links), a simple activity, something to make, and something beautiful to look at or listen to. It turns December into a month of cozy stories and meaningful connection.
2. What ages is this guide best for?
This is an all-ages resource. Younger children will enjoy the stories and hands-on activities, while older children and teens can participate in reading aloud, crafting gifts, and joining nature study or games. Families with mixed ages love how it brings everyone together during morning time.
3. Do I need to wrap all 25 books?
Not at all! Wrapping is optional. Some families enjoy turning the book list into a “story advent calendar,” while others simply choose the book of the day. The guide works beautifully either way.
4. Do I need to buy every book on the list?
No. Each title includes a YouTube read-aloud link, so families can participate even if they don’t own every book or their library is limited. You can also mix in books you already have at home.
5. How much time does each day require?
Most families spend 20–40 minutes a day depending on the activity. Reading aloud is quick, and the crafts and recipes are simple enough to fit into even a busy December schedule.
6. Are the activities messy or complicated?
No. Each day includes one gentle, achievable activity—such as a nature study, a simple craft, or a handmade gift. These are designed to feel cozy, not stressful, and use materials most families already have on hand.
7. How does this pair with the Unearthing Wonder Advent Guide?
Beautifully! Many families enjoy using the Holiday Book Flood for morning time and Unearthing Wonder Advent later in the day or evening. Together they create a rich, Christ-centered holiday rhythm full of beauty, story, and reflection.
8. Can this replace our December homeschool curriculum?
Yes—many families use the Holiday Book Flood as their December “Christmas school.” The daily reading, narration, crafting, baking, and nature study naturally cover language arts, science, art, and even fine motor skills.
9. What kinds of books are included in the 25-day list?
The list includes a beautiful blend of:
- Christ-centered Christmas stories
- Nature and winter-themed picture books
- Heartwarming classics
- A few fun and whimsical favorites
It’s curated to offer meaning, beauty, and delight throughout the season.
10. Are digital or printed versions available?
Yes—the guide is available for immediate digital download. Many parents choose to print it at home or through a local printer for easy use throughout the month.
11. Can I use this with my co-op or church group?
Yes! The Book Flood works wonderfully for groups, especially for shared read-alouds, simple crafts, or baking days. If you plan to distribute copies, please purchase the group licensing option if available.
12. Is this a religious resource?
No. While the list includes some nativity focused picture books most of the books are a variety of classic, purely fun, or nature-focused titles, the overall guide is secular and books can be substituted or skipped if needed. It’s created to support families who want a fun story-filled Advent season.