by Alba from Reykjavik asks Santa for a short quote, learns about Iceland’s midnight sun and dark winters, and hears about the Icelandic Christmas Book Flood, Jólabókaflóð
Dear Santa, my name is Alba and I am nine years old. I live in Reykjavik, Iceland, where my mamma says in December the sun barely peeks over the horizon before deciding to go back to bed.
Dear Alba, I have witnessed that very brief Icelandic sunrise myself, and your mamma’s description is remarkably accurate.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, do you know short Christmas quotes? My teacher wants us to write one on our holiday cards and mine keeps ending up far too long.
Here is a short one for you, Alba: kindness is the truest gift wrapping. Feel free to borrow it, and trim it further if your card needs even less room.
My second question is about our sunlight. My teacher says in the summer here it barely gets dark at all, the exact opposite of December. Is that true?
It is, Alba. Iceland experiences very long summer days with the midnight sun, and very short, dark winter days in return, a dramatic yearly swing caused by its far northern location. Flying over Iceland in December, under such a brief stretch of daylight, always feels particularly cozy by comparison.
My third question is about Jólabókaflóð. My family gives each other books on Christmas Eve and then everyone reads together with hot chocolate. Why books specifically?
Jólabókaflóð, the Christmas Book Flood, is a beloved Icelandic tradition where new books are given as gifts on Christmas Eve, followed by a quiet evening of reading together, often with hot chocolate close by. Iceland has an especially deep love of books and storytelling, and I think spending the evening curled up with a new story is one of the loveliest ways to celebrate anywhere in the world.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Alba Guðmundsdóttir
Reykjavik, Iceland
P.S. What book are you reading this Christmas Eve?
Something about reindeer navigation, Alba. Purely for professional development.
