On Christmas Eve, it’s been a tradition to line our street with luminarias, or lanterns. When we were little my mom organized the whole thing and the entire neighborhood would help! It was the best. The dads would fill each bag with sand and a votive while the kids hopped on scooters and delivered them to their spot. It got us out of the house on Christmas Eve so our moms could prepare and we would burn off so much energy. 

We’d play, drink hot chocolate, and share what we couldn’t wait for on Christmas day. 

When we went back inside, my mom always had grilled cheese and tomato soup for us. 

I always think about those years. The Christmases of your childhood are so magical and I can’t wait to do that for my own family one day. 

This year, I learned about Jolabokaflod, an Icelandic tradition that originated in World War II. You might have seen the meme floating around social media the last few years. On Christmas Eve, Icelandic people exchange books and spend the remainder of the night reading by a fire with a warm drink. 

This tradition began during the war because paper was an extremely inexpensive product, making the production of books faster and easier. 

We go to a big Christmas Eve party, but I am definitely planning on implementing this tradition! Since Nick and I have started spending out holidays together, we’ve been trying to merge traditions and make our own. Nick’s family always exchanges books on Christmas Eve! So this year, we are going to read at least one chapter by the fire, no matter how tired we are! 

Merry Christmas Eve, my friends. I am so so so grateful you’re all here.