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Christmas Book Flood • Reading for Pleasure

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DAY 12 — Letters to Santa About Books

Jolabokaflod Advent Calendar 2025

At some point in adulthood, many of us quietly stop making wish lists.

We become practical. Sensible. Self-reliant. We buy what we need, make do with what we have, and reserve longing for things that feel more justifiable than desire. But winter — especially December — has a way of loosening that restraint.

And books, perhaps more than anything else, invite us back into wishing.

I like to imagine what an adult letter to Santa about books might look like. Not the breathless lists of childhood, but something softer. Slower. A note written by someone who knows themselves a little better now.

It might say:

Dear Santa,
This year, I’d love a book that makes me feel less rushed.
Or one that reminds me who I was before life got so loud.
Something beautiful enough to keep, not just read.

Books make perfect wishes because they are allowed to be unnecessary. They don’t have to improve us, optimise us, or solve anything. They are permitted to exist purely for delight — for the pleasure of weight in the hands, paper under the fingers, words waiting patiently inside.

That’s why gift-worthy books matter. Not just because they look beautiful under the tree, but because they send a message:

You are allowed to want something gentle.

Today, on Day 12 of our Jolabokaflod Advent Calendar, I invite you to indulge in a little imaginative generosity — whether for yourself or for someone else. Write a mental letter to Santa. What kind of book would you ask for if practicality weren’t in charge?

🎅 Today’s Reading Picks — “Letters to Santa” Books

Beautiful, comforting, wish-worthy books that feel special to receive:

These are books that feel like they’ve been chosen with care — because they have been.

You can explore the full Advent Calendar titles here:
👉 Visit the “Advent Calendar” collection on Bookshop.org

And if you’re gathering ideas for thoughtful gifts:
👉 Visit the Giftable Hardbacks Shelf

  1. Journey — Dorling Kindersley: An illustrated history of the world’s greatest travels
  2. Jurassic World: The Ultimate Visual History — James Mottram: Definitive collector’s book, a must-have for fans of the action-packed dinosaur saga
  3. National Geographic Ultimate Visual History of the World — Jean-Pierre Isbouts: Here, in vivid colour and crisp narrative, is the sweeping story of the history of civilisation
  4. The Wonder of Life on Earth — Henry Gee: Astonishing and readable natural history giving an accessible introduction to the topic of life.
  5. The Illustrated World of Tolkien — David Day: Exquisite reference guide to Tolkien’s world and the artists his vision inspired.
  6. The Work of Art — Adam Moss: Guided tour of what goes on inside an artist’s head.
  7. The Natural History Book — Dorling Kindersley: Beautiful guide to Earth’s wildlife and natural history, including its rocks, minerals, animals, plants, fungi and microorganisms.
  8. Information is Beautiful — David McCandless: Visual guide to how the world really works, through stunning infographics and data visualisations
  9. Animalium — Jenny Broom: Rich, informative and truly wonderful cabinet of curiosities beautifully displayed in this imaginative book
  10. The Book of Symbols. Reflections on Archetypal Images — Taschen: Sets new standards for thoughtful exploration of symbols and their meanings
  11. The Illustrated Brief History Of Time — Stephen Hawking: Bring theories to life in a clear, captivating and visually engaging way
  12. The Secret Lives of Colour — Kassia St Clair: Excellent, innovative and idiosyncratic cultural history that will colour your thinking
  13. Atlas of the Invisible — James Cheshire and Oliver Uberti: Discover the hidden patterns in human society as you have never seen them before — through the world of data
  14. The Book of Trees: Visualising Branches of Knowledge — Manuel Lima: Stunning visual maps showing how humans organise knowledge.
  15. The Planets — Andrew Cohen and Brian Cox: Visually striking and intellectually generous.

This season, you don’t have to justify your wishes.
You don’t have to explain why a book feels necessary.

Sometimes, it’s enough to say:
I would love this.

And let the rest take care of itself.


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Christmas traditions (Advent calendar, Day 21)

What is the origin story of the Elf on the Shelf?

The Elf on the Shelf is a relatively modern Christmas tradition that originated in the United States. It was created by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell, who wrote a children’s book titled The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition. The book was self-published in 2005 and has since become a popular holiday tradition. Here’s the origin story and some interesting anecdotes about the Elf on the Shelf and how this tradition is used to celebrate Christmas:

Book front cover
  • The book’s creation: The idea for the Elf on the Shelf tradition was inspired by Carol Aebersold’s family tradition of an elf who would visit during the Christmas season. She and her daughter Chanda Bell decided to turn this family tradition into a children’s book to share with others.
  • The story: The Elf on the Shelf tells the story of Santa Claus sending Scout Elves to children’s homes to watch over them during the Christmas season. The elves return to the North Pole each night to report to Santa about the children’s behaviour and then return to a different spot in the house before morning.

Interesting anecdotes about the Elf on the Shelf

Elves toasting marshmallows
  • Scout Elf’s arrival: In many households, the Elf on the Shelf tradition begins with the arrival of the Scout Elf in early December. Parents often stage a grand arrival, and children are encouraged to give the elf a name.
  • Daily elf moves: The central aspect of the tradition involves the Scout Elf moving to a different location in the house each night. Children wake up and search for the elf’s new hiding spot, adding an element of excitement to each day during Advent leading up to Christmas.
  • Good behaviour: The Elf on the Shelf is often used to encourage good behaviour in children. The idea is that the elf is reporting to Santa, and children are more likely to be on their best behaviour to ensure they make it onto Santa’s “nice” list.
  • Letters to Santa: Some families incorporate letter-writing into the tradition, with children leaving notes for the Scout Elf to deliver to Santa, expressing their Christmas wishes and gratitude.
  • Elf adventures: Many families get creative with the Elf on the Shelf’s daily locations and poses. The elf might be found engaged in playful activities, reading books, baking mini cookies, or even participating in tiny adventures.
  • North Pole breakfast: Some families kick off the Elf on the Shelf tradition with a North Pole breakfast, where they serve festive foods and the elf is revealed to have returned for the holiday season.
  • Elf farewell: On Christmas Eve, the Scout Elf typically returns to the North Pole with Santa Claus. Families often say farewell to their elf with gratitude and anticipation for their return the following year.
  • Expanding traditions: The Elf on the Shelf tradition has expanded to include various themed elf accessories, clothing and props, allowing families to customise the experience.
  • Controversy: While the tradition is beloved by many families, it has also faced some criticism. Some argue that it promotes surveillance and behavioural control, while others simply find it tiresome to come up with daily elf scenarios.
North Pole breakfast

In a nutshell

The Elf on the Shelf tradition has gained widespread popularity in the United States and beyond, becoming a cherished part of many families’ holiday celebrations. It combines storytelling, creativity, and the magic of Christmas to create a unique and interactive experience for children during the holiday season.

Coda

Today, DALL-E 3 has imagined the Yule Lads as hybrid Scout Elves, taking part in the new Advent tradition in American households of the Elf on the Shelf.