Mrs.Riley

Boston girl who loves #running, #reading, traveling, eating, and #knitting. Living with secondary #Adrenalinsufficiency and #asthma. #Faith 🙏

[Mrs.Riley @BosRedSox]

@FrGoyo Fr Goyo, I loved this prayer so much, I added it to my prayer journal. Thank you for sharing! Wishing you a blessed 2026!

[ArchaeoHistories @histories_arch]

In Iceland, Christmas does not begin with noise or excess. It begins quietly, with books. Long before gifts are unwrapped or meals are finished, families exchange books on Christmas Eve in a tradition called Jólabókaflóð, which translates to Christmas Book Flood. Once the books are opened, the evening slows down. People settle in, turn the lights low, and read.

The tradition took shape during World War II. Imported goods were scarce, but paper was still available, and books were affordable. Publishers leaned into it, releasing most new titles just before Christmas. Over time, giving books became expected, then cherished. It was not about luxury. It was about time, silence, and stories shared under one roof.

Today, the tradition is still going strong. Iceland has one of the highest literacy rates in the world, and this custom plays a role in that. On Christmas Eve, homes grow quiet as pages turn, often with a cup of hot chocolate nearby. No rush, no spectacle. Just a country agreeing that the best way to spend the night is with a good book.

#archaeohistories

[Mrs.Riley @BosRedSox]

@SuzyQlovesWine Cheers, enjoy!

[Mrs.Riley @BosRedSox]

@LindaMathieu Thank you for the tip. Our first time here!

[Mrs.Riley @BosRedSox]

@focusonparis @LindaMathieu Great spot for a cocktail! 🍸 🍷

[Mrs.Riley @BosRedSox]

@LindaMathieu Eiffel Tower and Christmas market. 🎄

[Mrs.Riley @BosRedSox]

@LindaMathieu We just came back from Paris. LOVE your pics. We’ve been to many of the places you post, but we did discover a few new places thanks to you. THANK YOU and happy new year!

[Mrs.Riley @BosRedSox]

@SuzyQlovesWine @Jrich301 Congrats! That is outstanding! ❤️ 🥂

[Mrs.Riley @BosRedSox]

@LindaMathieu I love looking at your pictures and remembering when we were there, too!

[Mrs.Riley @BosRedSox]

@lifefrance 🥨 Ooops

[Mrs.Riley @BosRedSox]

@lifefrance 🍷 📖 🥜 ❤️

[Mrs.Riley @BosRedSox]

@LindaMathieu One of our favorite spots to sip some rosé.

[Mrs.Riley @BosRedSox]

@SuzyQlovesWine Me too! :-)

[Mrs.Riley @BosRedSox]

@SuzyQlovesWine Outstanding! 🍕

[Mrs.Riley @BosRedSox]

@SuzyQlovesWine Happy birthday! Cheers 🥂

[Mrs.Riley @BosRedSox]

@Alyssa__Maxwell Hope to see other movies from the Gilded Newport Mysteries series!

[Mrs.Riley @BosRedSox]

#AshWednesday2024

[Mrs.Riley @BosRedSox]

@barukalas Thanks for sharing! 🙏

[Mrs.Riley @BosRedSox]

#knitting project.

[Mrs.Riley @BosRedSox]

@SuzyQlovesWine Nah, whatever works for you. ❤️