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Stiles stood in front of the bookstore, looking through the window at the display. He’d heard of Jolabokaflod before but didn’t know much about it. The window had caught his eye as he’d searched through the shopping district for the perfect gift for Derek. This was their first Christmas as a couple, and he wanted to start some traditions with him, knowing how much things like that meant to Derek.
They both liked to read, loved it even, so the thought of celebrating Jolabokaflod together every year seemed like an excellent idea. Nodding to himself and taking a deep breath, he entered the shop. The woman behind the counter waved without missing a beat in her conversation with a young boy about the picture book in his hands.
Stiles headed to the classics, knowing how much Derek enjoyed them. He stopped when a display of Christmas books caught his eye. Maybe that would be an excellent addition to the tradition. His eyes traced the titles, stopping on a beautiful copy of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol .
“Perfect,” he said, picking up the book. Now, he would just have to find one for him. Frowning, he looked at them all, beginning to feel overwhelmed.
“Can I help you find something?” Stiles turned around to find the woman who’d greeted him. “I’m Rose. Welcome to Cover to Cover.”
“Hi, Rose. I’m Stiles,” he said, smiling. “I noticed your display about Jolabokaflod, and I thought it’d be a great tradition to start with my boyfriend, but I only know it happens on Christmas Eve.”
“That’s right,” Rose said, smiling. “It started during World War II when paper was one of the few things not rationed, so books became even more popular as gifts. Iceland is known for being a land of bookaholics, so this fit right in for them.”
“That’s a great idea. My mom used to love giving books as gifts, too,” Stiles said, picking up the copy of A Christmas Carol. “My boyfriend will love this. He loves classics.”
“What about you? If you’re just starting the tradition, will he know to get you a book?” she asked.
“No, but I’m not sure what to get for myself. How do Icelanders do this every year?” Stiles asked, running a hand through his hair.
“There’s a catalog that gets sent out every year,” Rose supplied. “Since we don’t have that option, what kind of books do you like to read?”
“I like to read everything.”
“Yeah, you’re helpful,” Rose teased. “What do you do for a living?” She studied him. “Wait, you’re a deputy, aren’t you?” Stiles nodded. “I thought I recognized you. Do you like mysteries?”
“Yeah, actually,” he said. “I doubt there are very many mysteries set at Chri-” He cut off when she picked up a book with a black cover. He took it and studied the cover. “ The Christmas Murder Game .” He flipped it over and read the synopsis. “I think this is perfect.”
“Excellent! Is there anything else? Bookmarks?” Stiles nodded and followed her through the store, chatting while he let her sell him way more stuff than he probably needed.
On Christmas Eve, after the Pack had headed home to be with their respective families and the Sheriff had headed to work, Stiles went upstairs to grab the bag from Cover to Cover. He returned downstairs and found Derek with an identical bag and burst out laughing.
“Did you meet Rose, too?” he asked, and Derek nodded, laughing. “Hopefully, we didn’t get the same books.”
Derek reached inside and pulled out a copy of A Christmas Story by Jean Shepherd. Stiles handed over the wrapped book he’d gotten him, relieved. He took a wrapped book from Derek while pulling out his book. Settling onto the couch, they unwrapped their books. Stiles had his open while Derek had only run a finger under one edge.
He gaped at the beautiful cover of Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien. “This is amazing!” he said, looking up to see Derek smiling down at his book, fingers tracing reverently over the title as a tear ran down his cheek. “Are you alright?” Stiles asked, panicked.
“My mom used to read this book to us every year. One chapter a night leading up to Christmas,” Derek said. “It’s one of my favorite memories of her.” He looked up at Stiles. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” Stiles said. “Next year, we can read it to the Pack,” he suggested, and Derek nodded.
“Maybe we could get them to join in on Jolabokaflod,” Derek commented, looking hopeful, and Stiles decided to start working on book lists for each member of the pack right away. “I’ll make some cocoa, and we can start reading.”
“Another new tradition,” Stiles said, smiling when Derek nodded. His eyes still held tears, but he radiated happiness as he left the room.
Stiles watched him go, knowing that the book lists would hold off until they finished reading. Nothing would stand in the way of his and Derek’s first celebration of Jolabokaflod.