Jolabokaflod: Books, Chocolate, and Crafts

Jolabokaflod, loosely translated as “Christmas book flood,” is an Icelandic tradition that originated in 1944: the year Iceland gained its independence from Denmark. In the aftermath of World War II, Iceland, as well as most European nations, experienced supply shortages, and consequently, found it necessary to ration commodities. There was one exception - paper, and thus started an Icelandic tradition of exchanging books and chocolate on Christmas Eve. (Did someone say heaven?) ✨

Ellen and Kim thought it would be fun to have a similar tradition at Shakti in the Mountains, and therefore, invite the community to participate in our own version of Jolabokaflod. In addition to books and chocolate, there will be a crafting station where folks are invited to make their own bookmarks, room spray, and bath salts. Shakti also will provide homemade bread and soup.

Each participant is asked to bring a wrapped book (gently used or new) affixed with a label that describes the genre but does not give the title. Wrapped books will be exchanged with an opportunity to trade if you pick up a book title that you have already read. Participants, who are able, are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food donation for the Little Free Pantry too.

Registration covers the cost of the food as well as craft supplies. Please email us if you have any food allergies.

📍Event Details

Sunday, December 7 · 3 - 5pm

Limited to 30 people

$15

Additional Details:

Registration required. Registration closes 24 hours prior to the event.

The registration fee is non-refundable unless the event is canceled by the facilitator.

Parking Information

Shakti in the Mountains Website

✨ Led by Kim Bushore-Maki and Ellen Harbin Dabbs

Ellen Harbin-Dabbs is a Tennessee native. Growing up in the Tennessee State Park system, she learned many traditional skills that still need to be remembered. These skills include, but not limited to emergency preparedness, cooking indoors and out, ham radio, etc. Her mother and grandmother taught her the ways of the hearth, and her father, an outdoor instructor and park ranger, taught her the ways of the wild. Her stories and insights will keep you entertained as she teaches us the “old ways.” Ellen has been an Emergency Medical Technician for 25 years and a Ham Radio operator for around 20 years.

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Kim Bushore-Maki is a soul-driven entrepreneur who understands the undeniable urge to create a business and a life filled with meaning and purpose. Her vision of opening a center where people could heal and grow led her to open Shakti in the Mountains in Johnson City, Tennessee: a place where the creative, feminine energy is nurtured and valued.

Kim is a licensed professional counselor and a yoga teacher. She completed the Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy program as well as the Shake Your Soul Yoga Dance program. Kim is very interested in somatic expressive therapy, archetypal psychology, gardening, herbalism, astrology, wisdom traditions, and regenerative economics.

Kim continues to build and to support inclusive, vibrant communities. She spends most of her time mentoring leaders, guiding healing programs, and providing mental health counseling.

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