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This week on Out of Doors, we learn all about the Icelandic Jolabokaflod, which translates roughly to Christmas book flood.

This tradition began during the Second World War, and every year since then, the Icelandic book trade has published a catalogue that is sent to every household in November. People use the catalogue to order books to give friends and family for Christmas. The books are opened on Christmas Eve and, by tradition, everyone reads the books they have been given straight away.

We are focusing on nature books and hear from Mark and Euan about what they have chosen as their favourites and why.

We are joined live by Marjory Marshall, owner of The Bookmark Bookshop in Grantown-on-Spey. Marjory tells us about her passion for books and the outdoors. And Icelandic author Andri Magnason also joins us live to tell us more about the jolabokaflod and why Iceland has such a passion for books and for writing.

Our midweek podcast this week featured wildlife expert and TV presenter Chris Packham along with his conservationist stepdaughter Megan McCubbin. We have an excerpt of their chat with Mark and Euan.

Euan investigates whether an alignment of planets could have been the astronomical event that the Bible reports led the wise men to Joseph, Mary and the newly born Jesus- the Star of Bethlehem. And keep your eyes to the sky because this Monday for the first time in 800 years, Jupiter and Saturn will ‘kiss’ once again.

Continuing in the festive theme and as our last part in this Christmas trilogy, Mark tells us all about myrrh and its many uses.

Euan has a seasonal mystery bird for us, and as we come to the end of 2020, in celebration of our weekly tweetings, he also has a rather interesting bird conversation.