Today is Boxing Day!
Boxing Day is a holiday (which falls on the first weekday after Christmas - usually December 26 - and coincides with the Feast of Saint Stephen) is celebrated in Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the Commonwealth. In South Africa, this day is appropriately called "The Day of Goodwill".
Boxing Day is a holiday (which falls on the first weekday after Christmas - usually December 26 - and coincides with the Feast of Saint Stephen) is celebrated in Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the Commonwealth. In South Africa, this day is appropriately called "The Day of Goodwill".
Boxing Day, also known as the Feast of St. Stephen (after the first Christian martyr), originated in England in the middle of the nineteenth century under Queen Victoria. It originated as a holiday for members of the merchant class to give boxes containing food and fruit, clothing, and/or money to trades people and servants. The gifts were an expression of gratitude similar to the bonuses many employers offer their employees today. These gifts, usually given in boxes, gave the holiday it's name, "Boxing Day".
Other traditions hold that Boxing Day came about because the churches' alms boxes were opened on Boxing Day. The contents of these boxes were distributed amongst the poor, by the clergy, the day after Christmas.
Wherever you are you can take a moment to pause and observe "The Day of
Goodwill". Boxing Day has at it's roots an expression of Gratitude.
How you can express your Gratitude in observance of Boxing Day:
~ Remember those who have provided a service to you during the year.
~ Remember those in need. Tradition has it that on Boxing Day in Victorian England, the poor went from house to house bearing boxes that were filled by compassionate home owners with food, clothing and gifts. Give canned goods, clothing or your time to organizations that help the needy.
~ Celebrate with friends. Provide food and drink, or organize a potluck get-together for friends and family. Make it low-key, as Boxing Day should be less hectic and more relaxing than Christmas Day.
~ Go shopping. Shopping is a popular Boxing Day activity, and the malls are usually filled with people taking advantage of after-Christmas bargains. Express gratitude for the retail stores and to the shop owners by participating in the sales they offer.
~ Remember those in need. Tradition has it that on Boxing Day in Victorian England, the poor went from house to house bearing boxes that were filled by compassionate home owners with food, clothing and gifts. Give canned goods, clothing or your time to organizations that help the needy.
~ Celebrate with friends. Provide food and drink, or organize a potluck get-together for friends and family. Make it low-key, as Boxing Day should be less hectic and more relaxing than Christmas Day.
~ Go shopping. Shopping is a popular Boxing Day activity, and the malls are usually filled with people taking advantage of after-Christmas bargains. Express gratitude for the retail stores and to the shop owners by participating in the sales they offer.
What ever you chose to personally do to observe Boxing Day - remember it's all about
appreciation, so express Gratitude and appreciation to all you encounter
today.
(c) 2008 Amy
Flynn
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