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It’s nice to have a holiday the day after a holiday! We hope you’re enjoying it. In some lands, mostly those settled by the English, the day after Christmas is always a holiday. It’s called “Boxing Day.”
How it got started is debatable. Some say Boxing Day developed when servants who had worked on Christmas were given the day off along with a gift box. Another theory is themed in religion. December 26 is the Feast of St. Stephen, the day on which collection boxes in churches were opened and the contents distributed to the poor.
Regardless of its origins, Boxing Day is celebrated by our neighbors in Canada, as well as in Britain, Australia and New Zealand. These days, some still follow the tradition of reaching out to those in need, which seems an appropriate thing to do. Mostly, though, it is a time for getting together with family and friends, and not surprisingly, engaging in sporting events and activities. As expected, merchants take advantage of the occasion to conduct sales. In fact, in Canada it is said to be the biggest shopping day of the year.
On this day, this year, Americans share in the spirit of Boxing Day.
Not a bad way to spend the day after Christmas!
