Today we celebrate BOXING DAY, also known as the Feast of St. Stephen (after the first Christian martyr)..................well we do in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. I think we're missing out by not having it here in the USA, thus giving everyone a proper two-day Christmas holiday break from work!
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This celebration is traditional, dating back to the Middle Ages, and consisted of the practice of giving gifts to employees, the poor, or to people in a lower social class. In Victorian times it became a holiday for members of the merchant class to give boxes containing food and fruit, clothing and money to trades people and servants. The gifts were an expression of gratitude similar to bonuses many employers give their employees today....if you're lucky! Also related to the origin of Boxing Day, is the tradition of opening the alms boxes placed in the churches over the Christmas season - the contents were then distributed amongst the poor, by the clergy, the day after Christmas.
Today, Boxing Day is a time for family and friends to spend together with lots of food and fun. Outdoor sports are popular on this day too.
You can build a little charity into your holiday season (while reducing your own clutter - and we all plan to do this, right?) by cleaning out and giving your discards to someone in need. If you don't have anything to clean out, you can always give of your time.
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A lovely thought - giving time and "things" (which we are all so fortunate to have - albeit a way too much!) And I love the idea of "Boxing Day"! Maybe we CAN adopt that here- it's a wonderful tradition.
ReplyDeleteHope your Christmas was everything you wanted it to be!
First, that is a very pretty wreath. I know about Boxing Day since I have had a pen pal in England since age 8, and that is a very longggg time. LOL.
ReplyDeleteIt is a wonderful tradition. Hope yours is fun and happy.
When will you be in England this year? I am thinking of going to Heidi's in the spring and telling her we need to go to England.
Nancy
Being an Anglophile, I of course know about Boxing Day. I wish we had it here instead of "Mad Rush to Exchange Christmas Gifts" Day.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all your lore regarding this holiday.
Mary I was reading your lovely note again and I was reminded to check Boxing Day. What a lovely tradition and helpful too. Believe it or not I started my boxing day just before Christmas. I cleaned out Bill's closet. Next is mine. That my friend, will be a challenge.LOL
ReplyDeleteWe had another lovely day with family. We all gathered at my sister's home around 11:00am to eat desserts of all kinds. We hardly put a dent in it. I took pictures to share later with my new camera.
I love your wreath, very like nature looking.
We are headed to the movies to see 'Marley and Me' I read the book.
Have a great evening...Jeanne
I celebrated Boxing Day with the family today...no venturing out to the mad shops! Seasons greetings xx
ReplyDeleteI agree that we need to celebrate here in the states. It is a wonderful holiday.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of charity by clearing out things you don't need, or giving your time. Great post Mary!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Penny
Love this pic and love this day. Happy Boxing-boxing Day now!
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