December 26, every year, is called Boxing Day. In case you wondered, no, it’s not a day where you pick a pair of boxing gloves and beat the s**t out of your enemies or your friend or neighbor who temporarily becomes an enemy after a raucous Christmas celebration.
It’s not a day to be as mighty as Mohammed Ali or Evan Holyfield nor is it a day where you look at your empty gift boxes and wonder whether to recycle them or use them to pack the gifts you would like to return. Indeed, it is an altruistic day, a day to be charitable in small or big ways.
History of Boxing Day
In the Victorian Era, in Great Britain, servants served their masters and mistresses on Christmas Day. As a reward, they were given the next day off, to visit families and friends. As it became the norm, it became a holiday in 1871. Coincidentally it is also St. Stephens Day, a day of charity.
How did Boxing Day get its name?
There are two logical reasons. The first speaks of times when the rich would fill boxes with small gifts, leftover food and money and give it to their servants in recognition of past services. The other is also plausible as it says that churches would keep boxes for the privileged to donate in cash and kind. The collections would be distributed the day after Christmas.
Who celebrates Boxing Day?
Traditionally Britain and its former colonies such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand celebrate Boxing Day, though anybody, anywhere can celebrate the day with charitable activities.
What to do on Boxing Day?
Traditional activities include fox hunting and horse racing. Modern celebrations include shopping extravaganzas though it should be online shopping as the pandemic is raging through the nation.
