It’s Christmas All Over Again
We hope you’re enjoying the festive period so far! Today, it’s December 26th, otherwise known as Boxing Day, but what does Boxing Day actually mean and where did the concept come from?
How did Boxing Day get its name?
Nope, contrary to popular belief – it doesn’t involve the sport, however, the correct origin of Boxing Day isn’t exactly known but there are a few competing theories which claim to represent the true meaning. Here are two of the most common theories:
Time Off for Servants
During the Victorian age, it’s said that on boxing day, after servants spent the Christmas Day attending to their aristocratic employer’s, they would be given the day off to spend with their own family.
As a thank you for their hard work they would be given a Christmas box filled with some food – usually leftover from the previous dinner, a small gift and a Christmas bonus.
Christian Church Collections
Another popular theory stems from the act of charity during the Victorian era. It’s thought that parishes would put a donation box outside their church to collect money for individuals in need and people generally less fortunate.
Additionally, in Christianity, December the 26th is also the date linked to St. Stephen, known as the “first Christian martyr”, where members of the church would already donate money in a box to poorer members of society.
Ways to Celebrate Boxing Day
- Honoring those who work for you
Whether you have a loyal cleaning staff, a business with hardworking employees, or a trusted handyman – Boxing Day is a day to honour those who work for you by giving them a bonus of some sort. Christmas is a holiday all about giving. However, it’s not just your family and friends you should be thinking of. It’s a common tradition to give a bonus cheque or special gift to anyone who works for you.
- Giving back to the less fortunate
Many people have boxing day traditions that involve giving to the less fortunate in some capacity.
Donating to a charity to honor the holiday’s origin is one way to celebrate Boxing Day. Other people donate their unwanted or unneeded Christmas gifts they’ve received to the needy on Boxing Day, or fill a donation box with food and clothing.
- Spending time with friends
Since Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are typically family holidays, one of the most common Boxing Day traditions is to spend time with your friends. Most of you will have the day off on Boxing Day, so it’s a great time to meet at a pub to catch up, or go for a nature walk outside together.
- Boxing Day as a Self-Care Day
After all the chaos and busyness of Christmas, Boxing Day is truly a time to breathe again. It’s traditionally known as a very relaxing day, since the stress of Christmas is over, and you can take the day to unwind and rest. Many people use Boxing Day as a self-care day, by reading a book, going for a walk, taking a bath or relaxing with their leftovers and a movie.
