Happy Boxing Day

HappyBoxing Day

Happy Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated the day after Christmas Day.  It is traditionally celebrated on 26 December and originated as a holiday to give gifts to the poor; today this day is primarily known as a shopping holiday. The common greeting is “Happy Boxing Day   

Traditional Boxing Day

 Boxing Day is celebrated traditionally in all of Great Britain. The holiday is observed by many businesses, particularly banks, post offices, and government offices. This tradition has been in existence since 1871. The day is generally celebrated in conjunction with the Feast of St. Stephen, who was one of the seven original deacons ordained by the Apostles of the Christian Church to take care of the widows and the indigent. St. Stephen was eventually stoned to death for his faith in God and Christ.

Honor The Serving People

One of the oldest and most popular traditions of Boxing Day is to give a gift of money to those people who provide you with services throughout the year. When this tradition started, it was a day that the wealthy gave off to their servants. They give those boxes to take home containing gifts, bonuses, and leftovers that are a gesture of appreciation. Today, the tradition has expanded to show honor to anyone who provides you a service. This can include the mailman, bellhop, garbage collector, and your pastor.

Helping Hand

Another popular tradition on Boxing Day is to help those who are less fortunate than you are. You can donate money to a local food bank, give to a family from your church, or make a donation to a local charity.

Sporting Events

Many people observe Boxing Day by taking in a sporting event, like horse racing or a football game. Gather a group of friends and spend the day together cheering on your favorite team.

Polar Bear Plunge

Others prefer to participate in the annual plunge into the freezing English Channel along with members of various swimming clubs on Boxing Day. This daring event raises money for a range of charities.

Others enjoy participating in or simply watching a regatta or those who are brave enough to jump into the Channel themselves.

Shopping Deals

Boxing Day, much like Black Friday in the United States, is a day filled with great deals and bargains for shoppers. Many make it a tradition to hit the stores to take advantage of the Boxing Day sales and specials. Stores open early to expand on this tradition and get shoppers ready to make purchases and enjoy the deals.

Stay at Home

Many people simply like to stay at home on Boxing Day. Inviting family and friends over is a common tradition on this day as well. People enjoy their presents from Christmas and many set up a buffet filled with holiday leftovers such as:

• Glazed ham
• Cold sliced beef
• Leftover turkey
• Variety of cold salads
• Cheese and crackers
• Pickles
• Bread
• Wonderful Memories

However you celebrate Boxing Day, take this opportunity to get together with those you love. You can enjoy sharing special memories from the holiday season past and create new memories that will last a lifetime.