photo from smartcanucks.ca
I grew up in Canada where we observed “Boxing Day” on December 26th.
As little kids, my parents liked to tease us that this was a day to box up all the wrappings of Christmas and put things away (translation: tidy up the house).
As I got older, Boxing Day dances and cabarets were held and heavily attended by college kids home for the holiday.
As I got older still, stores began opening for Boxing Day and the holiday became synonymous with sales, sales and more sales. Think “Black Friday” but in reverse.
The real meaning of Boxing Day can be found here http://www.factmonster.com/spot/boxingday1.html and it has more to do with helping the poor than shopping.
In my family, Boxing Day was, and still is, a day to visit. It’s a day to relax, enjoy leftovers, play cards, and get outside into the brisk cold air. We were fortunate to live close to many cousins so Boxing Day was the day to test drive our presents … new toboggans, crazy carpets, skates, you name it. In Saskatchewan, Christmas toys equal winter fun. On Boxing Day, my parents would visit neighbors & family, play cards, and enjoy the odd “Singapore Sling” or “Harvey Wallbanger.”
Now, living here in Michigan, Boxing Day has come around .. and what are we doing today?
We’re continuing my family’s tradition of relaxing, lazing in our jammies and meeting up with family later today for munchies and adult beverages.
Cheers everyone!
I am glad you still have the opportunity to relax in your tradition. Have a great day and I wish you a Happy Boxing Day!
Thank you HL1981. Same to you — I pass this tradition on to everyone I meet … cheers!!
Greetings from Canada! I am still relaxing in my PJ’s….and “Boxing Day” is crazy as ever up here in the land of the freeze. Seems like everyone and thier dogs are out, lining up to get in to the stores early to get the best deals. I avoid going anywhere unless absolutely necessary! Decorations are almost all down, did not put much up to begin with so it is easy to do. Enjoy the rest of your week and weekend….and I wish you and yours all the best for 2011 .
Thank you for the lovely greetings! Same wishes are extended to you … enjoy the rest of the week & happiness ahead for 2011 😉 MJ
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