December 26th

Boxing Day - A Brief History

Boxing Day is celebrated in many of the Commonwealth countries - notably Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Britain (obviously).  Though many people throughout the world are ignorant of their public holidays and their origins, perhaps Boxing Day beats all of them.

It's original meaning has been lost, for most people Boxing Day is simply another Bank Holiday and just creates a longer Christmas (it's on December 26 th ).  Some families save one gift to open on the 26 th just to spread the enjoyment of receiving gifts a little further.

Boxing Day has nothing to do with "Boxing" or throwing away boxes.  What is certain is that it originated in the UK and most people agree it began as alms or giving to the less fortunate than oneself.

The 26 th December is also the Feast of Stephen.  Though you may not realize it you knew this already - think of the Christmas Carol: "Good King Wenceslas last look out on the Feast of Stephen , all the snow lay round about deep and crisp and even."