Happy Boxing Day! Did you know that this is a public holiday in a dozen countries, including Canada, the UK, and Hong Kong? This dates back to the Middle Ages in Great Britain, where churches placed boxes just inside the door to collect donations for those in need. These days, Boxing Day is a shopping holiday.
Why do they call it Boxing Day?
The Oxford English Dictionary gives the earliest attestation from Britain in 1743, defining it as “the day after Christmas day”, and saying “traditionally on this day tradespeople, employees, etc., would receive presents or gratuities (a “Christmas box”) from their customers or employers.”
While reading about this, I learned that Massachusetts in the States has informally celebrated Boxing Day/ I also know that in many countries throughout Europe, today is St. Stephen’s Day, the second day of Christmas.
I’d love to know what you’re doing today. You can send me a response at serena@serenacrossfield.com