Happy Boxing Day! Boxing day is December 26, the day after Christmas. It is a national holiday in the UK and Ireland, and also celebrated in Canada, New Zealand and Australia. It's a day off for many to enjoy family and friends, and many traditions. It's also a big retail shopping day and sporting events. Historically Boxing Day was a day off for servants who were typically working on Christmas Day. They were given gifts of gratitude for their service.
From Wikipedia:
In Britain, it was a custom for tradesmen to collect "Christmas boxes" of money or presents on the first weekday after Christmas as thanks for good service throughout the year.[8] This is mentioned in Samuel Pepys' diary entry for 19 December 1663.[9] This custom is linked to an older British tradition: since they would have to wait on their masters on Christmas Day, the servants of the wealthy were allowed the next day to visit their families. The employers would give each servant a box to take home containing gifts, bonuses, and sometimes leftover food.
Here are 5 Things we can learn and implement during the holiday season from the Boxing Day Tradition:
1) Gratitude: How have you honored those who serve you throughout the year? Do you have a tradition of giving gifts to teachers, coaches, delivery services, cleaning services, hairdressers, etc.? Reflect on how your life has been blessed by these services. Even the smallest of gestures can make a big difference. I like to plan ahead during the winter break to think of these gestures for next year. I like to identify homemade treats to make for next year, and if there's a sale on a non-perishable holiday item that would make a practical gift, I wrap them a year ahead of time to be ready for next year. You may also consider leaving a basket of bottled waters and snacks at your door or lace of business for delivery service employees to enjoy.
2) Giving: Boxing Day has also been a day of giving. As referenced here on The Spruce, boxes are placed at churches to collect money for the poor on Christmas Day and opened the following day. Find ways you can involve your whole family in giving this holiday season. Sponsor a family in need, serve meals to the homeless, or give to a charity that is close to your heart. It's also a great time to take a close look at what you have around your own house that can bless others. Clear the clutter and donate! Here in Ventura County, California, we have many families who were affected by the historic Thomas Fire. Click HERE to see where to donate and HERE for resources for the recovery process.
3) Presence: Celebrate presence more than presents! Put your phones and devices down and focus on spending quality time with those you love.
4) Slowing Down: Boxing Day extends the Christmas holiday. In our fast paced world of go-go-go, we truly need more slowing down days. This is a time to recover from the daily chaos. Consider having a day with no plans whatsoever. No to-do lists, no plans!
5) Relish in Leftovers!: Chances are there are many leftovers to enjoy from family celebrations. Enjoy them to their fullest! No leftovers around? Use this day as a day to enjoy and appreciate food as the nourishing and delicious life force it gives you. I like to plan ahead for next year too - if you have a Christmas or Holiday binder, add some recipes you'd like to try next year. Thank you The Spruce for this handy blog post on recipes for leftovers!
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