Holiday Spotlight: Boxing Day
What is Boxing Day and how do people celebrate?
Boxing Day is December 26th and is an official holiday in the United Kingdom and other British Commonwealth countries like Canada, Australia and New Zealand. One of the earliest records of Boxing Day is from 1663, though it is unknown exactly when the holiday began.
Traditions of Boxing Day
This holiday centers on giving gifts known as Christmas Boxes. One of the more popular ideas is that a long time ago Lords of the Manor and Aristocrats gave these Christmas Boxes. The boxes would be filled with money, small gifts or leftovers from Christmas dinner. The recipients would be their household employees such as maids or butlers. These household employees had to work on Christmas Day and it was a way for the employers to recognize or appreciate them. Similarly another idea is that the holiday came from the alms boxes given to churches during Advent and Clergy members would give the contents of the boxes to those less fortunate on December 26th.
Boxing Day Food
Traditionally it would have been the cook’s day off so much of the food would be leftovers from the day prior. For example, turkey, roast potatoes and traditional side dishes. Others would have cold ham. Classic recipes include meat pie, Canadian pork pie, trifle and mince pie.
Overall, people spend this day with family, friends, food and watching European football (soccer).
Whatever your own holiday traditions are, everyone here at Lifeline Connections wishes you healthy happy holidays!
