Originally a United Kingdom and a few other countries holiday. It falls a day after Christmas. Marked by shopping feasts and sports especially football. It’s said to have begun in the 19th century. It was a holiday when the tradespeople, the poor and servants received gifts. Employers gave a day off to their employees and some bonuses and boxes for gifts. The origin of the name is uncertain but It has nothing to do with the boxing sport, probably boxes of gifts or alms boxes churches used to collect donations for the less fortunate. The holiday has since evolved to What It is today.
The economy has changed lately taking a dip with many complaining of how expensive it has been to get by. This year we’ve seen the worst of it. With the pandemic and many losing their jobs and businesses. Many countries people being unable to travel for the season’s celebration due to safety precautions and in some ignoring the fact that covid is real. Really hoping there would be no new pandemic wave coming January, that the economy will be better and a generally better year full of prosperity and recovery.
Having this in mind, what is the best gift to buy? Research shows that buying the best item in a cheaper category is the better choice rather than a substandard in a higher category. Ideally, exchanging gifts is not like exchanging money. It’s the gesture that matters most. It’s difficult to put value on thoughtfulness. I hope you enjoyed your boxing day. Gift as many; friends, family, colleagues and the needy with thoughtfulness, love and kindness. Happy holidays.
Gift a child with this book. Buy NOW click here
Photo by freestocks.org on Unsplash
Christmas presents started to become so expensive in later years people waited until the Boxing Day Sales were on to go buy their presents at a cheaper price.
It’s always good to utilize the sales
Every single year it seems I have to look these facts up to explain boxing day to the kids lol. I don’t seem to hold many facts in my memory anymore! This year we just said, “Alexa, what is boxing day.” Which is kind of a sign of the times. And yes that’s what Wikipedia said as well, it was about boxing up gifts for the serving classes in the older days.
Great write up Kinge. But I feel so very sad about what the reaction to Covid has done to small local businesses. It favours online monoliths like Amazon (speaking of Alexa), which were previously useful for locally unattainable things but now becomes something more like indispensable, as people are less and less allowed to move freely. As a result some local shops have jacked up prices (where we live, at least,) and many things are just unaffordable for the average person. I hope the world exit fear mentality and return to more face-to-face operations soon.
I like what you said about gifts. This year we said no to the crazy-expensive kid-requests and we bought each child a specially chosen book instead — from a local shop, in person.
Anyway, all that said, this boxing week those of us more fortunate can perhaps we can remember to give a tip to those folks who deliver all those online packages, since those folks are likely earning minimum wage.
Hugs and happy holidays to you, thanks for all your love and bright. :))
Technology has it’s advantages like the convenience Alexa brings. True, local businesses have been affected even here in my country. I agree on the fear mentality. It’s grip is getting stronger but we should free ourselves from it. The gesture behind the gift carries weight, even though the gift isn’t as expensive. I’m so grateful for these thoughts you’ve shared. Happy holidays to you and your family 🙂
Thanks so much for the lovely reply, Kinge. Warms my heart. Same to you and yours. 😊🙏
Being from India, I’d always thought Boxing Day had something to do with the boxing sport!
I did to for the longest time😏 it’s a popular misconception. Hoping you’ve been well? Happy New year in advance 🙂
I’ve been well. Happy New Year in advance, Kinge!!
Nice. Happy New year.
Very good reminder to be thoughtful it really is important as it speaks of one’s love and care. Hope you had a good day.
I had a really good day and I’m glad for it. You? Yes it does.
Yes it was a good time with my aging father in law. Good to have genuine connection. Stay well.
I’m glad for you and the connection. Such moments are priceless.
Yes absolutely 👍👍