Editor's Corner

Happy Boxing Day!

December 26 is not a significant day in the United States, but it is in the United Kingdom. Over there, and in the Commonwealth nations, they are celebrating Boxing Day today.

But what is Boxing Day all about? Well, I can tell you that traditionally, it had nothing to do with boxing matches or any other kind of fighting. It actually goes back to the Middle Ages, and it historically involves giving gifts to employees and people in need.

No one is sure how the day got its name, but it could be from the “Christmas box,” which was a clay box or container that was often placed in artisan shops in England. People put donations for the shop workers inside the box, and the day after Christmas, the box was broken, and the workers shared the contents.

Or, the term could come from the tradition churches had of collecting money in a designated box and distributing the money to people in need.

I have also heard that wealthy families and aristocrats who had house staff typically gave the staff at least part of the day after Christmas off, and they boxed up leftovers from the Christmas meal for them to take home to their families.

These days, Boxing Day is often associated with sporting events, especially soccer. In some African Commonwealth nations, prize-fighting contests are now held on Boxing Day. And I’m sure you won’t be surprised to hear that the day has also come to be associated with sales, similar to Black Friday.

At my house, we celebrate Boxing Day by opening the package my in-laws send to us from England. It usually includes PG Tips tea bags, huge creamy Cadbury chocolate bars, and other assorted favorite candies. Just a little taste of heaven.

I hope your Boxing Day is peaceful and delicious.

Donna Bradley Burcher | Senior Technical Editor | Symitar®

8985 Balboa Ave. | San Diego, CA 92123 | Ph. 619.278.0432 | Ext: 765432

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