While it’s not really a Celtic celebration, it is observed in some Celtic countries. It has nothing to do with the sport, just in case you were wondering. Boxing Day is celebrated in Australia, Britain, New Zealand, and Canada.
Boxing Day began, as far as I can tell, in the nineteenth century. It’s an extension of the Christmas celebration, which I think it is a pretty good idea. How the tradition started is debatable, just like all good traditions. 😉 On the day after Christmas people with means gave away food and goods to the needy, and bundled it all up in boxes to deliver it, of course. And children boxed up their extra toys and gave them away after receiving new ones for Christmas. Or maybe the term Boxing Day refers to alms boxes set up outside of churches. Either way, it’s a day to be generous without expecting a gift in return.
Know something I don’t about Boxing Day? Please, leave a comment!
