WHAT is a Boxing Day???

Boxing Day is a holiday that occurs on the day after Christmas – December 26. It is observed in Great Britain, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and other Commonwealth nations. This European tradition dates to the Middle Ages and the early Christian era when there was a custom of placing metal boxes outside churches to collect special offerings over the holiday that were distributed the day after Christmas.

This name is also linked to the tradition of wealthy landowners allowing their servants to take the 26th off to visit their families (provided they served well on Christmas). The nobility would give each servant a box with gifts (and sometimes leftover food). Nowadays, in the UK and elsewhere, it is customary to thank those who have helped you out throughout the year with a gift for good service. As I am a dual Canadian citizen, it is also a good excuse to have a wind-down holiday open house for close friends and family.

~anand sahaja