Boxing Day Observed

Boxing Day Observed Facts & Quotes

• In the late 18th century, Lords and Ladies of large estates would practice Boxing Day. They would do this by boxing up leftover food, clothing and other household items. These items would be distributed amongst their tenants and workers the day after Christmas.
• For Boxing Day, many charitable organizations practice a form of giving boxes to the poor. Operation Christmas Child is one such organization.
• December 26th is also St. Stephen's Day for the Western Church. The Feast of St. Stephen honours the first Christian martyr. Stephen was stoned to death outside the walls of Jerusalem, shortly after the Crucifixion.
• Samuel Pepys, an English Member of Parliament, first mentioned Boxing Day in his diary entry from 19 December 1663 when he referred to giving something to the boy's box against Christmas.
• Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. -Steve Jobs

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Boxing Day Observed Top Events and Things to Do

• Visit your relatives. Take advantage of the extra day off to see relatives that you did not have the opportunity to see on Christmas Day.
• Continue the tradition of giving gifts and donate some essentials to a charity. Homeless shelters would appreciate things like toiletries and food donations that can then be distributed to those most in need.
• Prepare a traditional Box. Include non-perishable items and gifts for children in need. Drop your box off at a local organisation or mail it to an international organisation that delivers them to children around the world.
• Spread awareness for the day on social media by posting pictures of your Christmas day and adding hashtags #boxingday, #26Dec and #dayafterChristmas.
• Get ready for New Years. Spend the day off preparing your home and cleaning up for the New Year.

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