Happy Boxing Day to Our Canadian Friends!

[picky]

We hope your Christmas was wonderful, too! - Glenn & Verna and Ms. Rose []

[djk]

The idea:

There seems to be two theories on the origin of Boxing Day and why it
is celebrated. The first is that centuries ago, on the day after
Christmas, members of the merchant class would give boxes containing
food and fruit, clothing, and/or money to trades people and servants.
The gifts were an expression of gratitude much like when people receive
bonuses, from their employer, for a job well done, today. These gifts,
given in boxes, gave the holiday it's name, "Boxing Day".

The second thought is that Boxing Day comes from the tradition of
opening the alms boxes placed in churches over the Christmas season.
The contents thereof which were distributed amongst the poor, by the
clergy, the day after Christmas.

Today, Boxing Day is spent with family and friends with lots of
food and sharing of friendship and love. Government buildings and small
businesses are closed but the malls are open and filled with people
exchanging gifts or buying reduced priced Christmas gifts, cards, and
decorations.

To keep the tradition of Boxing Day alive, many businesses,
organizations, and families donate their time, services, and money to
aid Food Banks and provide gifts for the poor, or they may choose to
help an individual family that is in need.

What a great extension of the Christmas holiday spirit. You might
consider making this holiday a tradition in your family. No matter
where you live the simple principle of giving to others less fortunate
than yourself can be put into practice.

The reality:

In Canada,^[7]
New Zealand, the United Kingdom,^[8]
and some states of Australia,^[9]
Boxing Day is primarily known as a shopping holiday, much as the United States treats the Friday after
Thanksgiving. It is a time where shops have sales, often with
dramatic price decreases. For many merchants, Boxing Day has become the
day of the year with the greatest revenue.

[Islander]

In Canada,^[7] New Zealand, the United Kingdom,^[8] and some states of Australia,^[9] Boxing Day is primarily known as a shopping holiday, much as the United States treats the Friday after Thanksgiving. It is a time where shops have sales, often with dramatic price decreases. For many merchants, Boxing Day has become the day of the year with the greatest revenue.

That's certainly true. Many shops now even have Boxing Week sales.

[picky]

In summary: "Happy Shopping!" []

[Islander]

Thanks from north of the border, Glenn, and best wishes to you and your family for a great 2011!

[MechMan]

Happy happy shop shop from the great white north.

[DizRotus]

Hi Glenn,

The best in the new year to you, Verna and Ms. Rose.

How are things on the employment front?

I totally misunderstood boxing day. Nancy got pissed when I punched her in the Everlast yesterday.

Best,