Happy Boxing Day !
For those of you who may not be familiar with this holiday, let me give you a quick rundown on its origins.
According to legend, Boxing Day has its roots in ancient Rome, where gladiators would box each other as a form of entertainment for the masses. These matches were known as "pugilatus".
However, the holiday we know today as Boxing Day actually has its origins in England, where it was originally called "St. Stephen's Day." It was a day for giving gifts to the poor, and boxes were often used to collect donations for charity.
But as time passed, the holiday evolved and became more about giving gifts to friends and loved ones, and less about charity. And so, the name was changed to "Boxing Day" to reflect this shift in focus.
But don't worry, the charitable aspect of the holiday hasn't completely disappeared. Many people still use Boxing Day as an opportunity to give back to their communities and help those in need. Which has me wondering which charity to support in the new year. This past year I created a UK-Ukraine coaster with the profits all going to the Red Cross Ukraine Appeal.
It was a small gesture but hopefully it helped someone in need. I can't help but wonder what life must be like in Ukraine today with loss of power and the cold of winter. I think I'll do something along the same lines this year. Watch this space!
Whether you choose to spend today giving back to your community, those abroad or just relaxing and enjoying the company of your loved ones, I hope you have a great Boxing Day!
Comments