Box Clever

Happy Boxing Day! 

And welcome to the perennial argument over why it's called Boxing Day. 

There are two main competing theories (though others do exist). 

The first relates to the European tradition - dating back to the Middle Ages - of placing an alms box in the narthex of Christian churches to collect donations for the poor. This, in turn, may have its roots in the late Roman/early Christian era when alms boxes placed in churches were used to collect special offerings tied to the Feast of St Stephen which falls on the same day as Boxing Day (and is commemorated in the carol of Good King Wenceslas). On this day, it is customary for the alms boxes to be opened and the contents distributed to the poor. 

Or ... 

It may be all to do with so-called 'Christmas boxes ' - the custom of tradesmen/women collecting gifts of money or presents on the first weekday after Christmas as thanks for good service throughout the year. The oldest evidence for this is in the Oxford English Dictionary (1830) where Boxing Day is defined as, 'the first weekday after Christmas day, observed as a holiday on which postmen, errand boys, and servants of various kinds expect to receive a Christmas box'. Meanwhile, the term 'Christmas box' dates back to the 17th century and is mentioned in Samuel Pepys' diary entry for 19th December 1663. The custom is probably linked to an older British tradition where the servants of the wealthy were allowed the next day to visit their families since they would have had to serve their masters on Christmas Day. The employers would give each servant a box to take home containing gifts, bonuses, and sometimes leftover food. 

Whatever the origin, Boxing Day should be a day when we think about those who are in dire need of help. So, on this day, even if you are heading out to the sales, consider a donation to a homeless charity or a food bank. 

You'll be a better person for doing so and you'll feel good too.

Meanwhile, all over the UK, people will be celebrating the day in their own unique ways. In Somerset, the Keynsham Mummers will be performing their annual play.

And in Grantchester, Cambridgeshire, today's the day of the annual Barrel Rolling Race. 

And over a hundred swimmers in Aberdeen will be braving the icy waters of the North Sea in fancy dress at the Nippy Dipper Boxing Day Dip.       

There are so many other events going on around the UK - why not check if something is going on near where you live?

It has to be more fun than fighting among the Boxing Day sales crowds.