What is Boxing Day?
It has nothing to do with the sport. It has evolved into Canada’s version of the US Black Friday tradition. Here’s some history of Boxing Day:
Boxing Day Traditions around the World with Little Passports
While the exact origins of Boxing Day aren’t completely known, one of the more well-known traditions of this holiday started several hundred years ago in England. At this time, Boxing Day — the day after Christmas — was when the wealthy landowners would bring gifts of food or other necessities to the homes of people who worked for them. Many countries have continued this tradition of being generous to those who are in need at this time of year, but Boxing Day around the world has also changed to include other festivities and events.
New Zealand is another country that celebrates Boxing Day during their summer weather. Taking advantage of the nice weather, some New Zealanders may choose to go swimming in the ocean or the lakes and rivers. Others might decide to hike and have a picnic on the trail. Those families who just want to stay home and take it easy after the Christmas celebrations might flip on the television to watch cricket and grill up some Christmas dinner leftovers. Other families might go to the Ellerslie Boxing Day Races. These are horse races that have been held on Boxing Day for over 150 years at the Auckland Racing Club.
Although we don’t celebrate Boxing Day in the United States, Sam, Sofia, and the team at Little Passports will be honoring the tradition by helping those in need in their local community. How does your family give back during the holidays?
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