zeroptzero

I doubt most Canadians know what Boxing Day is about. Most just see it as one day of rest after the Christmas rush, and a chance to look for after-Christmas sales. I never partake in the sales thing, the crowds and traffic don't make it worth my time. I prefer to use it as a day of rest.

MAGGIEMAE

Tachus

My understanding is that originally it was the day that the rich boxed up their "left overs" and gave them to the poor for them to eat.

Happy Boxing Day.

zeroptzero

There may be different versions and interpretations, I had not heard that one.

It seems to be based on wealthy persons giving boxed presents to the people that work for them as a sign of thanks for helping ahead of the Christmas holiday. Whether they were servants. one step away from slaves, or employees I don't know, it goes back to England and was later brought over to North America by them. Knowing how hard it is for rich people to let go of their money it would not surprise me that the items in the boxes were of very little value.

All I know is that I am totally worn out when Christmas arrives that I definitely need one extra day of down-time and boxing day is a must.

Scooterboy

I thought it was the day you get sick of your relatives staying with you and you start boxing their ears to get them to go home!

zeroptzero

That too ! If you live in Eastern Canada you escort them out the mother-in-law door as they prepare to leave lol These things are everywhere on the east coast.

dlq04

In Michigan we call those dog doors but mother-in-laws don't like to hear that.

willis

Your understanding is correct. But it’s not just leftovers. Highly valued staff are still given a better gift as well. Food was taken back to their families.
I found all this looking into my family history. It seems a lot of them who did not join the army or navy, went into service with wealthy and aristocratic families. Not so good wages, but free board and lodging, uniform, freebies at Christmas.

Tachus

^^^ Yes, you are right. I remember meeting an "older couple" in 1971. When they met they were able to decide not to be "in service." He preferred to work in a local factory, which allowed them to be married. Being in service did not allow for people to be married. They probably met around 1910. They lived in a small town in Nottinghamshire. U.K. Very rural even in the 1970's.

boltonblue

do you have to drive subarus or porsches for boxing day?