What did you get for Christmas???

[gja1000]

What does "boxing" mean, in terms of "boxing day"?

[Lindsey]

Lol nobody knows! From Wikipedia:

The exact etymology of the term "boxing" is unclear and there are several competing theories, none of which are definitive.[3] The tradition has long included giving money and other gifts to those who were needy and in service positions. The European tradition has been dated to the Middle Ages, but the exact origin is unknown and there are some claims that it goes back to the late Roman/early Christian era; metal boxes placed outside churches were used to collect special offerings tied to the Feast of Saint Stephen.[4]

In the UK, it certainly became a custom of the nineteenth-century Victorians for tradesmen to collect their "Christmas boxes" or gifts on the day after Christmas in return for good and reliable service throughout the year.[5] Another possibility is that the name derives from an old English tradition: in exchange for ensuring that wealthy landowners' Christmases ran smoothly, their servants were allowed to take the 26th off to visit their families. The employers gave each servant a box containing gifts and bonuses (and sometimes leftover food). In addition, around the 1800s, churches opened their alms boxes (boxes where people place monetary donations) and distributed the contents to the poor.

[gja1000]

OK, well that clears it right up! LOL! Thanks for the wiki info!

[DianaB]

That's what I was wondering too.....I guess that it's been explained fairly well. I always thought that Boxing Day was when you boxed up your Christmas decorations!!! LOL I like your definition of shopping and sales better!!!!!

Diane, I'm sorry that there's a rift in your family. Things like that happen so often. I'm glad that you were able to go ahead and enjoy your Christmas anyway. Sometimes we should be able to stay home and not have to be a part of busier activities!! We're here if you need some one to talk to about it!! Hugs!!!