Boxing Day Explained; More Than Just Putting Gifts Away

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA — Those Amazon boxes were all smiling at you as they arrived on your doorstep pre-Christmas. Now, that smile looks more like a smirk.

It's after Christmas and boxing day is upon us. But it really isn't about the boxes, historians say.

Chances are, you've seen it on your calendar. Boxing Day. But do you know where the term comes from?

The Boxing Day, which falls on Dec. 26 or the first weekday after Christmas, is an English holiday where gifts were distributed to the poor.

For many southern Californian's, the day after Christmas is a day to tuck in new presents, clear out the items you are replacing, and make a donation to your local Salvation Army, Goodwill or other favorite charity.

That isn't far from how Boxing Day originated, as an English tradition. Here are some interesting and fun facts about boxing day:

• Boxing Day is called boxing day because it was the day the family opened the "Christmas Box" for the poor.
• The Christmas Box was often made of clay or wood and was where people placed gifts.
• During the age of exploration, a Christmas Box would be placed on a ship for good luck. A priest would often place it there, and crewmen would drop money in it to ensure a safe return. If the ship returned safely, the priest would take the box and distribute the contents to the poor.
• Every church in England had an alms box which was where folks placed money for the poor. The box was opened on Dec. 26 and the contents were distributed to the poor of the parish.
• The tradition still continues today. Many of us give small tokens to local workers. Kids also collect things in boxes to be given to the local poor.

Does your family have a Christmas Box tradition? Share your photos with your patch editor: ashley.ludwig@patch.com

Photo, Ashley Ludwig, Patch Staff