Traditionally, “Boxing Day” takes place in the United Kingdom and in British Commonwealth countries on December 26, on the Feast of St. Stephen. There are two theories concerning its origins. Firstly, when servants were required to work on Christmas Day they took the following day off to visit families, and their employers presented them with gift boxes to take with them. Secondly, wealthy parishioners deposited coins in boxes placed in churches, which the Minister opened and distributed to the poor on the day after Christmas Day.
England's American colonies celebrated Boxing Day for many generations, but abandoned it after Independence. However, it will re-appear in Concord’s Old Manse for the fourth consecutive year. On Sunday, December 26 come and join curious locals, and ex-pat Brits, yearning for a taste of the old country, and buy such delicacies as treacle sponge pudding, potato crisps, chocolate digestive biscuits, HP sauce and Branston Pickle.
And of course, because of the Old Manse's proximity to the Old North Bridge, we market these goods as 'Refreshments for Redcoats'.
So come and support the Trustees of Reservations and the Old Manse, and find something to do with those visiting relatives and friends when everything else is closed.
Guided Tours of the house will take place between noon and four, and there is also a 25 percent off sale in the bookstore. Also, come enjoy free cider and cookies -- or should that be biscuits?
