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Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Boxing Day

What's It Wednesday #54
We've all seen it on the calendar with the little guy in boxing gloves and trunks, but what is it really?

For me, it's a chance to share some of the many boxes that I love to collect, but I thought I'd find out and share the real meaning as well. 
 
Boxing Day has been a national holiday in England, Wales, Ireland and Canada since 1871. But there are two schools of thought as to the origin.
 
It might have been started by the Church of England, when Anglican parishes displayed a box into which churchgoers put their monetary donations.
 
 
On the day after Christmas, the boxes were broken open and their contents distributed among the poor.

 


It was also customary for tradesmen to collect “Christmas boxes” of money or presents on the first weekday after Christmas as thank you for good service throughout the year. This is an outgrowth to an older English tradition:
 
Since they would have to wait on their masters on Christmas Day, the servants of the wealthy were allowed the next day off to visit with family. The employers would give each servant a box to take home containing gifts and bonuses, and sometimes leftover food.
 
Since it is a banking holiday for everyone, the gentry took this day for the pleasure of hunting, riding or various sporting events.
 
Now, Boxing Day is much like black Friday here in the U.S. It is the U. K.'s biggest shopping day, earning the greatest amount of revenue for the year.
 
Boxing Day has evolved from a charitable day to an extension of Christmas. It's a fabulous day to enjoy those great presents, polish off the leftovers and lounge around in bright sweaters watching sporting events. Why haven't we Americans adopted it yet? Sounds like something we can get behind, right?
 
Hope you enjoyed the boxes.

Happy Boxing Day!
Hugs,
Patti
 

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51 comments:

  1. UnknownDecember 26, 2012 at 8:34 AM

    I just learned something new. Never heard of boxing day. Your boxes are beautiful :)

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  2. SusieDecember 26, 2012 at 8:38 AM

    Thank you for explaining boxing day. I had seen it on my claender and was planning on looking it up. I love your decorating...It is beautiful. xoxo,Susie

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  3. It's meDecember 26, 2012 at 9:15 AM

    Thank you darling...enjoy this time.....happy 2013.....love from me...xxx..

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  4. PalomaseaDecember 26, 2012 at 11:04 AM

    How dense I am! And here I thought that boxing matches are watched on the telly...oh, dear, I'm embarrassed! :)
    That is lovely...a charitable day after Christmas...and your boxes and baubles are beautiful, dear Patti!
    I hope your Christmas was magical, sweet friend...thank you for your kind wishes!
    Much happiness and good health in the New Year!
    Big hugs,
    - Irina

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  5. Grandma Barb's This and ThatDecember 26, 2012 at 11:16 AM

    Thanks for explaining Boxing Day. I really had no idea what the meaning was.
    You boxes are lovely.
    I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

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  6. OliveDecember 26, 2012 at 11:46 AM

    Hi Patti, I did not know the origins of Boxing Day. Happy Christmas, Olive

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  7. SueDecember 26, 2012 at 12:48 PM

    I think that you enlightened more than a few people today as to what Boxing Day is.
    Your collection of boxes is just beautiful. Want to say thanks for the feature today. :-) Sue

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  8. AnneDecember 26, 2012 at 1:12 PM

    Thank you for sharing! I have never heard of this before!
    Thank you for hosting too!
    xx
    Anne

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  9. TeresaDecember 26, 2012 at 2:53 PM

    I find boxing day - the new concept - a weird thing... instead of enjoying the Season and what we've just celebrated, people jump, run and even fight for a pair of jeans.

    It was so good to learn that the day had much more venerable and worthy origins.

    Thank you for sharing Patti! I'm also in love with the boxes you shared... true treasures made for contemplation and wonderment.

    Yours,
    Teresa

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  10. The French Hens NestDecember 26, 2012 at 6:15 PM

    Patti, your boxes are so lovely! I don't know what it is about a box but my sister and I also collect boxes. Her,small china ones and me, wooden ones any size. We have so much in common my friend. Hope you are having a wonderful Christmas! Thank you for hosting another great party.

    Much affection,
    Linda and Jeannie @ The French Hens Nest

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  11. Betsy@My Salvaged TreasuresDecember 26, 2012 at 6:17 PM

    Thank you for sharing all your beautiful boxes and for giving us some history behind Boxing Day. I'm drooling over all the jewelry. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas.

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  12. SarahDecember 26, 2012 at 8:41 PM

    Oh, your collection of various boxes is fabulous. I like the way you presented the history of Boxing Day with the images of this amazing collection. I'm going to go back from start to finish again to take this all in.
    ~ Sarah

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  13. The Polka Dot ClosetDecember 26, 2012 at 8:47 PM

    I never knew what boxing day was, thank you! Yes, i think we should make a holiday here in the US! I loved all of your boxes, but the bling in the one box made me swoon!

    Happy New Year

    Carol

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  14. UnknownDecember 26, 2012 at 9:11 PM

    Thanks for your visit and comment! Hope your New Year is healthy and happy!

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  15. Terra December 26, 2012 at 10:59 PM

    I enjoyed your post about Boxing Day and your excellent photos. The cameos and brooches are especially pretty.

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  16. Linda @ Life and LindaDecember 26, 2012 at 11:33 PM

    Thank you for explaining Boxing Day.
    I have learned a valuable lesson. Knowledge is power. happy Holidays and a bright New year. Blessings, Linda

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  17. Keetha BroylesDecember 26, 2012 at 11:48 PM


    I choose to think of Boxing Day as the day the gentry gave their servants boxes of gifts as thank yous for their service. I hadn't heard some of your other options - - - all interesting.

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  18. Our Hopeful HomeDecember 27, 2012 at 1:58 AM

    You always have such interesting stories to share! Thanks for the history lesson on Boxing Day! Your boxes are beautiful. And thanks for the Christmas chalkboard printable feature! Happy New Year! Xoxo Kathleen

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  19. KarenDecember 27, 2012 at 12:10 PM

    I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and have a very happy New Year.

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  20. Sally Annie MagundyDecember 27, 2012 at 1:33 PM

    Such a beautiful post, I so enjoyed all of your lovely boxes and vignettes. I've always wondered about Boxing Day and can remember hearing that Boxing Day was a day to give to the needy. (Kind of sad to hear it's devolved into another shopping day.)

    Wishing you much joy in 2013!

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  21. AnonymousDecember 27, 2012 at 1:55 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  22. BabsDecember 27, 2012 at 2:11 PM

    I enjoyed seeing your collection of boxes, especially the pear tea caddy and the sardine box.I have a thing for boxes too. Thanks for the history of that holiday.

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  23. LVDecember 27, 2012 at 5:31 PM

    What a great box collection. Some of them so neat and different. Loved visiting with you today.

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  24. DarleneDecember 27, 2012 at 5:33 PM

    Hi, Its Darlene from Maria's Antoinette blog. I think I have joined your blog already but I clicked on it again just in case and thanks for joining my blog. Thank you for the history of Boxing Day. I didn't know that and I like to collect boxes too. Your boxes are beautiful. take care, Darlene

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  25. TracyDecember 27, 2012 at 7:43 PM

    Beautiful treasures, as always, thanks for sharing them as well as the information. I never really knew what boxing day was about but it sounds lovely. Take care ladies and have a wonderful and happy New Year!

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  26. AnonymousDecember 28, 2012 at 10:42 AM

    Your boxes - and your blog - are simply beautiful. I love all that vintage jewelry I see as well. I will be reading more of your blog and following. ~Kelly

    unDeniably Domestic

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  27. Cristina GarayDecember 28, 2012 at 3:44 PM

    Something new I just learned! You have a very pretty collection of boxes! Thanks for the story!

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  28. Terri~terrileeauthorDecember 28, 2012 at 3:54 PM

    Thank you for your kind words on my blog. I see that you found me through the 'welcome wagon' on Cozy Little House'. What a great idea. I was thrilled to be mentioned and see a few new faces on my blog. It looks like your blog is very interesting. I shall spend some time looking at your past posts.
    Happy New Year
    Terri

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  29. Tazas y CuentosDecember 28, 2012 at 4:43 PM

    Very interesting post, I didn't know those stories about boxing day. And lovely collection you have!
    Thank you for hosting and for your nice comment!
    Besos from Argentina, Silvina

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  30. Julie MarieDecember 28, 2012 at 6:42 PM

    Oooh Patti... your boxes are just exquisite, like you!... and I am just drooling and sighing over your vintage jewelry!... I love that you always weave a magical story into your posts... so enchanting!... wishing you and your family, and Paula and her family a most Happy New Year... xoxo Julie Marie

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  31. The Liberty BelleDecember 28, 2012 at 9:04 PM

    Lovely boxes and a lovely post (as usual.) I enjoyed the explanation of Boxing Day. Best wishes for a New Year FILLED with good health, good cheer, and lots of love.

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  32. FABBY'S LIVINGDecember 28, 2012 at 9:05 PM

    Oh wow, all those gorgeous boxes! I have a few I collect, but nothing as gorgeous as yours! Boxing Day..umm..that's new to me!
    Nice features too. Thank you for hosting the last party of 2012. My wishes for you and yours for 2013 are to be happy,to be healthy and prosper.. by the grace of the Lord.
    FABBY

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  33. romance-of-rosesDecember 29, 2012 at 1:24 AM

    Hi Girls, thank you so much for your sweet wishes. Amazing that you are showing boxes cause I had a dream of an older man that wanted to give me a small wooden box, I didn't want to accept it cause I didn't know who he was but he insisted and I took this beautiful small wooden box and haven't forgotten the dream. Then came here to your blog and see all the lovely wooden boxes, hummm! Happy New Year 2013 to you and yours...Lu

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  34. Heirloom treasuresDecember 29, 2012 at 2:23 AM

    I grew up in England with boxing day,but in South Australia where I live,boxing day wasn't celebrated until a few years ago. We instead celebrated Proclamation day on the 28th. After retailers complained for years about closing the doors for Christmas day,opening again on the 26th and 27th and then closing on the 28th for one day. It was decided to celebrate Proclamation day on the 26th. The strange thing is it is now called Boxing Day? Confused,well the rest of Australia have always celebrated Boxing Day. :)
    Love this post,lovely boxes too. xx

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  35. AnonymousDecember 29, 2012 at 2:24 AM

    PS Dumb cluck I am. We celebrate Proclamation day here not Independence day. I must be having a Senior Moment :)

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  36. Collar City BrownstoneDecember 29, 2012 at 3:37 AM

    I always wondered why Boxing day was called that. I am all for the U.S. adopting it as long as it is not an extension of Black Friday. Extending the family gathering into the next day though sounds divine to me.

    I love the box that is filled with old costume jewelry. All of the boxes are gorgeous but I hope that I don't start collecting them too after seeing yours...LOL I am trying to live as minimalist as much as I can.

    I do visit your blog although I am usually silent. Ivy and Elephants was my very first "follower" and that I will never forget and always be thankful for.

    Happy Holidays!

    Love,
    Xenia

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  37. Liz @ Quirky VistasDecember 29, 2012 at 9:28 AM

    The box with all the bejeweled pins and such is amazing. It's a veritable treasure trove, as are those old photos. Love your collections! Thanks for stopping over and commenting at Quirky Vistas. I'm always glad to see you've been by!

    Happy New Year!
    Liz

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  38. Gillian RoeDecember 29, 2012 at 11:26 AM

    Hi Patti,

    Thank you for stopping by my blog and your kind comments. Your boxing day post is really interesting (I'm English so should know all about it, but have to confess I'm a bit vague on the details!). It's such a shame it's become a shopping day - when I was small it was just a lovely quiet day spent with family spent by going for a walk, eating a big lunch, playing games, reading and watching tv.

    Gillian x

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  39. AlessandraDecember 29, 2012 at 4:11 PM

    Hi, thank you very much for your sweet words and for stopping by over my blog...it's a great pleasure for me! Your boxes are marvellous and i like very much the vintage jewellery. The english tradition of Boxing Day is very interesting, thanks for sharing it. I'll follow you too. HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM
    Italy.
    xoxo
    Alessandra

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  40. AnonymousDecember 30, 2012 at 1:12 AM

    Ohhh, I am so glad I found your blog! Love it and will visit often! Thanks for the lesson on Boxing Day and for hosting the party. New follower. Melinda

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  41. Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️December 30, 2012 at 5:10 PM

    I had no idea what Boxing Day was? Thanks for all the great info :)
    Your boxes are beautiful!

    Dee

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  42. Pinky at Designs by PinkyDecember 30, 2012 at 6:30 PM

    Hi Patti! I love all your boxes and wanted to tell you I have a box that was my grandmothers that is alot like yours with the picture on it!!! I wonder if it is worth anything? Not that I would sell it, I have precious FEW things from my Mother or Grandmother, sadly. Happy New Year!!! XO, Pinky

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  43. susie @ persimmon moon cottageDecember 30, 2012 at 8:21 PM

    I really enjoyed seeing your collection of beautiful boxes (and the treasures within some of them).
    It would be nic for Boxing day to be a Holiday here in the US.

    Have a Happy New Year!

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  44. Cindy AdkinsDecember 30, 2012 at 9:34 PM

    I enjoyed the information about Boxing Day and beautiful, beautiful photos, Patti. I agree that the U.S. should adopt Boxing Day! Happy New Year to you and Paula!
    Cindy

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  45. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonDecember 30, 2012 at 10:12 PM

    I've heard of boxing day, but never knew what it meant exactly. Thanks so much for sharing your boxes and explaining it to us. Sounds like a wonderful holiday! Thanks for hosting.
    Hugs,
    Jann

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  46. Adorned From AboveDecember 31, 2012 at 1:15 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting. Happy New Year.
    Debi

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  47. Castles Crowns and CottagesDecember 31, 2012 at 6:30 AM

    PATTI!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    My dear, you are just a lovely collector of some of the most elegant vintage items around. Your photos always display such grace and you stage them so nicely. Thank you for the lesson on Boxing Day; I never ever knew what our British brethren celebrated on that day!!!!!!

    Thank you dear one for coming to visit me. I wish YOU and the family a wonderful new year full of LOVE and good things. HAVE FUN and let's keep blogging our dreams and successes!! Anita

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  48. PondsideDecember 31, 2012 at 10:10 AM

    It was so nice to see your blog name pop up on my last post - it reminded me of what I'd been missing over here.
    Boxing Day is a big deal here - an extension of Christmas Day with family parties and get togethers - and shopping for those so inclined!
    Happy New Year to both of you!

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  49. AnonymousDecember 31, 2012 at 1:37 PM

    Thanks for the info about Boxing Day. I'd actually never heard of it until about 14 years ago when I regularly chatting with some Canadians online. They told me it was a time to shop after Christmas sales, but they didn't tell me the full history. Always good to learn something new.

    Thanks for dropping by and leaving the nice comments about my blog redesign. Happy New Year!

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  50. Collar City BrownstoneJanuary 1, 2013 at 12:14 AM

    Happy New Year 2013!!!!!!!

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  51. The Charm of HomeJanuary 3, 2013 at 12:23 PM

    Thank you for joining Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

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Thank you so much for your comments! We enjoy hearing from you.