For the uninitiated, “Boxing Day” is not about squaring up after too much eggnog. In Commonwealth countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, the day after Christmas has a long-standing tradition of gifting.
Its origins trace back to the Victorian era when employers gave their staff "Christmas boxes"—small tokens of appreciation for a year's hard work. It was also a day to acknowledge service workers, tradespeople, and those less fortunate, turning generosity into something of a formal postscript to Christmas.
Over the years, however, this quaint tradition of giving has evolved into something far more familiar: retail therapy! Boxing Day has become a sort of holiday encore for those not quite ready to put away their wallets. Think of it as a Black Friday finale, except with fewer elbows and a bit more decorum.
This year, I'm looking for something special to reciprocate an unexpected gift (and others like the postman, teachers, my hair stylist and anyone else I may have forgotten about during the pre-Christmas madness). I also use Boxing Day sales to snag a bargain on something I may have had my eye on.
Why not make someone's day with a thoughtful, sustainable MH present and remember to reward yourself for being so generous to others!
Happy Hunting,
Xx, mlk
