Here’s an idea: Could ‘Boxing Day’ become a U.S. holiday?

Don’t forget about “Boxing Day.” It’s coming up on Dec. 26, the day after Christmas. It’s a really big deal in Great Britain and some of the other Commonwealth countries, including Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

 

It has nothing to do with cardboard cartons or prize fighting. Boxing Day’s true origin is a bit fuzzy, but European in nature. 

Houses of worship often had an alms box bolted to a wall in which to collect charitable donations for the poor. Some theologians suggest that this practice may date back to Pope Innocent III, who served from 1198-1216.

 

Traditionally, the alms box would be unlocked and opened on the day after Christmas and its contents would be distributed to the needy. Hence, “opening the box day” became an important event for the church family. Congregants would rush out into the community spreading their generosity. 

Was it a coincidence that Boxing Day was the same day as Saint Stephen’s Day? Probably not, according to historian Christopher Klein of Andover, Mass. 

In the Bible, Stephen was the leader of the seven deacons who were appointed by the apostles “to minister to the physical needs of the faithful.” 

Stephen was known for his acts of charity toward the downtrodden. He was described by Luke in the Book of Acts as being “full of faith” and “full of grace and fortitude.” 

“The Lord used Stephen mightily in ministry,” said the Rev. Andrew Moore of Saint Stephen Orthodox Church in Hiram, Ga. Stephen “was called upon to serve tables – that is, be sure that provisions for widows and orphans of the church were made each day. He performed great wonders…among the people.” 

By the 19th century, “boxing” was used a term to describe the awarding of holiday bonuses to postmen and others who worked in “lowly service positions.” 

One source remarked: “In England, gifts among equals were exchanged on or before Christmas Day, but beneficences to those less fortunate were bestowed the day after.” 

Klein said: “Lords of the manor and aristocrats typically distributed ‘Christmas boxes’ filled with small gifts, money and leftovers from Christmas dinner to their household servants and employees” to take home after being required to work on Christmas.” 

Some credit England’s Queen Victoria, who reigned from 1837-1901, for instituting Boxing Day as a national holiday, granting domestic employees a day off to celebrate with their own families.

 

Could Boxing Day become Americanized? It’s highly unlikely. Dec. 26 is an important day for Americans to return gift items that are the wrong size, wrong style, wrong color or defective in any way.

 

Perhaps the almsgiving aspects of Boxing Day could be a point of emphasis, however. Charlotte Riggle, an author in Sumner, Wash., suggests families consider some charitable activities, such as collecting food during Advent. 

“St. Stephen’s Day would be a perfect day to deliver it to your local food bank,” Riggle said. “Or pick up two or three second-hand coats at a thrift store and deliver them to a homeless shelter. Buy pet food for a local animal shelter. Send a check to a charity that serves the poor. The important thing is pick one and do it!” 

Afterward, bake a batch of “footprint cookies” in remembrance of the Christmas carol “Good King Wenceslas,” and “the holy saint’s footprints in the snow,” Riggle said.

 

Find the recipe and lyrics on the Catholic Cuisine blog posting from Dec. 26, 2012.