What's in Store for You on Boxing Day?
Once again, Boxing Day is gearing up to being a big one this year. What will you be doing - shopping, staying at home with the family or watching sports?
With the joy and elation of Christmas still lingering from the previous day, and the shadow of a hangover just creeping up, most of us are in need of a bit of R & R. Whether you’re staying at home and snoozing while watching sports, going out for a big day of shopping, or packing up for a picnic at the beach, Boxing Day is always much cherished.
Boxing Day is believed to have originated in England in the 19th century and ideas are mixed about how it started. One theory is that the “Alms Box,” which was placed in every church on Christmas Day, has inspired the name; though historically it was where worshippers placed a gift for the poor whereas these days Boxing Day is mostly a symbiotic gift for merchants and customers. While alms boxes were historically opened the day after Christmas, on Boxing Day as we know it today the only thing we seem to be opening with spiritual religiosity is our wallets. It’s arguable that the seasonal celebration on the 26th of December is based on Christian tradition spread throughout the world when Britain developed the Commonwealth; the sanctity of the original gift giving aspect may be up for question due to the commodification of culture, though these days Boxing Day definitely inspires something for everyone…
Boxing Day These Days
Nowadays in Australia, Boxing Day is known as a shopping holiday with most shops opening early for sales. Often people wait outside shops in the early hours of the morning to find the biggest bargain. Tempers are high and the crowds are pushy but despite it all, the thought of grabbing a deal at 70% off is enough to motivate some. Like all sports, shopping requires hard work and dedication and Boxing Day is a test of this. In recent years, however, there are massive online sales so you can save yourself the long queues, sweaty marathon dash and confrontation with angry shoppers. Shop from the comfort of your own home in pajamas and take advantage of discounts from some of your favorite brands. You can also head to Google and search Boxing Day Sale and start familiarizing yourself with some online purchasing shops so that you’re ready when the sales start.
While Christmas Day is traditionally a day for family, if you’re going shopping then it’s recommended leaving the kids at home. Why not have a Girl’s Day Out (if you’re a girl), complete with champagne lunch at one of the restaurants listed on the AGFG? Now is a great time to catch up with friends who may have been neglected during the crazy family filled Christmas celebrations. Also consider public transport because finding parking will be hard if you go to a major shopping mall. Some shoppers line up as early as dawn to be first in stores. If you’ve never been to the Boxing Day sale, this year is the time to see for yourself what all the craziness is about.
If you’re a man and not into shopping, some major sporting events are held on Boxing Day. The Boxing Day cricket game between the Australian National team and other national teams touring Australia begins on Boxing Day and lasts up to five days. Another important sporting event is the Sydney to Hobart yacht race which covers a distance of 630 nautical miles between Sydney Harbour and Hobart on the island of Tasmania. The media interest in these sports events means that anyone can spend the day at home and watch these events on television with friends and family.
Leisurely Leftovers or a Dining Out Day
Whether it’s a shopping trip out with friends or a stay at home with the in laws, Boxing Day is the day for turkey and ham leftovers which mean you can do a variety of recipes including the ever popular turkey and cranberry sandwiches. Cold ham can be used as the main dish to a cold buffet type meal. Let’s face it, no one wants to do much cooking after the efforts of the day before. Putting a buffet together of hot and cold foods means that everyone can help themselves to what they want and how much they want. Simple, no fuss cooking is what Boxing Day is all about. Cool off from the summer heat with a dip in the river, lake or ocean and feast on a meal which is easy to make and clean after. Or if you have it in you to dress up and take on the town, Boxing Day is great time to try out a new restaurant or head to one of your old favourites.
This is also the time of the year when many Australians also head off on holidays or prepare for the next celebration - New Years Eve!
