Today, the day after Christmas is commonly known as Boxing Day, or St Stephens day. Unlike in England, Germany, Australia and new Zealand, Boxing Day is not an official holiday in Belgium.
I used to think they named it Boxing Day because it was the day Christmas gifts were exchanged and opened, but a little bit of research told me there is more than one meaning to “ Boxing Day”.
The name Boxing Day derives from the tradition of giving seasonal gifts, on the day after Christmas, to less wealthy people and social inferiors, which was later extended to various workpeople such as laborers and servants.
The first is that centuries ago, on the day after Christmas, members of the merchant class would give boxes containing food and fruit, clothing, and/or money to trades people and servants. The gifts were an expression of gratitude much like when people receive bonuses, from their employer, for a job well done, today. These gifts, given in boxes, gave the holiday it's name, "Boxing Day".
The second thought is that Boxing Day comes from the tradition of opening the alms boxes placed in churches over the Christmas season. The contents thereof which were distributed amongst the poor, by the clergy, the day after Christmas. ( Source: Wikipedia)
Gifts and presents are part of the Christmas fun I suppose. My fun began a couple of days before Christmas gift wrapping everybody’s presents. I always try to put some creativity into that, and this year I cut up old Christmas cards and used them to make labels for my gifts.
We had loads of presents this year…
I mean … LOADS!!
Some of them, were HUGE!
Each person gets to pick a present for somebody else.
( That’s when the labels come in handy)
and opens it …
Some of the gifts even had a poem to be read before opening …
Some had to be fitted.
Sometimes instruction manuals had to be read.
Some even needed to be tested!
Ummm … NO we DO NOT DO DRUGS if that’s what you’re thinking!!
Everything had to either be looked at …
… or sniffed at …
and thanked for.
All the while the paparazzi sisters kept their fingers on the trigger shutter.
It took us over four hours to get through them this year! ROFL!!
It looks like you had a wonderful time!
ReplyDeleteI just experienced another Wonderful Christmas while viewing your photos Jientje, I felt a sense of joy come through, Thank you so much!...Wanda
ReplyDelete@ Hip Chick: We did!
ReplyDelete@ Wanda: I know how it feels. I get the same feeling every time I visit your blog!
Like Wanda, I got to experience Christmas with your family too. Thank you for sharing your family and pictures with us.
ReplyDelete@ Moneythoughts: You're welcome. Merry Christmas Fred!
ReplyDeletewonderful, I love to do the one gift at a time too. we have always kept it to a minimum, so the children will learn to appreciate what they receive.
ReplyDeleteI like the box of thank you for the explanation of Boxing Day, maybe my boss could learn that one!!!!
I loved your pictures, I felt like I was there, you did a great job wrapping too, I love that part!!!
Hugs,
Margaret B
@ The French Bear: I remember how wonderful it was to get such a box at work when I still worked. We were all more than thrilled to dig into the box and discover all the goodies inside!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fun time, Jientje!
ReplyDeleteI also like the opening of gifts one at a time - we used to it the same way you do, but somehow that fell by the wayside and now it is a freeforall, and I always feel I missed something.
Now, off to enjoy our family Christmas where we have more food than presents!
It was a marvelous day. We all enjoyed! And the presents were all great!!
ReplyDeleteYour sister Lena.
We also open one gift at a time and enjoy each moment! Even with a toddler around to receive most of the gifts, I don't think we'll take four hours this year!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed choosing, buying and wrapping the gifts and even more enjoyed the four hours opening them!
ReplyDeleteIt was FUN! And absolutely no bloopers this year! The presents were all very well chosen.
Big hug,
Your little sister
@ VioletSky : It was. I hope you and your family enjoy yourselves just as much!
ReplyDelete@ Lena: I agree, and I'm glad you liked your presents!
@ Betty : Thank you! We enjoyed every minute of it!
@ Willow: Most of our birthdays are in the Fall, so we did have to catch up on some birthdays as well. That accounts for the huge amount.
@ Bientje : So did I and I'm glad you like what I picked for you and the kids. I'm looking forward to see some cookie baking pictures?
I want to wish you and hope that you and your family had a wonderful Christmas. I know I haven't been around much...hopefully that will change. I hope you are doing well and I wish you a very Happy 2010
ReplyDelete@ Thom: Thank you Thom. A merry Christmas and a happy 2010 to you too.
ReplyDeleteSounds like great fun! I bet it's hard for the kids to be patient.
ReplyDelete