Commentary, Photography

Boxing Day 2024

32 Comments

I first posted the following in 2022. I have updated the photos and some of the text, but otherwise, the sentiment remains the same.

In Canada, today is Boxing Day. It has nothing to do with sport but rather with the idea of “boxing up” the leftovers from Christmas feasting (including unwanted presents) to give to those less fortunate. Over the centuries, it has also largely diverged from its U.K. antecedents. I was raised with the notion that Boxing Day is for providing volunteer service (I was allowed to choose – and I always chose the SPCA – but I wasn’t allowed to skip it); however, I think that this philosophy has long since disappeared.

Perhaps we ought to try to bring back Boxing Day volunteerism or other forms of giving. I am tired of the Boxing Day sales that have now morphed into “boxing week” sales – whatever those are, I’m sure you’re really not going to save anything – that are bringing into disrepute a day that used to be about selflessness and giving.

Considering the narcissistic spending focus at this time of year – something that is industriously promoted by all businesses – a little required volunteerism might go a long way to helping a great many people, including those that do the volunteering.

Food for thought.

Happy Boxing Day.

32 thoughts on “Boxing Day 2024”

  1. Some beautiful shots Lynette and a beautiful sentiment. As usual, the retailers have perverted the festive season to their own devices…..make money. I prefer to make memories. It should not be and is not about the stuff. Happy Boxing Day. Allan

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Thank you very much, Allan. I’m going walking today but nowhere near any kind of store! No so-called Boxing Day (or week!) sales for me. I agree, making memories is best; we haven’t done presents in a long time – only homemade ones like jam or cookies – because all the Christmas buying is having such a huge effect on the environment.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. I absolutely agree about volunteering.
    As for the various seasonal ‘sales’, I make a point of completely ignoring them, as they are invariably simply a way of getting people to spend money on things they don’t actually need.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Very true, Stuart. I haven’t purchased Christmas presents for a long time now and basically no purchasing for other occasions, either. We do sometimes exchange homemade presents such as cookies or jam. Online stores in particular have been pushing for the last few years something called “Boxing Week.” Ugh.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. It’s really encouraging to note that all the comments here demonstrate a real awareness of the consumerist philosophy that now seems to infest almost all aspects of daily life. Your readers are obviously intelligent and concerned people.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Thank you very much, Stuart. Apparently Boxing Day sales here are dropping but Black Friday sales (this is an American sale that occurs after their Thanksgiving in November so it’s very weird that we have it here) are climbing. I recently caught up with a “Remembrance Day Sale” from an online clothing store and sent a complaint. I received a polite, apologetic reply, but I doubt anything will change. Nothing, it seems, is exempt from a sale, not even a day of mourning. Ugh.

          Like

        1. It’s crazy. One of the things I find sickening is the fact that items ordered over the internet (Amazon, for instance) that are then returned are thrown in the garbage. Same when many of these companies have too much inventory. It’s thrown out rather than repurposed. Exactly – consumerism gone wild.

          Liked by 2 people

          3. Wow, thank you for the links, Lynette. Those numbers are disturbing, why are humans so wasteful?

            Something needs to change, and this makes me so glad that I have only gifted gift cards for years now.

            I only watched one video because the other site asked me to turn off my ad block which I never do.

            Liked by 1 person

  5. Boxing Day’s true meaning has been forgotten (or perhaps never known) by most of us. Your post is an excellent reminder. Looking at your lovely photos made me think what a fine gift it would be if people who had little exposure to nature were given the opportunity to spend time in it. Perhaps a volunteer activity I should look into. 😏

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Thank you very much for your kind comments, Belinda. 😊 I’ve considered that volunteer option, too, but I always go back to the SPCA. I can’t resist all the animals! I agree that people do need more exposure to nature and that might develop more respect.

      Liked by 2 people

  7. I must admit Lynette that I have never heard of Boxing day being about volunteering but I do agree that volunteering would be a positive step!

    I would go one step further and say that If a soul truly does want to make a difference in this sea of commercialism they should volunteer year round and not wait for Boxing day.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. It was just something that was done locally in the area where I grew up – maybe it’s no longer done there, either. I agree that year-round volunteering is what could make a difference in this consumer-driven world.

      Liked by 2 people

  9. Lovely captures and reminder about the true meaning of Boxing Day. I always thought it had to do with businesses wanting to get rid of the rest of their Christmas stuff. I ended up buying a few things for Christmas presents for next year but have been trying to move towards gifting people experiences now.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you very much, Linda. When I was a child the stores were all closed during Boxing Day so growing up I didn’t see it at all as associated with shopping. I love the idea of gifting experiences, Linda. Another one I like is gifting services like yard work or house cleaning. Cheers.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Beautiful photos and an excellent reminder to volunteer and/or donate to causes that are important to us. When my daughter was in high school volunteer work was a requirement for the curriculum; we need more of that.

    Liked by 1 person

Comments are closed.