TO MOST people, the holiday season means Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa and New Year's. But for Canadians, our friendly neighbors to the north, the month of December brings another tradition: Boxing Day.
Every year I look at my calendar, while frantically trying to coordinate end-of-semester activities, and idly wonder what Boxing Day really is. It's always on the calendar, but I've never met anyone who celebrated this mysterious holiday. I mean really, who celebrates a holiday the day after Christmas?
So this year I decided to honor my Canadian heritage and figure out exactly what Boxing Day is all about. After a little overdue digging I found some valuable information.
Boxing Day is a tradition brought to Canada by the British. Which begs the question, why is it not celebrated in the United States? But I digress. The holiday originated when lords gave gifts to their servants. Usually these gifts were monetary, and as they were wrapped in pretty boxes, the day became known as Boxing Day.
The holiday has now been formalized, and is an official bank holiday. In the true spirit of the holiday, Canadians take the time to remember those who have helped them out throughout the year. This includes mailmen, newspaper deliverers and domestic help.
In addition, the holiday has become a shopping holiday. In this regard, it is similar to the "celebration" of Dec. 26 in the United States. Canadians take the day off work as an opportunity to unwind and relax after the stress of the holidays, while taking advantage of sale shopping.
The holiday is also celebrated with family and friends. This is probably the most popular way of observing Boxing Day, which has followed many Canadians to the United States. Celebrations with family and friends include lots of food, often served potluck style, and a relaxing environment. This is meant to counter-act the stress that often accompanies the holiday season.
Boxing Day and its traditions are something Americans would do well to adopt. The holidays bring stress and tension. Particularly students, with finals and the end of the semester, are under a lot of stress. And as important as it is to remember the true meaning of Christmas, many people lose sight of it among the gift-giving commercialization of what should be a religious holiday. The celebration of Boxing Day would give over-stressed Americans a chance to distress and relax without any of the pressure that often accompanies the holiday season.
The traditional practice of remembering those who have helped us out during the year would serve Americans well too. At the University this would mean remembering, and recognizing, the people who make our lives as students easier. Those who work hard in areas such as dining, housing, maintenance, the libraries and administration make the University run smoothly and rarely receive the recognition they deserve. This year take a note from our non-violent neighbors to the north, relax and recognize those who have made your life that much easier this year.
(Megan Moyer is a Cavalier Daily columnist.)
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