How to Celebrate Boxing Day
While stories of the origins of Boxing Day sometimes conflict, the holiday (which falls on the first weekday after Christmas - usually December 26 - and coincides with the Feast of Saint Stephen) is celebrated in Britain, Canada and several other countries. Take a moment to observe the holiday.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Bookstore/music Gift Certificates
- Gift Cards
- Holiday Cookbooks
- Canned Goods
- Holiday Food And Beverages
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Attend a sporting event. In England, horse racing, regattas, football games and the Brighton Swimming Club's annual dip into the icy English Channel are just some of the events that take place on Boxing Day.
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Remember those who have provided a service to you during the year. The postal delivery person, the newspaper delivery person, and employees of your household or business should be remembered with a tip, bonus or gift basket.
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Remember those in need. Tradition has it that on Boxing Day in Victorian England, the poor went from house to house bearing boxes that were filled by compassionate home owners with food, clothing and gifts. Give canned goods, clothing or your time to organizations that help the needy.
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Go shopping. Shopping is a popular Boxing Day activity, and the malls are usually filled with people taking advantage of after-Christmas bargains.
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Celebrate with friends. Provide food and drink, or organize a potluck get-together for friends and family. Make it low-key, as Boxing Day should be less hectic and more relaxing than Christmas Day.
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Tips & Warnings
Other traditions hold that Boxing Day came about because the churches' alms boxes were opened that day, and the funds were used to provide food for the poor.
Boxing Day is not an American holiday, so don't expect to find too many celebrations going on in the United States.
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Comments
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tcouncell
Dec 26, 2006
This is right from the horse's mouth>>> The Postal Service web site. "Gifts to Postal Service Employees While many Postal Service customers have traditionally thanked their letter carrier with gifts of cash during the holiday season, this practice puts our employees at risk of violating federal law. The Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch ("Standards"), specifies that Postal Service employees may not accept gifts from outside sources (including Postal Service customers) or gifts given to them because of their official positions. Postal Service employees are also prohibited from soliciting gifts from outside sources. There are a number of exceptions and exclusions to the general gifts rule. Postal Service employees may accept the following items: Snacks and beverages that are not offered as part of a meal. Items with little intrinsic value (i.e., greeting cards, plaques, pens, coffee mugs, etc.). Perishable items (i.e., flowers, chocolates, cookies, etc.); if the items are clearly worth more than $20, employees should share them with others in the Postal Service workplace. Items with a market (retail) value of $20 or less. Gifts motivated solely because of a personal relationship. Gifts for which the employee has paid market (retail) value. Gifts paid for by the Postal Service. Postal Service employees may not accept cash - in any amount or form (bills, checks, money orders) - from an outside source." I would assumke that gift cards are the same as cash. -
Jan 18, 2006
I just had to point that if it's not an American holiday, you needn't tip American postal workers.
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Jan 18, 2006
You can tip your UPS Man, or your FedEx guy for that matter, because they are not federal employees. I never figured out why so many people seem to think UPS is part of the postal service, they don't even wear blue. USPS workers are however federal employees.
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Jan 18, 2006
Feel free to tip your mail carriers. They work hard all day long and most of them do tons of extra things above the call of duty. I've seen our neighborhood carrier help an elderly lady bring her trash bins in. I've had him bring out a parcel 3 days in a row because someone is usually home at my house thinking he will get it delivered. He is only required to try it once. Believe you me, If I can avoid going down to the post office, I will! He saves me hours of time and I have the security of knowing that my carrier knows me and where my mail belongs.
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Jan 18, 2006
UPS is a private company and their people are not legally prevented from accepting tips.
