If you ask us here at WriteMyMemoirs, we’d say that the day after Christmas is a perfect laid-back day to work on your memoir—or to start one if you haven’t yet. But for many of you in the English-speaking world, December 26 is always Boxing Day, so we thought we’d explain what that is for anyone who may not know.
The origin of Boxing Day is debatable. Some sources claim that food was boxed up to give to the poor, others have it as a day to box up bonuses for the working staff and still others trace it to the retail industry as the day inventory was taken and older items boxed away.
According to eHow.com, the most common modern Boxing Day traditions are:
- Attend a sporting event. In England, many pro sports matches take place today, and this is probably the most popular choice for a Boxing Day activity.
- Tip your service people—the postman, newspaper delivery person, etc.—or bring a gift basket to a clerk in a store you frequent.
- Be compassionate: donate canned goods, clothing or your time to organizations that help the needy.
- Shop! Take advantage of the after-Christmas sales.
- Get together with friends. You all must have leftover food you’d like to get rid of anyway, so share it!
It may not be included on any list of Boxing Day traditions, but writing your memoir is a great way to spend the day, too! Write a chapter on the holidays while they’re fresh in your mind.