No, I’m not sure what it represents either. In fact, its history is rather hazy, with several possibilities being proffered as to its origin. But they all seem to have something to do with the giving of gifts to the poor in olden days, and it’s very popular in the United Kingdom, so it sounds altogether like a pretty good thing. Let’s just go with that.

Of course, it’s also the day after Christmas — something with which we are all too familiar. So maybe Boxing Day’s more contemporary connotation could have to do with all those empty boxes we now have to dispose of.

Yup, that sounds about right. Lots of boxes to recycle, and a half-eaten roast turkey, ham, or — in our house — prime rib to finish off. We’ve had enough of hearing “White Christmas” and “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” and we’ve watched Jimmy Stewart being saved by the whole town from financial ruin for the 100th time. And since most of us have either taken or been given another day off from work, what should we do with these leisure hours?

Well, for starters, we could clean up that mess of wrapping paper and ribbon. But after that?

The toys — for both kids and grown-ups — have already been wrestled out of their packaging, assembled, charged or given batteries, and played with. And the jewelry has most certainly been ooh-ed and aah-ed over. But there are probably clothes to try on (and return for a smaller size or less-bilious color — when will your mother-in-law learn?), kitchen appliances to find room for, and gift cards to spend. And, most likely, yet another warm, cuddly throw blanket to snuggle up with on those cold January and February nights, that turns out to be something you can’t have enough of because the dogs love them too and they’re constantly in the laundry pile.

Finally, as the day wears down and nighttime approaches, we drag out the carcass of that turkey (or ham, or roast beef) and start making sandwiches for a light dinner because after yesterday we’ll never eat another big meal . . . at least until New Year’s. Then, plunking ourselves down in front of the new giant TV (this year’s big gift to the family, from the family), we declare how relieved we are that we don’t have to do it again for another twelve months.

*. *. *

But before we can completely relax, there are the plans to be made for the New Year’s Eve party, and shopping for that perfect outfit because none of the clothes in our closet fit after all of the fourth-quarter Bacchanalian gorging we’ve taken part in: the Halloween candy, the Thanksgiving feast, and the half dozen Christmas parties. And those gift cards will come in handy for the champagne and hors d’oeuvres and party decorations we have to order. So it looks like another busy week ahead . . .

Happy post-Christmas week, one and all! And looking forward to sliding right into the next celebration.

Brendochka
12/26/23