Today is one of my favourite days of the year: Boxing Day. Even when we lived in the US where it isn’t observed, I took the day off work and spent a quiet day at home.
Boxing Day is an exhalation. The pressure to manifest something festive is released. We can stay in our pajamas all day if we want. There’s no meal to prepare. We can put a few pieces in a jigsaw puzzle, munch on leftovers, and read a good book. We can do a little or as much as we choose.
The glitter and cacophony of Christmas is behind us. The slow, rich burn of Christmastide is just beginning. Today we take a step toward returning to our regular lives, but we linger. Boxing Day grants us the quiet opportunity to do both.

I didn’t know about Boxing Day. “The pressure to manifest something festive is released.” Amen. Big sigh of relief.
I realized I felt guilt..didn’t do cards and others did. Didn’t go to Seattle to visit son. Didn’t go to the nephews and they missed us. Didn’t buy that album for son and GF. Forgot to wish the six year old Merry Christmas in his present. ? Ad nauseam. Welcome Boxing Day. I am so relieved it’s over. Thank you.
Lovely explanation of your celebration of Boxing Day. I’ve always been a little envious of those places celebrating Boxing Day, based on my reading of the history of the day. I like your explanation best, and it’s just what we’re about today. Exhaling….