Did you know that today, December 26, is known as Boxing Day in some parts of the world? The United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa (where it was renamed Day of Goodwill in 1994), Norway, Sweden and several other countries use this day to give gifts to tradespeople and others who serve. It was called that because a "Christmas box" was given to those who serve or those in need. It may go back to a time when an Alms Box was placed in a house of worship to collect donations for the poor. It also harkens to the time when servants, after waiting on their masters and mistresses on Christmas Day, received the following day to spend with their families and were given a box containing gifts and sometimes, leftovers.
Perhaps this might be a good custom to pick up? What if you used today to either personally deliver a gift (food or clothes) to a family in need—or even to find a charity of your choice to which you might donate? Most likely, you have just received gifts as I have—often things we like but don't really need. And perhaps you, like me, think of all those people who really need things, basics rather than another lovely piece of jewelry or bath products.
This just might be the time to do something new. Share the joy. Pay it forward.
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