Simple Pleasures: Enjoy a Restful Boxing Day
Catch up with friends on December 26 without catching the stress bug by taking the easy route to entertaining at home
The day after Christmas is known throughout the U.K., Ireland, and Canada (among other places) as Boxing Day. The origins of the holiday are somewhat mysterious; the most widely believed story is that the day after Christmas was when presents (called boxes in England) were traditionally given to servants and tradespeople by their bosses.
Today it’s known more as a shopping holiday on par with Black Friday here in the United States. And although it’s not an official holiday here, many still opt to take the day after Christmas off — a fine idea, if you ask me. For those not interested in hitting the mall, Boxing Day is a great opportunity to catch up with friends during a completely lazy day at home. What better way to cope with any post-Christmas blues?
Today it’s known more as a shopping holiday on par with Black Friday here in the United States. And although it’s not an official holiday here, many still opt to take the day after Christmas off — a fine idea, if you ask me. For those not interested in hitting the mall, Boxing Day is a great opportunity to catch up with friends during a completely lazy day at home. What better way to cope with any post-Christmas blues?
If you spent Christmas Day traveling or visiting family, use Boxing Day as an opportunity to connect with friends. Invite people to come around whenever they can, light a fire in the fireplace, set out a bowl of nuts and relax.
There’s no need to put away the decorations quite yet, but do tidy them up — with the excitement of Christmas morning, your decor may have taken a beating (especially if any young children were present). Straighten the tree skirt, toss the crumpled gift wrap in the recycling bin and hide evidence of excessive cookie consumption by moving the empty tins to the pantry.
Cook up a simple, comforting lunch. Perhaps set out a buffet — something to use up all of those yummy leftovers from the big Christmas dinner. Or go for the truly British and source a few mince pies for the occasion. Whatever you choose, the idea is to make things as easy as possible on you, so don’t overthink it.
You will want a drinks station. Yes, a few festive drinks, whether alcoholic or not, are definitely in order —something to combat the inevitable post-Christmas malaise. Music is always a good idea too, and don’t feel limited to holiday music. If you’ve had your fill of “The Little Drummer Boy” by now, consider this your chance to turn up the volume on your favorite non-Christmas party music.
Veg out in front of the TV. Of course you could watch sports. But if you are not a sports fan, why not try to catch another quintessential Boxing Day event being broadcast, such as an English Channel swim or a fox hunt (without the fox — that’s no longer allowed).
Or venture out and catch up with friends around the fire pit. A bit of bracing air is just the thing to shake off the winter doldrums. Add a blazing fire and you have a truly winning combination. No fire pit? Go for a short walk around the neighborhood instead.
How to Make a Stacked-Stone Fire Pit
How to Make a Stacked-Stone Fire Pit
As the day winds down, make an effort to start putting your house back in shape. It’s no fun waking to a grubby sink full of dishes, especially if you must return to work the next day.
It’s dark so early at this time of year; you might as well embrace it. Wind down by candlelight and turn in early.
Tell us: Do you observe Boxing Day? What do you like to do the day after Christmas?
Tell us: Do you observe Boxing Day? What do you like to do the day after Christmas?