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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLakeshore Advance, 2013-12-25, Page 13I'Illnlilln(J R H(',Ituty Jack Mauer Oh 41111. MIN II SIMI g�■ S/1ut11 Dca 1� (.airier I7cukr neem a Wean. No. Phone' (519) 238-8188 (519) 235-0581 Wednesday, December 25, 2013 • Lakeshore Advance 13 The history and traditions of Boxing Day MetroEditorial Many countries celebrate Boxing Day on December 26. 'Those outside of these countries may be unaware as to the meaning behind the holiday and how its traditions originated. Boxing I)ay is celebrated by those in countries that were once part of the British empire, which includes Can- ada. As a federal holiday, post offices and banks are closed. Schools also are closed as part of winter vacations. Despite being a federal holiday, Box- ing Day is not observed in the same way in all provinces and territories. Also, it is not an official holiday in Que- bec. Depending on the area, stores may be open or closed. Some people use the opportunity to take part in post -Christmas sales or make returns. Many stores run Boxing Week sales the full week through New Year's Day. Some shoppers have been known to camp outside of stores to take advan- tage of these price cuts, much in the way Americans might wait in the wee hours of the morning for Black Friday deals. The etymology of the name Boxing Day is unclear, but some historians surmise that it is tied to the European tradition of giving gifts to the needy and those in service positions, as was the case during the Middle Ages. In the United Kingdom, it also became tradi- tion that the clay after Christmas employers would gift their servants with boxes of food leftovers from the holidays or present monetary gifts. 'The servants were allowed to take the day off to spend it with their families after having worked Christmas. Other ideas tie the tradition to the Feast of Saint Stephen, which also takes place on December 26. Metal boxes, into which people could put donations for the needy, were left outside of churches. Despite what the name may suggest, the sport of boxing has nothing to do with the holiday. However, with Cana- dians and others having the day off from work, they may he able to tune into a fight on television and establish a new tradition. 'There are other ways people can create their own Boxing Day traditions. here are a few ideas. ■ Collect food or clothing donations from neighbors and deliver them to a shelter or sour kitchen. • Volunteer to help at a hospital, animal shelter or school when it reopens. • Encourage chil- dren to invite their friends over and curl up with a good movie and some popcorn. • If you are a business owner, call employees and personally thank them for their time of service. • 1lave a fun, family game night. • Decorate the house with boxes of all shapes and sizes. • Cather holiday gift boxes and prepare them for the recycling bin. • Make 8 charitable dona- tion to your preferred organization. B UI IDIRE€JTORY - call: 238-5383 Your Roofing, & WlnJow Pl oft nsionolsl Installation Ava llbbla CCitiliiirti2attk011h Forest 20 fit (510 711141112 anithroy 271 NOMIi St. E. ($1M 2451?)) YOUR AD HERE Anammorank t�A•1EU' Heating & Cooling Limited 24 Hour inw gsncy Sonic. Meeting & Cooling Plumbing & Electrical St. Joseph Godedch 1-888-GEO-TECK 0ae-eaas ROOFING & CONSTRUCTION 5" SEAMLESS EAVESTROUGH • V I MIN%INl A VINII CIIHNU• 51111 TIS A tArIA • NPH A117N1 N1 NINItIWS • IkkINS •k1140% AMIN% •AUT Mk WS • \SWMI ANIIhIFI+11 RIM JIM: 237.3526 Ju Ilefter DAN: 237.3633 (AT.I; I1RITTI FA X: 236..4217 I)ASIISti'()0l), ONTARIO For cost effective advertising, hook your all here! Pricing as Low as $8.50 (plus IIST) per week Call for Details! 519-238-5383 "Professional Friendly Service" Cali: 519-318-2855 wwwictree.com 60' Bucket Truck FULLY INSURED liRh:li. ES'I'1MA'I'b:S • 11 -re Dimming & Removal • Stump Grinding • Lot Clearing & Brush Chipping • Emergency Storm Response • Residential & Commercial • Wood ('hips for Sale WINDOWS Et DOORS 10 r� a High Energy Bills Don't Sweat It! Our energyeffCNnt wmdowt and door loop cats down Ow optional triplepaned gI 41, Argon 6N a Krypton gas fined wlndowt prowde the treest-pctfolmancr and nuainnon energy and colt tattngs And you 1 art lake coMfot I M knowurg that you'r• Ivelping to tae the envnormn.N, loo Enjoy IM etre *mush North Star windows and door. al SOUTH HURON Window & Door Centre Isles • 8arvics • AgtaMNion 422 Maki St EXETEi 1 519-235-360211410-90-41ire Grand Bend Ito MECO Sales... Service... Advice... 58 Ontario tit. N., (;rand Bend 519-238-5383 1':Ill.lil: ItciI.t Iil'I'ur(I (a'sti llttc(li.t.C:I