Ghanaians have joined the rest of the world to mark “Boxing Day” which falls on December 26, of every year as part of the Christmas yuletide, amid the global pandemic of COVID-19.
The day, often observed as a holiday, provides an opportunity for people to organise social events such as parties, family reunions and sporting events.
It is a day relished most by revelers, especially the youth.
Historical accounts invariably reveal that “Boxing Day” got its name when Queen Victoria, of the United Kingdom, was on the throne in the 1800s.
It was an era where the rich used to ‘box’ up gifts to give to the poor, thus the etymology of theme: “Boxing Day.”
Traditionally, servants were given the day off to spend with their families as their Christmas Day.
Their masters also offered them special Christmas boxes in recognition of their services throughout the year.
They, in turn, went home and presented the boxes of gifts to their families.
The day since, has been widely observed globally as part of the yuletide to show love to family and friends and appreciate the hard work and dedication of employees and servants.
In Ireland and the Catalonia region of Spain, the day is celebrated as Saint Stephen’s Day.
“In some European countries – such as Hungary, Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands – Boxing Day is celebrated as a second Christmas Day,” according to a BBC report.
Some churches in Ghana mark the Day with charity events to reflect the ‘Giving Spirit’ behind the Christmas story.
Corporate entities also mark the day with distribution of presents, including hampers and boxes of gifts to needy and vulnerable individuals at children’s homes, hospitals, on streets and in less-privileged communities among others.
Though many shops are closed in observance of the statutory public holiday, commercial activities usually go on as “Boxing Day” sales often attract a lot of shoppers usually with its discounts or beautiful items.
