Boxing Day Celebration - The Significance

While growing up, I used to think that boxing day is a day when people gather to exchange punches, maybe like a tournament or so. But when I grew up, I realized that it is a day to give out and exchange gifts. Now, one my wonder what the need of this celebration is. Before I go on, I need to point out that "for you to harvest, you must first plant." In this context, before you expect anything to be given to you, you must have first fulfilled your own obligations to give. This is what the boxing day is all about - giving and receiving, as part of the celebration of the Christmas. I know that everyone had a good celebration yesterday, but much more than that, you also need to let something to flow from you to someone else.

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I made a little research about the boxing day and was amazed at my findings. Apart from the fact that it is celebrated on the 26th of December every year almost throughout the world, the history dates back to the ancient times and was originally begun in England during the reign of Queen Victoria. The idea was that, on that day, employees who have worked tirelessly would be given a form of gift or compensation and were allowed some leave to spend with their family and loved ones. Which means, it is rooted in acts of gratitude, appreciation, and generosity - no wonder it has endured times and seasons, and in this present times, people all over the world celebrate it and have moments to share gifts with others.

This day, apart from being a day after Christmas and also flowing in the mood of the season, it also reminds us about the importance of giving and receiving. One of the core duties of human to humanity is rooted in the platform of giving. You cannot claim to have a heart for humanity nor have love for others if you cannot give. As a matter of fact, even love is not complete if it is only professed with the mouth but not acted. Your words have to be backed up and complemented with your action for them to be substantiated. I have come to understand that, if you always have the heart to give, you will not lack what to give.

I normally tell people, in relation to giving, that it is not the size, quantity, or the amount of what you give that matters. What matters is the quality, which is built on the value and relevance. For example, someone who is thirsty will place more value on water than on a bottle of Cognac even though the water is far cheaper. When you give, it should be from your heart for it to hold value. Do not just give because you feel you are doing the person a favour or because of what people will say, but because of the love for humanity and of course, because of the need to give. Any giving that is based on true love is one that is rooted in the heart and holds the most value.

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In addition to giving during the boxing day celebration, it is also a moment that you take some time to reflect on the year - the blessings you receive, the favours you were shown, and the other good things of life. With this, your heart will be full of gratitude for everything; material and non-material alike. Celebrating the boxing day with friends, family, and loved ones create a sense of belonging and helps you to see that you have people around and that you are not alone. One of the greatest gifts that you can be given is the gift of people. So you have to learn to appreciate the people around you. Remember that when you are grateful even for the little that you have witnessed, then you have already positioned yourself for the big.

Do not just take everything with a "me, myself and I" mentality, you have to remember others. You need to make people to feel part of your life, so they can give you a sense of belonging. More so, you may need their input in your life tomorrow or maybe for a favour, so you can build the friendship today by your good acts.

Thanks for reading