Interesting facts about Boxing Day
Day of Good Will is celebrated in South Africa and other countries a day after Christmas.
Day of Goodwill or Boxing Day is celebrated in South Africa and other countries a day after Christmas.
The day is often spent outdoors with friends and family.
Here are some interesting facts and quotes about the day …
Facts:
• South Africa changed the day’s name in 1994, from Boxing Day to the Day of Goodwill
• South Africa was once a Dutch colony. The first Dutchmen arrived in 1652
• In British society, Boxing Day was once the holiday on which wealthier employers gave boxes to less-privileged members to community members and workers. These boxes often contained money, food and useful items
• Although South Africa is no longer a British colony, it is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations along with many other former British colonies
• Some have seen Boxing Day as a day to return Christmas gifts to the store if they were unwanted or needed to be exchanged
• Some counties celebrate Boxing Day by shopping, and liken it to Black Friday, with huge markdowns and sales.
• In some Canadian provinces, Boxing Day is a statutory holiday.
Interesting quotes:
• “Our experience has taught us that with goodwill a negotiated solution can be found for even the most profound problems” – Nelson Mandela.
• “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give” – Winston Churchill, Former Prime Minister of Britain.
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