What does Boxing Day mean to you?
Nov 15th 2007, 11:40 am
#16
Last orders please...
Joined: Sep 2005
Location: Way down deep in the middle of the Jungle..
Posts: 6,154
Re: What does Boxing Day mean to you?
My boxing day is pretty much like everybody elses......recovering from the day before.....groaning at the thought of eating more turkey...(unless its in a curry mind)....drinking whatever is leftover from the day before (and checking to see if we got any more wine as presents) all whilst vegging out infront of the TV watching the usual xmas crap thats on...
and of course totally pigging out on all the chocolate from selection boxes my daughter gets...
It's going to be different this year as were not going home....so were going to try and have a party and invite all our friends....it won't be the same....but I don't mind as long as we share it with our friends and have a good ol' knees up..
and of course totally pigging out on all the chocolate from selection boxes my daughter gets...
It's going to be different this year as were not going home....so were going to try and have a party and invite all our friends....it won't be the same....but I don't mind as long as we share it with our friends and have a good ol' knees up..
Nov 15th 2007, 9:58 pm
#17
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 525
Re: What does Boxing Day mean to you?
I love boxing day and it is one of the reasons that I can't ever see myself staying in the USA over Christmas despite my intention to move there shortly.
When I was 10 (sisters 8 and 7) m parents got divorced so Christmas Day was always my Mum's day and Boxing Day my Dad's day. My Dad never celebrated Christmas Day on the actual day (because without your kids I guess it lost something for him) but we did a full new Christmas dinner and all the trimmings on boxing day along with the obligatory presents in the morning etc etc. Brilliant, was the best thing to come out of the parents' divorce which was a little traumatic otherwise!
Now I'm 25, and Boxing Day is still "Dad's day". He celebrates Christmas on Christmas Day now with his wife and my new 6 year old sister, but on boxing day we all go to his for games, few beers, nice turkey/masheed potato leftovers and lots of 'crap' to eat. It is amazing. For me, Christmas day lasts from the morning of Christmas Eve until the morning of the 27th and THEN recovery begins...
I guess I am lucky to have come from a "broken home" but family has always meant more to me than anything else and I never feel this more than Christmas.
When I was 10 (sisters 8 and 7) m parents got divorced so Christmas Day was always my Mum's day and Boxing Day my Dad's day. My Dad never celebrated Christmas Day on the actual day (because without your kids I guess it lost something for him) but we did a full new Christmas dinner and all the trimmings on boxing day along with the obligatory presents in the morning etc etc. Brilliant, was the best thing to come out of the parents' divorce which was a little traumatic otherwise!
Now I'm 25, and Boxing Day is still "Dad's day". He celebrates Christmas on Christmas Day now with his wife and my new 6 year old sister, but on boxing day we all go to his for games, few beers, nice turkey/masheed potato leftovers and lots of 'crap' to eat. It is amazing. For me, Christmas day lasts from the morning of Christmas Eve until the morning of the 27th and THEN recovery begins...
I guess I am lucky to have come from a "broken home" but family has always meant more to me than anything else and I never feel this more than Christmas.
Nov 15th 2007, 11:38 pm
#18
Pass me the Marmite..
Joined: Feb 2004
Location: Atlanta, GA.
Posts: 864
Re: What does Boxing Day mean to you?
Sure Large Tins of quality street are quite heavy but STILL a LOT less than the double/triple prices you'd pay in the USA for a small box of Quality Street.
Goto to the UK POst Office web site and run the numbers.. $36 for about 60 pounds in weight.. the 2 pounds tins at Tesco are about $10... http://www.parcelforce.com/portal/pw...diaId=25900670
It's Christmas... go treat youself
Nov 16th 2007, 1:06 am
#19
In yonder hills
Joined: Oct 2007
Location: Nr. Lincoln, England
Posts: 4,132
Re: What does Boxing Day mean to you?
Nov 16th 2007, 1:15 am
#20
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Joined: Aug 2004
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 3,338
Re: What does Boxing Day mean to you?
Boxing Day in the UK meant having more family and/or friends over, eating the leftovers, drinking beer and watching Bond or similar on the telly most of the day, playing daft games, followed by more beers in the pub that night. No-one I knew would be at work, and most people were off until after New Year. Great time to be home in the village, catching up with everyone both local and those of us who worked and lived away.
Here, boxing day generally consists of moaning to everyone who will listen how shit it is that Boxing day doesnt exist and there is no Christmas Sprit in this country. Most people I know are back at work - what a joke. Heck, Christmas day often isn't much better - it often consists of us or family frantically travelling the hour or so to whoevers house Christmas is at, rushing through a meal or something that is most unlike Christmas dinner in the UK, before rushing off back again. Rush, rush, rush. Last year I forced a UK Christmas on everyone (as it was at our house) - I think they enjoyed it, but still had to rush off somewhere because they had so much to do before getting ready for work the next day.
I really, really do not like Christmas time over here - I've spent four here now and all I can think of is how much fun, and how relaxed, everyone in the UK will be and how they will all be enjoying it. Bloody hell, I've had far better Christmases in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Kosvo than I have here.
My wife, having spent a couple of years in the UK at Chrsitmas, knows what I'm talking about - from the inlaws, I get a lot of blank looks and I think I come right to the verge of offending them.
Here, boxing day generally consists of moaning to everyone who will listen how shit it is that Boxing day doesnt exist and there is no Christmas Sprit in this country. Most people I know are back at work - what a joke. Heck, Christmas day often isn't much better - it often consists of us or family frantically travelling the hour or so to whoevers house Christmas is at, rushing through a meal or something that is most unlike Christmas dinner in the UK, before rushing off back again. Rush, rush, rush. Last year I forced a UK Christmas on everyone (as it was at our house) - I think they enjoyed it, but still had to rush off somewhere because they had so much to do before getting ready for work the next day.
I really, really do not like Christmas time over here - I've spent four here now and all I can think of is how much fun, and how relaxed, everyone in the UK will be and how they will all be enjoying it. Bloody hell, I've had far better Christmases in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Kosvo than I have here.
My wife, having spent a couple of years in the UK at Chrsitmas, knows what I'm talking about - from the inlaws, I get a lot of blank looks and I think I come right to the verge of offending them.
Last edited by Dan725; Nov 16th 2007 at 1:19 am.
Nov 16th 2007, 1:23 am
#21
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,669
Re: What does Boxing Day mean to you?
One of my closest friends was over for Christmas two years after we moved here. I remember him saying to us - hey, let's have a bbq so I can meet some of your new friends. It was a week before Christmas. I said to him..are you mad? You can't invite people over same day throughout the year, never mind a week before Christmas.
The time a week before TG to December 26th is just crazy. Everyone runs around like chickens without heads. It is a nightmare. Some years I enjoy it more than others.
The time a week before TG to December 26th is just crazy. Everyone runs around like chickens without heads. It is a nightmare. Some years I enjoy it more than others.
Nov 16th 2007, 1:37 am
#22
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,474
Re: What does Boxing Day mean to you?
Boxing day was always the more relaxed day - christmas day was always a bit stressed with mum wanting to make it perfect, doing the proper christmas lunch etc etc,
boxing day was when other rellies came round, people would bring different dishes, we'd all pile in and have a raucous lunch and a drunken afternoon, great fun.
Now out here - its eating turkey and cranberry toasted sandwiches, going down the beach with the kids and their new toys, and feeling maudlin that christmas came and went so fast again!
we;ve ordered a load of english christmas stuff from the states which is being shipped as we speak so I'm looking forward to gettting advent calenders, chrissy puds, mince pies, crackers etc - all of which we cant get here. To the locals christmas day means nothing, no decorations as such, so we make our own little christmas grotto in our house and its lovely
boxing day was when other rellies came round, people would bring different dishes, we'd all pile in and have a raucous lunch and a drunken afternoon, great fun.
Now out here - its eating turkey and cranberry toasted sandwiches, going down the beach with the kids and their new toys, and feeling maudlin that christmas came and went so fast again!
we;ve ordered a load of english christmas stuff from the states which is being shipped as we speak so I'm looking forward to gettting advent calenders, chrissy puds, mince pies, crackers etc - all of which we cant get here. To the locals christmas day means nothing, no decorations as such, so we make our own little christmas grotto in our house and its lovely
Nov 16th 2007, 2:56 am
#23
Who?
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: Stepford
Posts: 3,098
Re: What does Boxing Day mean to you?
I love Boxing Day.
More lovely food, tree presents, visitors and visiting. Long walk on the beach with the dog.
We still "do" boxing day here but with no visitors because everyone has gone back to work and no beach because there isn't one.
More lovely food, tree presents, visitors and visiting. Long walk on the beach with the dog.
We still "do" boxing day here but with no visitors because everyone has gone back to work and no beach because there isn't one.
Nov 16th 2007, 5:56 am
#24
Pompey Boy
Joined: Feb 2006
Location: Torrejon
Posts: 143
Re: What does Boxing Day mean to you?
Get up cooked breakie.
Down pub with mates watch my beloved team one more for the road then home for Turkey Vindaloo.
Down pub with mates watch my beloved team one more for the road then home for Turkey Vindaloo.
Nov 16th 2007, 6:02 am
#25
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,669
Re: What does Boxing Day mean to you?
I tend to enjoy Christmas much more here than I did in Africa. It is so hot over Christmas in the southern hemisphere, that though you do try to make an effort, it is just not the same.
Boxing day was always the more relaxed day - christmas day was always a bit stressed with mum wanting to make it perfect, doing the proper christmas lunch etc etc,
boxing day was when other rellies came round, people would bring different dishes, we'd all pile in and have a raucous lunch and a drunken afternoon, great fun.
Now out here - its eating turkey and cranberry toasted sandwiches, going down the beach with the kids and their new toys, and feeling maudlin that christmas came and went so fast again!
we;ve ordered a load of english christmas stuff from the states which is being shipped as we speak so I'm looking forward to gettting advent calenders, chrissy puds, mince pies, crackers etc - all of which we cant get here. To the locals christmas day means nothing, no decorations as such, so we make our own little christmas grotto in our house and its lovely
boxing day was when other rellies came round, people would bring different dishes, we'd all pile in and have a raucous lunch and a drunken afternoon, great fun.
Now out here - its eating turkey and cranberry toasted sandwiches, going down the beach with the kids and their new toys, and feeling maudlin that christmas came and went so fast again!
we;ve ordered a load of english christmas stuff from the states which is being shipped as we speak so I'm looking forward to gettting advent calenders, chrissy puds, mince pies, crackers etc - all of which we cant get here. To the locals christmas day means nothing, no decorations as such, so we make our own little christmas grotto in our house and its lovely
Nov 16th 2007, 6:10 am
#26
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2007
Location: Southwest Missouri
Posts: 146
Re: What does Boxing Day mean to you?
Boxing Day over here is when I get to have my "Christmas" with the kids. They have Christmas Day with their in-laws, and I reserve the 26th for me.
Turkey dinner with all the trimming etc. I sell British stuff at my store so I always make sure there are plenty of Christmas Crackers, Puddings, Mince pies and Chocolates for the family.
My kids grew up wearing those silly crepe paper hats during Christmas Dinner, and now the grandkids have to endure it. Hey, its only one day out of the year. I just wish I had some dandelion and burdock to drink. My brother and I used to mix it together with Tizer, yummy.
Oh, I forgot, the Bristol Cream comes out too.
Turkey dinner with all the trimming etc. I sell British stuff at my store so I always make sure there are plenty of Christmas Crackers, Puddings, Mince pies and Chocolates for the family.
My kids grew up wearing those silly crepe paper hats during Christmas Dinner, and now the grandkids have to endure it. Hey, its only one day out of the year. I just wish I had some dandelion and burdock to drink. My brother and I used to mix it together with Tizer, yummy.
Oh, I forgot, the Bristol Cream comes out too.
Nov 16th 2007, 6:10 am
#27
Illinois Rapscallion
Joined: Dec 2004
Location: In a one bar town
Posts: 1,728
Re: What does Boxing Day mean to you?
Used to love Boxing Day ....wake up late ....shit/shower/shave...then off to the pub for the best day of the year. Everybody was always in a good mood ...hand shakes and laughter all round. Loads of great sport ....merrily wander home late evening for a snooze and a Carry On film .....
For the last 2 years it has meant getting up at 4.30am and going to work.....Along with Good Friday its a real bummer
For the last 2 years it has meant getting up at 4.30am and going to work.....Along with Good Friday its a real bummer
Nov 16th 2007, 6:32 am
#28
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Joined: Aug 2004
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 3,338
Re: What does Boxing Day mean to you?
Used to love Boxing Day ....wake up late ....shit/shower/shave...then off to the pub for the best day of the year. Everybody was always in a good mood ...hand shakes and laughter all round. Loads of great sport ....merrily wander home late evening for a snooze and a Carry On film .....
For the last 2 years it has meant getting up at 4.30am and going to work.....Along with Good Friday its a real bummer
For the last 2 years it has meant getting up at 4.30am and going to work.....Along with Good Friday its a real bummer
Nov 16th 2007, 6:37 am
#29
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Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2007
Location: CA
Posts: 358
Re: What does Boxing Day mean to you?
Boxing Day over here is when I get to have my "Christmas" with the kids. They have Christmas Day with their in-laws, and I reserve the 26th for me.
Turkey dinner with all the trimming etc. I sell British stuff at my store so I always make sure there are plenty of Christmas Crackers, Puddings, Mince pies and Chocolates for the family.
My kids grew up wearing those silly crepe paper hats during Christmas Dinner, and now the grandkids have to endure it. Hey, its only one day out of the year. I just wish I had some dandelion and burdock to drink. My brother and I used to mix it together with Tizer, yummy.
Oh, I forgot, the Bristol Cream comes out too.
Turkey dinner with all the trimming etc. I sell British stuff at my store so I always make sure there are plenty of Christmas Crackers, Puddings, Mince pies and Chocolates for the family.
My kids grew up wearing those silly crepe paper hats during Christmas Dinner, and now the grandkids have to endure it. Hey, its only one day out of the year. I just wish I had some dandelion and burdock to drink. My brother and I used to mix it together with Tizer, yummy.
Oh, I forgot, the Bristol Cream comes out too.
Nov 16th 2007, 6:48 am
#30
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Joined: Jul 2007
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Posts: 826
Re: What does Boxing Day mean to you?
No, I order my selection from Tesco's and have them and other stuff shipped to my sisters house. She goes to the post office and ships it over in a strong cardboard box(es) with lots of wrapping. It's MUCH cheaper than everyone realizes. Takes about 7-10 days, sometimes it's taken 5!!!!
Sure Large Tins of quality street are quite heavy but STILL a LOT less than the double/triple prices you'd pay in the USA for a small box of Quality Street.
Goto to the UK POst Office web site and run the numbers.. $36 for about 60 pounds in weight.. the 2 pounds tins at Tesco are about $10... http://www.parcelforce.com/portal/pw...diaId=25900670
It's Christmas... go treat youself
Sure Large Tins of quality street are quite heavy but STILL a LOT less than the double/triple prices you'd pay in the USA for a small box of Quality Street.
Goto to the UK POst Office web site and run the numbers.. $36 for about 60 pounds in weight.. the 2 pounds tins at Tesco are about $10... http://www.parcelforce.com/portal/pw...diaId=25900670
It's Christmas... go treat youself
Must admit the idea of going online buying everything from Tescos that i would have bought last year (such as crappy crackers, frosted panettone, bakewell tarts, mince pies, cadburys roses etc etc) and having it all delivered in one job, lot does sound rather appealing!
Why oh why don't grocery stores do on-line shopping in this country??? Just the thought of doing the "big" shop a week before Christmas fills me with dread! I used to have my Christmas delivery slot booked back in October in the UK!!
