Boxing Day
Boxing day is December 26. It is also known as the feast of Saint Stephen's day. Or in the US, the day of returns. The tradition of Boxing Day started sometime before the Middle Ages. No one is exactly sure when. Although this day did not get named Boxing Day until Queen Elizabeth the 1st. coined the term.
The December 26 “holiday” was originally the day the aristocracy and the upper class would give their servants off to be with their families for Christmas. The rich had to be served Christmas dinner after all. The prosperous landowners would give each “employee” a box with a small present and leftover food to take to their families.
There was also a tradition of putting money or food in boxes on the church steps. The contents of the boxes would be handed out to the poor the day after Christmas. Sailors would put money in a box and give it to the local priest for the poor after Christmas.
Most British colonies, now independent countries, celebrate Boxing Day. However, the US has a very different tradition for boxing day. The term Boxing Day is not used. It is not even a Holiday. It is, however, the day most people return their Christmas gifts from the day before. The 26 of December has become the unofficial Day of Return holiday.
How many presents does the US return every year?
Only 17.8% of presents are returned. Another 13% will be given away or regifted in one form or another. And 10% will just be thrown away. This doesn’t take into consideration how many are buried in the back of a closet, left behind, or “accidentally” lost.
84% of Americans bought gifts for the holiday 2022 season. On average they spent over $800. That's more than $178 billion in gift-giving. Not to make you feel bad but the $800 or more you spent on finding that perfect gift, a conservative $360 worth will be returned in one way or another. That is a lot of time, money, and stress given to things people don’t want.
What not to buy, i.e. What is most likely to be returned?
Clothing tops the list. Items of clothing are returned 63% of the time. How many Christmas sweaters does one really need? Home décor is a distant second at 13%. Not clear if candles are counted in this category or not. Appliances are on the list. Apparently returning fondue pots is still a thing. Rounding out the list is makeup. How does one buy makeup for someone else?
Want a gift that probably will not be returned? Consumables make a good gift. Everybody loves food or a fancy treat, for the Holidays. Try movie or theater tickets. Maybe a concert. Gift cards/cash feel a little impersonal but are a good bet. Your money is going towards something the person you care for wants and can use. With the added bonus of being easy to buy, wrap, and ship.
Christmas was a way to join in the Winter Celebrations around the world. There was even a day for the poor. Now it is about $$$ spent and returning everything we don’t want. Someone pass the eggnog.
https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/boxing_day.php
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/much-americans-spend-christmas-140028685.html
https://thenonconsumeradvocate.com/most-least-returned-holiday-gifts/
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