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The crinkling of wrapping paper scraps underfoot, the intoxicating aroma of oven roasted turkey, tart cranberry sauce and hearty mashed potatoes in the air, and the desire to both relax and be wildly active (Boxing Day sales!) in the same go, permeate this first post-Christmas day. I for one fall into the camp that prefers to stay at home and avoid the risk of being trampled as throngs of shoppers clamber for a great deal, much as I do see both the allure and bargain filled practicality of the latter.
For me, though Christmas proper falls of course on the 25th, Christmas is no less than three solid days long, spanning the 24th to the 26th, with its resplendently special, gorgeous spirit carrying on well into the first few days of the New Year.
Life calls for celebrations, for moments of joy and merriment filled with snowmen, steaming mugs of hot chocolate, glistening ornaments on the tree, laughter shared with loved ones, and a nearly nonstop soundtrack of festive tunes wafting through the air in the background, and that is precisely what next little while aims to deliver.
To me, Boxing Day, perhaps more than any other date in December embodies the spirit of all of these magnificent things and so many more. The (often) frantic rush up to Christmas and the whirlwind going-ons of the big day itself are now behind us. Yet all of the grand points about them linger on, to be enjoyed in each bite of a turkey sandwich, every swirling snowflake, and the pleasure that comes from celebrating so much of what is good, right and beautiful in life.
I hope deeply that you each had an excellent Christmas and that, whether you're on the march for the mall, relaxing at home, or doing anything else you desire, the serenity, loveliness and joys of the season continue to fill your heart and hours as we enjoy each moment of Boxing Day.
