'The original intention of Boxing Day was to 'box' up the excess of the abundance of the holidays, and give it to the poor.'
B. Leekley
Like most traditions, Boxing Day lore tells us that 'reflection' and 'giving' were at the core of the day's beginnings. Thought to have started in the UK, where instead of using the words 'Christmas present', the term 'Christmas-box' was used. Traditionally, servants worked on the 25th, serving the goose and plum pudding to the rich, over stuffed families they worked for. On the 26th though, help were given 'Christmas-boxes' by their employers, and given time off to visit with their own families.
The day became one to rest, relax and reflect upon the festivities of the previous day, and the previous year. A time to appreciate the wealth and advantages they had, and give back to others not as lucky or blessed. In many parts of the world, this is still the tradition. In many countries in the UK, in Canada and Australia, boxing day is still a day of rest, a long standing statutory holiday making Christmas longer, and providing an extra 24 hours for people, and the world, to relax and enjoy the holiday.
Of course times, and traditions have changed. Although the 26th remains a holiday, some countries who celebrate have succumbed to pressure to open malls and stores. Although many countries and provinces continue to delay Boxing Day sales until the 27th, every year there is a debate whether stores should be allowed to open or not. In the States, we know commercialism has already triumphed. Holidays seem to be getting shorter and shorter with even the one day Thanksgiving holiday, being shortened to just a few hours so stores can open.
I guess it's inevitable the world will eventually follow suit, but is sad to me that rest and relaxation is now something that has to be fought for and forced upon us. It says so much about how the addiction of constant stimulation has risen over the last few decades. I am old enough enough to remember when towns and cities stood beautifully, and a little eerily still. Nothing was opened but one gas station and restaurant, and if you didn't get the bank or the liquor store you were shit out of luck.
We all need this time, especially with how crazy the world has become. No one knows this better than Santa, who works most of the year, increasing his energy and stamina throughout December until exploding into the sky for a climatic ride on Christmas Eve. Santa wisely knows that after exerting that much energy, that after shooting across the planet sharing a explosive burst of his Christmas spirit, the only thing to do after, is take a well deserved collapse.
When I received these shots of Santa Danny from Photography by Hugh, there was the feel, and radiant look of a Santa in afterglow. A Santa who is taking a well deserved siesta after expending every bit of energy while spreading his spirit. Many of you remember by last piece featuring Hugh's work with the delectable Danny. (Hide & Hair) As I was putting together this series of shots, I was again reminded how of how much Danny resembles today's birthday boy, especially with his beautiful long and curly locks.
Somehow, the Santa hat has Danny looking even more delectable. It helps bring out the warmth and twinkle in the Florida models beautiful brown eyes. I hope, like Danny in this series of images, you get some time to chill and take it easy before life rudely starts up again. I know not everyone will get the present or 'box' of time, but take the moments when you can.
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