Saturday, December 26, 2009

Happy Boxing Day...

Thank you to all my wonderful blogging friends for your Christmas wishes. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas too. I sure did. I stepped on my scale this morning, and there is just ever so slightly more of me than stepped on the scale a couple of days ago. But -- what the heck -- it's only once a year, right? Today in Canada it is Boxing Day, or the Feast of St. Stephen. Since the 19th century, it is the day for tradesmen to collect their "Christmas boxes" or gifts in return for goods and services throughout the year. The tradition dates back to the Middle Ages, when metal boxes were placed outside churches used to collect special offerings for the needy, as part of the Feast of St. Stephen. In Canada it is also a statutory holiday, and the busiest shopping day of the year. People line up outside stores the night before, for "midnight madness", when the stores open at 12:00 -- as in midnight -- but not me. For me, Boxing Day is the most relaxing day of the year.

I received some wonderful gifts this year, all things I love. I got some fabulous books -- one set of which I am going to do a post about in the near future. I also received a one-of-a-kind scarf which is absolutely exquisite. My daughter makes them as a hobby, and each scarf is signed and has a name, and they are indeed works of art. Mine is called "Sunset at Spanish Banks", and if you have ever seen a sunset at Spanish Banks, these are exactly the colors, which also happen to be my favorite colors. The scarves are to be worn with a coat or a jacket, or perhaps a sweater. (You can click on the picture to get a better look.)

Now I am off to read one of my books, and have another chocolate. I hope you're all having a wonderful relaxing weekend.

Cheers,

10 comments:

Charles Gramlich said...

Books and chocolate! Your boxing day runneth over!

DUTA said...

The scarf is gorgeous; it has such a fine combination of colours!
Enjoy it!!

Alissa Grosso said...

Lovely scarf! I wish you a completely relaxing weekend!

Marguerite said...

What nice gifts you received! Especially the handmade scarf from your daughter. It's beautiful! Hope your Christmas was wonderful! Cheers!

joanne said...

exquisite scarf...your daughter is quite talented! Glad you enjoyed your Christmas and your boxing day of relaxation...jj

Brenda said...

That scarf is a beauty Jo. I love the colors. Books are always a perfect gift for us also. Enjoy!

Alicia said...

Jo,
Merry Christmas! The scarf is lovely. Love all the colors! I can't wait to hear about these books. My daughter gave me the book and DVD for Julie & Julia and I can't wait to start reading it.

heartinsanfrancisco said...

The scarf is gorgeous and the colors do look like a sunset. Your daughter clearly inherited your artistic talent, lucky girl.

I'm so glad you explained Boxing Day. I was told as a child that it was so named because people gave presents to their servants wrapped in the same boxes in which their own Christmas gifts had come the day before. It always offended me, but I like your explanation so much better.

Paula Slade said...

Glad you had a lovely holiday Jo! The scarf is exquisite!

Kathy's Klothesline said...

Your scarf is beautiful! Handmade gifts are always the best! Your daughter is very talented, but then, so are you. Enjoy the day!