Boxing day was originally a British Holliday where it is also known as St. Steven's Day. The original origins are somewhat unknown, but it is generally believed to be a day when gifts were "boxed" and given the the less fortunate on the day after Christmas. Gifts to ones of "equal status" were traditionally given on Christmas Day. More info is available on
www.snopes2.com/holidays/christmas/boxing.htm Bobber,you are right. One of the misconceptions about the origin, is it is the day when all the boxes are put out after Christmas.
[This message has been edited by bywarren (edited 12-27-2001).]