Yesterday was officially the day after Christmas. Canada has turned this into a holiday, called “Boxing Day”. It is actually a British Holiday, and is celebrated in most former British colonies. Although the day has commendable historic roots, it has become a day when there are supposed to be good sales. Often the stores are actually closed on Boxing Day, but the sales extend until New Years. Of course, Boxing Day online sales begin at midnight, Christmas night. As a result, many are on their computers at the stroke of midnight, waiting to buy that one or more special thing(s) that is on sale. Still others line up at 4 am outside their favourite stores to await their opening, in order to be able to purchase what is on sale before they are sold out.

Some families use Boxing Day as an “overflow” Christmas. Because young families often have multiple people from both sides of the family to visit over the holidays, some families opt to have their gatherings on Boxing Day. This allows their married children the opportunity to celebrate Christmas with everyone without having to choose who gets the majority of their time. I think it is a good compromise overall.

In our family, we have one son who lives nearby, and we get to see him fairly often. Our other son, however, lives in western Canada. Because of COVID, we didn’t even get to see them last Christmas. Instead, we had them projected in real time on the wall, and we had sent their gifts to them in a Christmas box ahead of time. We were able to at least enjoy Christmas with the family, but I much prefer when we can be together in person. I so enjoy those days of Christmas, just being able to talk to them and listen to them in person. It’s just wonderful “together” time.

It is perhaps because of this that I find it sad to think of how post-holiday sales have become more important to many then family, and even more sadly, as more important than spending time with God. Have we slipped so from the true meaning of Christmas? I mean, wouldn’t it be better to spend an extra day contemplating the true meaning of Christmas, enjoying being with family? What a great opportunity to show everyone our presents, to enjoy another big meal together and, most importantly, to contemplate the enormity of Jesus’ gift! In my opinion, there is no reason to be rushing off for sales. Not when we can relish the last moments with family, not when we have such a beautiful day to celebrate in God’s presence. I am happy that Canada has set an extension to Christmas. It reminds us that we are not alone. We have each other. And the most important thing is that we have Jesus Christ.

Remember: As much as we long to spend extra time with our kids, how much more does our Heavenly Father long to spend time with us? Most of us give Jesus passing mention in our Christmas celebrations; but do we really spend the time with Him that He so longs for? Is He truly the centre of our Christmas? Jeremiah explains vividly how sad God is when we go through the day without Him: “Does a young woman forget her jewelry, a bride her wedding ornaments? Yet my people have forgotten me, days without number.” (Jeremiah 2:32 NIV).

If you find yourself in the part of the world where December 26 is a holiday, why not take this Boxing Day and remember the lover of our souls. Spend time with Him. Contemplate His goodness, His blessings, His mercy and His grace. He is, after all, the Reason for the entire Season!


In His love,
Rob Chaffart
Director, Answer2prayer Ministries