Park Dept. planning Dec. 26 celebration of Boxing Day

The Putnam County Museum, Putnam County Public Library and the Greencastle Parks and Recreation Department have combined to schedule an educational and fun celebration of Boxing Day.

It is set for 1-2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26 at the Putnam County Museum, 1105 N. Jackson St., Greencastle.

What is Boxing Day? Despite its name, Boxing Day, which is celebrated on Dec. 26 in Great Britain (and other countries), has nothing to do with pugilistic competition. Nor is it a day for people to return unwanted Christmas presents.

While the exact origins of the holiday are obscure, it is likely that Boxing Day began in England during the Middle Ages.

Some historians say the holiday developed because servants were required to work on Christmas Day, but took the following day off. As servants prepared to leave to visit their families, their employers would present them with gift boxes.

In today's society families celebrate many ways, some gather with friends and family to eat leftovers and enjoy each other's company. Many watch movies or sports. Several use it as family time to go shopping or to museums or movies, and still others use it as a time of community service and donate time, money or belongings to charity.

Organizers have found a local citizen who has been celebrating Boxing Day all her life, and she is going to take the group through some of the history, tradition and her family's past celebrations.

The day will include a few crafts, some light snacks, a little lecture, a few handouts, and a guided tour of the Putnam County Museum.

Participants are asked to bring a canned good or two to the event as they will be making donation boxes as part of the party. Thanks to a donation from Dr Wayne Lewis it will be a free event.

For more information, persons may contact Troy Scott, assistant park director, at 653-3395 or by email at tscott@cityofgreencastle.com.