Second Day of Christmas...Boxing Day~

I hope you had a lovely Christmas! Today is the second Day of Christmas; 'Turtle Dove' Day and Boxing Day.

I did a bit of research to find out the origins of  Boxing Day but it seems nobody is quite sure of the actual beginnings. Some think it had to do with alms boxes in churches that were opened the day after Christmas and the contents distributed to the poor. One online source states, "The day after Christmas was the traditional day on which the aristocracy distributed presents (boxes) to servants. Both the church boxes and the servant presents existed, although historians disagree on which practice inspired the holiday. But Boxing Day's origins aren't especially important to modern-day Brits. Today's Boxing Day festivities have very little to do with charity. Instead, they revolve around food, soccer, visits from friends, and drinking at the pub. Boxing Day has been a national holiday in England, Wales, Ireland and Canada since 1871. The Irish refer to the holiday as St. Stephen's Day, also known as Wren Day. The Bahamas celebrate Boxing Day with a street parade and festival called Junkanoo, in which traditional rhythmic dancers called gombeys fill the streets with their elaborate costumes and headdresses. And there's the shopping. England and Canada's Boxing Day evolved into a major shopping event in the 1980s."

 Speaking of shopping, I took a quick trip today to look for bargains and came home with a Nutcracker Advent box to add to our collection. He is missing his nose, but that is easily remedied and garnered me an additional 20% discount on the already low Christmas clearance price!

I have a sweet little cup to share today too.

It has pink roses and tiny Hearts Ease, or Johnny Jump Ups on the saucer~

It was made in England~

              It has gold trim along the edges and handle~

There are pinks, blue, green and gold in the bouquet~

 My daughter baked up batches of Crackle-Top Molasses Cookies

from our favorite cookie recipe book...mmm, crunchy with a bit of spice!

Natalie H. Haughton filled this book with fabulous recipes that never fail to please~

I am sharing this post with:
Ruth's Antiques and Teacups

Martha's Favorites

Terri's Artful Affirmations

Rose Chintz Cottage