| A. Those sailors would put money into the box. B. People put gifts into it for the poor. C. It is the day after Christmas Day. D. Here are two of the origins. |
In Britain, people celebrate Boxing Day on December 26th. ① Like Christmas, it is an important holiday, too.
The exact origin （来源）of the holiday is unclear. ②
During the Middle Ages, before great sailing（航海）ships set off to discover the new land, the priest（牧师）put a Christmas Box on each ship. ③ The box was kept on board until the ship returned home safely. Then they gave the box to the priest to thank him for the successful sailing. The priest would open it to share the money in it with the poor.
The other one is about the Alms Box in every church（教堂）on Christmas Day. ④ The priest opened the box the day after Christmas Day, and that is why that day became known as Boxing Day.
Today, many companies and families try to keep the traditional spirit of Boxing Day alive by helping food banks of providing gifts for poor people. Also, spending time with family members and shopping are popular activities on Boxing Day now.
