For some time now, Boxing Day has been a shoppers’ holiday. Call it Canada’s answer to its southern neighbour’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, a day when bargain hunters flush with Christmas cash go out in search of discounted stereos and cheap big screen televisions. Of course, it is also a great time to cash in on a shop’s desire to sell steeply discounted Christmas kits—house lights, greeting cards and gift wrapping. It is easier to sell those seasonal items than it is to package them up.
While the Peak certainly does not discourage anyone from going out in search of smoking hot deals, there are some alternatives for those who might be suffering from shopping burnout at this point or those wanting to give their credit cards one day of rest.
Boxing Day has its origins from the United Kingdom and was a day to celebrate the service of others, give to those who are less fortunate and enjoy the company of family and friends.
It seems to have started during Medieval times and received its name for the custom of preparing and gifting boxes of food and other goods for families less well off and giving the servant class the day off after Christmas. The holiday is celebrated throughout the Commonwealth nations.
Boxing Day has become a big day for sports, both local and international. Again, this year people can find their way to Cranberry Field for some soccer action a catch up with old friends at the Steve Steele Memorial game, the annual matchup between Powell River Villa and the Over 35 All-Stars. As an added bonus those attending can help support cancer research.
It is also a big day for hockey fans with National Hockey League games as well as World Junior hockey being played throughout the day. And, here at home, people can go to Hap Parker Arena to catch the inaugural hockey four-on-four tournament, hosted by Powell River Regals. With games starting around 9 am and continuing well into the evening, there will be constant action to catch.
For those wanting to get out of the house and burn off some holiday calories Powell River offers many different places to walk, from Willingdon Beach and Valentine Mountain to the Wildwood Bluffs and sections of the Sunshine Coast Trail. There are plenty of alternatives to connect with community or find some quiet stretches of trail to decompress from Christmas. Happy Boxing Day.
