Holiday Season

[dot.hawkes]

Just read this phrase or saying in the poll thingy underneath the topic list, is this a US concept? is that how they see Christmas? A Holiday Season? mmm In this country only Christmas day is a recognised day off, Boxing day and New Years Day are normal working days, what do they get in the US ?

[EngTeach]

Hi Dot,

We have Christmas day and New Year's day off. (The schools are closed the week between.) Most companies close early on Christmas and New Year's Eve too.

Of course those in retail work on New Year's Day.

I have seen others post a similar question. The Holiday Season is usually from our Thanksgiving Day until New Year's day. We don't celebrate Boxing Day. It's the 26th right?

That term is a media/retail thing used to hype up the commercialism of Christmas.

[dot.hawkes]

No Boxing day originated several centurys ago when the Lord Of the manor gave the peasants their annual 'treat', which was really just the basic essentials to survive the winter. these were given in boxes, and everyone was a peasant back then pretty much.
Retail didn;t invent Boxing day at all.

[Pippa68]

I received a lovely 'Happy Holidays' card from a friend in the US this morning.

I haven't seen any cards like that here in the UK, but I wish we did have them.

[Pippa68]

Oh, and apparently Boxing Day is the first Monday after Christmas..not necessarily the 26th December?

I don't know why we call the 26th Boxing Day.

[EngTeach]

OOh Dot, I just saw your response to my response. I meant that the media here (U.S.) uses "holiday season" to hype the sales. Not referring to Boxing Day. Sorry for the confusion. No offense meant.