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Christmas Box
A small gratuity given to servants, etc., on Boxing Day (the
day after Christmas Day). In the early days of Christianity boxes were
placed in churches for promiscuous charities, and opened on Christmas
Day. The contents were distributed next day by the priests, and called
the “dole of the Christmas box,” or the
“box money.” It was customary for heads of houses to give small sums
of money to their subordinates “to put into the box” before mass on
Christmas Day. Somewhat later, apprentices carried a box round to their
master's customers for small gratuities. The custom since 1836 has been
gradually dying out.
Gladly the boy, with Christmas-box in hand,
Throughout the town his devious route pursues,
And of his master's customers implores
The yearly mite.
Christmas.
Christmas Carols
are in commemoration of the song of the angels to the shepherds
at the nativity. Durand tells us that the bishops with the clergy used
to sing carols and play games on Christmas Day. (Welsh, carol, a
love-song; Italian, carola, etc.)
Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894 More on Christmas Box from Infoplease:
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