Following my own 10 years of tradition of writing articles in this publication (I cannot believe it has been that long), there is no real estate talk in December but some fun English traditions.
I want to thank everyone who reads my articles, those of you who have called me or visited my website, and all my amazing clients.
Boxing Day is a day steeped in tradition in England and was always my family’s day to celebrate Christmas together. We would spend Christmas Day with our in-laws and on Boxing Day, our family would get together at my sister’s house for leftover turkey, bubble and squeak (see recipe below), and the traditional English Christmas dessert of mince pies. Not only was it a great way to use up all the Christmas dinner leftovers, but it made getting together with family and friends so much easier over Christmas with two days to celebrate instead of just one.
WHEN IS BOXING DAY?
Boxing Day is Dec. 26 and like Christmas Day, it is a public holiday in England.
WHAT IS BOXING DAY?
It originated in the United Kingdom and is celebrated in a number of countries that previously formed part of the British Empire. There are many theories as to the origin of Boxing Day however, they all include the giving of a Christmas Box.
GIFT FOR TRADESMEN
In Britain, it was a custom for tradesmen to collect Christmas Boxes of money or presents on the first weekday after Christmas as thanks for good service throughout the year. This is mentioned in Samuel Pepys’ diary entry for Dec. 19, 1663.
TO PROTECT SHIPS
During the age of great exploration, when great sailing ships were setting off to discover new land, a Christmas Box was used for good luck. It was a small container placed on each ship while it was still in port. A priest would place it there, and to ensure a safe return crewmen would drop money into the box. It was then sealed and kept on board for the entire voyage.
If the ship came home safely, the box was handed over to the priest in exchange for the saying of a Mass of thanks for the success of the voyage. The priest would keep the box sealed until Christmas, when he would open it to share the contents with the poor.
TO HELP THE POOR
An Alms Box was placed in every church on Christmas Day and worshippers would place a gift for the poor of the parish. These boxes were opened the day after Christmas. Good King Wenceslas is a popular Christmas carol that tells a story of Good King Wenceslas braving harsh winter weather to give alms to a poor peasant on the Feast of Stephen, the second day of Christmas, Dec. 26.
THE SERVANTS’ CHRISTMAS DAY
Servants of the wealthy were allowed the next day to visit their families since they would have had to serve their masters on Christmas Day. The employers would give each servant a box to take home, containing gifts, bonuses, and sometimes leftover food.
TRADITIONAL BUBBLE AND SQUEAK
This is the ultimate for leftover mash and vegetables, and trust me, it is so good.
- Olive oil
- Two tablespoons unsalted butter
- Leftover mash potatoes
- Leftover cooked vegetables, such as carrots, rutabaga, turnips, parsnips, brussels sprouts, cabbage, or anything you have leftover. Halve brussels sprouts and slice larger vegetables.
Place non-stick frying pan on medium heat with one tablespoon of oil and the butter ( or any leftover drippings if you have them ). Add in the fresh herb leaves and let them crisp up for a minute, then add the potatoes and veggies. Pat down to form a flat, even layer. Season well with sea salt and black pepper. Cook about 20 minutes, flip halfway through until both sides are golden and crispy.
You can serve bubble and squeak as a side dish, on its own, or add fried eggs to it. No matter how you eat it, it’s a delicious way to use up all your leftover veggies you would normally throw away.
From my family to yours – Merry Christmas!
Lorraine is a Multi-Million Dollar producing agent, has been a full-time Realtor for over 13 years, is an Associate Broker of KOR Properties, a Certified Negotiation Specialist, and is on the Professional Standards Board. You can reach Lorraine at (602) 571-6799.