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by Zen Explorer
So what is Boxing Day exactly? Boxing Day refers to December 26, the day after Christmas. It is celebrated as a holiday in the United Kingdom and in other countries sharing British heritage.
For some, Boxing Day is an opportunity to “box” up everything that didn’t fit on Christmas morning for the purpose of returning it to the store for something better. For others, it’s an HBO pay-per-view, live from Vegas. But once upon a time, Boxing Day was a day for the “haves” to remember the “have nots.”
In the Middle Ages, Boxing Day meant placing an extra coin in the church donation box, seeing to it that employees received gifts, or reaching out to someone in the community who was in need. Boxing Day was an extension of Christmas—a chance to continue the feeling of good will toward others. Nowadays, for most Brits, Boxing Day is a chance to simply…recuperate. Let’s face it—Christmas is exhausting.
This year, decorations were on some store shelves as early as August. That’s August! The economic significance of the season has become mythic. As an annual forecaster for fourth-quarter earnings, Christmas is often reduced to calculus. If you’re lucky, you’re Snoopy and could care less. But for those of us who can’t escape the Charlie Brown factor, Boxing Day, British style, might afford you an opportunity to begin a new tradition for the holiday season—one you’ll be glad you started.
In addition to shopping and taking in sporting events, Brits like to walk on Boxing Day. It sounds so simple, but there it is. It seems our cousins from across the pond are on to something.
Taking a walk the day after Christmas is worth planning for. You needn’t go far. Your very own neighborhood will do, but what a great way to detox from the hullabaloo!
Should you decide to venture beyond your neighborhood or local park, there are hundreds of walks worth exploring in the metro region.
The Columbia Bottom Conservation Area, for example, stands out among the many. Its 4,000-plus acres are home to an impressive list of wildlife. It also boasts of the Great Confluence.
Aside from seeing the confluence from an airplane when arriving in St. Louis, have you ever seen where the Wide Missouri and the Mighty Mississippi join hands and head south? It’s truly remarkable and right under your nose.
To get there, head to north St. Louis county. The Columbia Bottom Conservation Area is located north of Highway 270. Take the Riverview exit and head north, four miles or so. You’ll see signs for the Visitor Center where you can park. Dress for the weather—it is December. And remember to bring tennis shoes and water. Those up for it can walk the trail along the Missouri river that takes you to the confluence. If this is you, plan on four and one-half miles one way. If that’s too much, drive to the Confluence observation platform. There, you can park, start your walk and custom design its length to suit you.
Eight interpretive stations highlight the various habitats of the area. From the sloughs that are havens for turtles, bullfrogs and pileated woodpeckers to the grasslands once noted by Lewis and Clark, who also explored here, you are in for an great education.
The confluence and its surroundings are quiet. It is a peaceful place. Most of all, it’s miles away from department stores, hysterical children, maniac drivers, canned music and blinking lights.
Get out that planner and block out time for December 26. Plan for the whole morning, afternoon or both. You’ll see—by the time Boxing Day rolls around, you’ll need a proper walk to unwind.
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