White Boxing Day

Boxing Day, the day after Christmas. A public holiday in most countries but not observed much in the United States. While it originated as a day to give gifts to employees and poor people, it has turned into something completely different for the brothers of the Chesapeake Bay table: a day to relieve oneself of gifts that are less than desirable. The process is accomplished through a White Elephant gift exchange. Perhaps we should call it White Boxing Day.

Boxing Day has become a tradition for the table. Held each year at the home of Brother Cruz and Captive Ann, just behind the dunes of the Chesapeake Bay’s southern shore. It also serves to bring the table together for the December Tip-a-few: a monthly social gathering for our table. This year’s event was a stormy one: a developing nor’easter had caused the barometric pressure to drop and brought 30 to 40 knot winds down the Bay from the north just as the brothers were arriving for the afternoon event.

As we entered the house, the first thing to assault the senses was the aroma of the feast being prepared by Ann. Wine and beer started to flow as the crowd continued to grow. Unfortunately, some in our table were missing: Diana was home sick; Briesegalet was out of the country; Floater & Jackie were in Louisiana with family for the holidays and Limey & Holly are cruising in Florida, waiting for the space shuttle's next launch. While they were missed, our gathering was still a warm one. We exchanged stories of the holiday just gone by as Ann continued to prepare food...a lot of food!

After feasting in mid-afternoon, before the main event started, we were able to get everyone together for some group shots which you see here. [AJ had to leave early so I inserted her picture with the other captives]






Then it was on to the main event! The various gifts were assembled and everyone started searching their pockets for the small slips of paper that designated their turn in selecting a gift. The gifts and hijinks were varied and many. Some walked away with useful gifts - El Maestro selected a needed wallet - while others (yours truly included) held their heads in their hands over what had came out of the box that was selected.

When it was all over, night had fallen as it does so early at this time of the year. Not everyone had the next day off so various couples started making their way home. The wind had shifted to the northwest as the nor’easter headed up the coast and pulled colder air in on its back side. No one had been affected by the storm outside as we enjoyed each others company and the revelry that always accompanies our gatherings.

Additional pictures can be viewed on the picture site for the Chesapeake Bay table.