Today is Boxing Day, and also St. Stephen’s Day.
It’s traditionally a day of generosity:
- In the Boxing Day tradition, in Britain, tradespeople received gifts from their employers.
- For the Feast of St. Stephen, alms boxes in churches were opened and distributed to the poor.
In western culture, this time of the year is still a time of alms-giving: money is pouring in to nonprofits, and the biggest week of online giving of the year is just starting.
Almsgiving is known to foster a sense of community, empathy, and social responsibility. Perhaps that’s why many people feel just a little bit better during the holidays.
Yes, this week is also full of sales and conspicuous consumption. But it’s good to remember we Fundraisers are a part of a tradition with deep historical, religious, and cultural roots.
Remember those traditions this week. They drive this wave of giving; we just get to surf it.
Enjoy the week, and may your lockboxes and inboxes be full of gifts!