I always had a wall calendar hanging in my room as a little kid. (Spoiled, I know.) So each year, on the day after Christmas, I'd catch a glimpse of three words in the box marked December 26: "Boxing Day, Canada."Each time I'd see those words, I'd think to myself, I should really make a point to find out what Boxing Day is. Of course, at that time, I had a lot of new toy playing to do, so I my curiosity was short-lived, albeit annual.For those statesiders who still wonder, Boxing Day, like its December 25 predecessor, was born of traditional religious inspiration (the recognition of Stephen, the first Christian martyr) but has grown into a more pagan/secular festivity (shopping!).Today, people in Canada, the U.K., Australia, and other such nations line up at department stores to cash in on post-Christmas bargains. However, there is an element of charitable giving involved (rich/poor role reversal), so it's not quite the same situation as the Americans mobbing J.C. Penney at 4:30 a.m. today.Anyway, here's a thoroughly non-comprehensive Boxing Day "news" round-up.In the wake of last month's attacks in Mumbai, and out of fear for public safety, Indian citizens have been warned not to travel to Pakistan. The situation is tense.Today also marks the beginning of Kwanzaa, which, according to Slate, is "made up, but useful."Another year-end list: Cool Hunting's Top Five art shows of 2008.And, finally, Barack Obama is the most admired man in America, according to this poll.(Photo: Cardboard Buildings, by Flickr user avlxyz.)
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