DAY OF GOODWILL

Most countries call it Boxing Day, but to South Africans, it is the Day of Goodwill. However, the people of South Africa celebrated the holiday as Boxing Day until 1994 when its government decided to have a change. Celebrated on 26th December, this day serves as a recovery from the Christmas indulgences. The day of Goodwill is the third public holiday celebrated by South Africans in the month of December. As a day off to most people, it is considered a day of relaxation and compassion as people donate to charity.

History of the Day of Goodwill

The South African government renamed Boxing Day as the Day of Goodwill as a way to sever ties of a colonial past. When the apartheid finally ended, and Nelson Mandela took over the government power, the people of South Africa felt that it was worth celebrating the milestone. In 1994, the Day of Goodwill was established to mark the beginning of freedom of South Africans from the British colony.

How to Celebrate the Day of Goodwill

The Day of Goodwill is a time of giving to others. It is, therefore, the perfect time for you to donate some of the stuff you don’t use to charity. The fact that the holiday comes a day after Christmas, you can also give out leftover foods, drinks, and luxury items to the less fortunate in the society. Other people host parties for the homeless as a way to show generosity and compassion.

In the spirit of compassion, prepare a box full of gifts for needy children and drop it at a local charity organization.

The Day of Goodwill occurs in summer. It is, therefore, a perfect time to spend the day outdoors and soak in the sunshine. Most South Africans know this day as the Beach Day. So, gang up with family and friends and head to the beach. After a day at the beach, you can organize a small party or dinner to celebrate the day.

Since most retail stores will be running Christmas sales, take this day as an opportunity to go shopping. Assuming that you have already de-cluttered your house and given what you no longer need to charity, head to the shops and get new household items at unbelievably slashed prices.

Another great way to celebrate this day is by hosting a braai party with friends and family. Make the grill party extra special by including local meats such as sosaties, antelope, boerewors and kebabs.

If you are indoors, then be sure to watch a movie about compassion and giving to others. Some of the best titles include Pay it Forward, Freedom Writers, The Blind Side and It’s a Wonderful Life.

You can also opt to enjoy time off by spending quality time with family. Christmas can be overwhelming and therefore, relaxing with loved ones a day after the festivities is a pretty good idea.

Remember to share your thoughts about generosity and charity on social media via the hashtag #DayofGoodwill.

Why Celebrate the Day of Goodwill

South Africa underwent colonialism by two colonial powers; the Dutch and the Britons. The people of South Africa also suffered during the apartheid regime, and many lost their lives. Observing the Day of Goodwill is, therefore, a kind gesture of celebrating a free nation.

The Day of Goodwill is also worth celebrating because of the spirit of compassion it brings to the society. Through the celebrations, the needs of those living vulnerable lives are met. It is also a reminder that, we should not only give what we no longer use, but also ensure that we show sympathy for those in suffering.