It’s December 26th.
Through the ages it has been given various names.
In some countries and cultures it is the 2nd Day of Christmas.
From early on it was named after the first Christians martyr Saint Stephen.
Nowadays the 26th of December is often referred to as Boxing Day.
According to the Oxford English Dictionary the earliest mention
of Boxing Day in Britain was in the 1830s.
They define it as “the first week-day after Christmas-day,
observed as a holiday on which post-men, errand-boys,
and servants of various kinds expect to receive a Christmas-box”
In an island community there is a sense of interdependence.
Thanks are due to a great number of people at this time of the year.
A special word of thanks are due to the Island’s postmen.
Due to low cloud many planes were cancelled on the run up to Christmas Day.
So the last mail to arrive on the island did not arrive until the Saturday afternoon.
However, the postmen worked late into evening thus ensuring the mail was delivered.
They went above and beyond the call of duty and we say, ‘Thank You!”
It used to be the January Sales.
Then it became the Boxing Day Sales.
Now the Sales begin before Christmas.
From America we have imported the Black Friday Sales.
Here on the Isle of Tiree we are thankful for the Boxing Day SAIL.
Boxing Day is often associated with sporting events.
With no horse-racing or football matches on the island we went for a walk.
After a few hail showers in the morning it turned out a bright if cold afternoon.
With Balephuil being our son’s favourite beach we headed west.
When we arrived at Balephuil we discovered a new track to traverse.
The former car park had disappeared to be replaced by the new arrangements.
The beach was certainly not packed.
There was one family enjoying the surf.
No doubt making the most of a board for Christmas.
We appeared to be the only walkers on the vast expanse of the beach.
What magnificent views we had of the Skerryvore Lighthouse.
The sun was sinking low in the sky transforming everything.
How pleasing to watch the Atlantic Surf rollin in and over the sand.
With a northerly wind there was a fair amount of spindrift.
While the clouds above were reflected on the sand below.
At the far end of the beach we watched waves crash on the rocks.
As we got closer to Kenavara the sun was setting lower and lower.
What a picture before our eyes.
It was as if the sun was painting the ocean with gold.
Returning along the beach we were reunited with our car.
In order to catch the setting sun we took the Moss Road.
Then we went via Sandaig before heading east.
So many deserve a Thank You Box on the island.
And not just for the run up to Christmas
But a a year of willing service.
This is Life on Tiree on Saint Stephen’s Day.
Enjoying the Boxing Day Sport – A walk along Balephuil Beach.
