Being Canadian, Boxing Day brings up memories of sales after Christmas, sometimes incredibly low-priced items being offered for sale.

I have memories of my one and only Boxing Day shopping adventure when I went to buy a CD player (back in the 90's) that was listed very cheap, but in limited supply.

With others I did not know, I stood outside the store before 6 AM in bitterly cold weather waiting for the store to open, hoping that it was not a waste of my time. I was tired, I was cold, and I thought, perhaps, I'd made a mistake.

When the doors opened, I along with others rushed inside (politely, no pushing) towards the back of the store where an employee was standing by a large stack of new, boxed CD players, literally throwing them in front of him as shoppers like myself grabbed one and moved aside. I paid, left the store amazed at my luck, went home and went back to sleep. The CD player worked great and was an amazing buy.

Japan does not have Boxing Day, but very similarly has items for sale on January 1st (sometimes before, and sometimes even after) of mystery lucky bags (福袋).

Today, I did not go shopping. I did not get any mystery lucky bag. I did not get any treats.

But, as you can see from my boxes, they are filled and I am happy.

It is now evening, and slowly we are using the contents of those boxes to keep us warm and happy.

Happy Boxing Day, one and all!