Christmas came and went without significant injury, and now we're left with nothing but the hangover (for some) and Boxing Day. As I drove along Robson Street to the office, the sidewalks were already teeming with rabid shoppers, looking to hit the GAP sale or pick up that special jacket at Banana Republic. I'm afraid to think how the Future Shop looks. It's probably under seige.

I can honestly say that I have never been to a Boxing Day sale ? I find the whole concept repulsive. It's a disgusting exercise in consumerist greed. Besides, I could never last through the lineups anyway.

Instead, I'm here at the office, where I can bank the time and take my holiday when it's more convenient.

What is Boxing Day, anyway? I honestly have no idea why the day after Christmas is called Boxing Day. Could it be:

• A tribute to the sport of boxing?
• A rememberance of the Boxer Rebellion?
• The day we get rid of all those empty boxes from Christmas?
• A day to recognize the contributions to civilization made by the cardboard industry?

Any help would be very much appreciated. Anyway... time to get back to work.