The day after Xmas Day, was, presumably, reserved for the giving of boxes to each other, those presents without which Xmas would be unsatisfactory, at least commercially.

(The title has been given a double-X to distinguish it from any pugilist connotation, where two humans try to bash each other into unconsciousness.)

The giving and receiving of presents can tell us something about the giver and his/her attitude to the recipient:

(1) If someone gives you a bank note, in lieu of actual gift, it shows a degree of contempt, even if the excuse is - "you're a hard one to choose for..."

(2) If the gift is something the donor likes, and thinks you might like too, this also has a somewhat contemptuous attitude, in that the donor's taste outweighs your own.

(3) If the gift is excessively generous, it may be an attempt to curry favour or impress with one's wealth - though if it sets a precedent, and is beyond the means of the donor to sustain, you might find the donor moves interstate, to avoid Xmas altogether.

(4) A similar case may be where "family" presents are adopted instead of individual - this eases pressure alround, and while there may be initial objection, most extended families tend to adopt it. (5) A present may even be given with malicious intent. This is revealed by the nature of the gift: something which the recipient will hate, yet has to thank you for.

(6) Then there's disproportionate family size, in which a bachelor or spinster, or infertile couple, is forced to donate to a large family - the parents of which are obviously gratified at making a profit.

(7) Of course, you can dodge Xmas altogether, by going away, or changing religion, or not giving at all (Scrooge), but these ploys tend not be be sustainable over time, and most succumb.

(8) Everyone involved can agree not to swap presents, but to donate equivalent amount to African charity. Such heroic idealism is beyond capacity of most; and where's the fun?

(10) No, we're stuck with Boxxing Day, even if most folk have already swapped presents on Xmas Eve, or Xmas Day, and Boxxing Day is reserved for a Test match, boat race, or a Boxx Office bonanza.

Still, we can all get minor revenge by deleting from the Xmas card mailing list those who failed to respond....