Definition

Noun: A Christmas box is a gift, typically money, given at Christmas to someone who has provided a service throughout the year, such as a postman, newspaper delivery person, or domestic helper. It is a traditional expression of thanks for their service.

Usage

The term is used to specify a seasonal gift of appreciation. It is often given in a small box or envelope. * It is customary to give the mail carrier a Christmas box. * She saved a little each month to have enough for the Christmas boxes for the tradespeople.

Advanced Usage

• The concept of the Christmas box is historically linked to Boxing Day (December 26th), the traditional day for giving such gifts.
• In some contexts, a Christmas box can refer to a charitable donation collected in a box and distributed to the poor during the Christmas season.

Variants and Related Words

• Christmas bonus: A sum of money given by an employer to employees at Christmas, similar in spirit but not identical, as a bonus is from an employer, while a box is typically from a service user.
• Tip or gratuity: A more general term for a sum of money given to someone for a service, not specific to Christmas.

Synonyms

• Seasonal gift
• Christmas gratuity
• Holiday tip

Idioms and Phrases

• To give someone their Christmas box: To give someone their seasonal tip or gift.
  • Don't forget to give the caretaker his Christmas box.

Noun

1. a present given at Christmas for services during the year