Will Rogers - Too many people spend money they haven’t earned, to buy things they don’t want, to impress people they don’t like
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Welcome to The Daily Quote – a podcast designed to kickstart your day in a positive way. I'm your host, Andrew McGivern, for December 26th.
So, today is Boxing Day! No, it’s not about putting on gloves and stepping into the squared circle—although if you’ve ever been in the electronics aisle during a big sale, it can devolve into just that.
Boxing Day has its origins in the UK as a day when servants and workers received gifts or “Christmas boxes” from their employers. Over time, it evolved into a public holiday and, eventually, into the shopping extravaganza we know today.
Growing up in Canada, Boxing Day was all about snagging deals on things Santa didn’t bring you. If Christmas morning left you pining for a Walkman or later a Game Boy, Boxing Day was your shot at redemption—assuming you could talk your parents into braving the crowds.
Meanwhile, across the border in the U.S., my American neighbors were living the dream with Black Friday—getting all their Christmas shopping done at bargain prices before the big day. I couldn’t help but feel a bit cheated. While we were stuck paying full price in December, they were practically swimming in discounts. It was like they were playing chess while we were playing checkers.
But now? Canadians have both! Black Friday and Boxing Day. It’s like the shopping universe finally decided to balance itself out. We’ve gone from “We only have Boxing Day” to “Where am I going to put all this stuff?” Progress, right?
Now, let’s pivot to today’s quote. It comes from Will Rogers, who said:
“Too many people spend money they haven’t earned, to buy things they don’t want, to impress people they don’t like.”
It’s funny because it’s true, isn’t it? I mean, how often have you bought something just because it was on sale? Boxing Day, and Black Friday, can easily turn into that slippery slope. “But it was 50% off!” you say, while clutching a backup waffle maker you’ll never use.
So, as you dive into today’s sales—or recover from yesterday’s turkey coma—think about what you really want. Is it the deal, or is it the dream of simplifying your life, saving money, or focusing on the things that truly matter? If you find a deal, think first, is this item on my list of things I was going to buy anyway. And if not maybe pass on it.
Maybe Boxing Day can be about enjoying the holiday spirit for a little longer, rather than chasing the next big bargain.
Thanks for tuning in to The Daily Quote. Take Will Rogers’ wisdom with you today—and maybe leave the waffle maker on the shelf. I'm Andrew McGivern, signing off for today and I’ll see you tomorrow - same pod time, same pod station for another Daily Quote!