Celebrate the English custom of Boxing Day as the Hemingway family celebrated it over 100 years ago in Oak Park. Enjoy traditional Boxing Day festivities including holiday music and song, a special Hemingway Readers Theatre production, along with English tea and refreshments.  This year’s celebration is on Wednesday, Dec. 26, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Hemingway Birthplace Museum, 339 N. Oak Park Ave., in Oak Park. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for youth and children. Ernest Hemingway Foundation members, docents and volunteers are admitted at no charge.

Enjoy this gorgeous Victorian house decorated beautifully for the occasion as you partake in traditional holiday music as well as The Ernest Hemingway Readers Theatre, which will present “The Spirit of Boxing Day.”

Boxing Day originated during medieval times, on the day after Christmas when lords of the manor presented the leftovers from their own celebrations to their servants and to local peasants. Their gifts were presented in boxes, hence the name of the day. In continuing this tradition, we honor Virginia Cassin, who reinstituted this foundation celebration in 1993.

Entertainment:

12:00-1:00 pm Laura Fako Utley-Harpist

1:00 - 2:00 pm  Susan Krout-Pianist

2:00 - 3:00 pm John & Kathyrn Atwood-History Singers 

3:00 pm  Hemingway Readers Theatre Players