According to the Ministry of Canadian Heritage, Boxing Day gets its name from old England when they would open church poor boxes and distribute the money to those who deserved it. The name may also have its origins from the use of earthenware boxes, with which boy apprentices collected money at the doors of their masters' clients.

However, if the government is asked for the genesis of the Boxing Day naming, they honestly admit that nobody really knows. Hence, as far as they're concerned, for most, it's just a day off from work, so enjoy it.

What we know is that Boxing Day is a unique part of Canada's heritage that comes from being a member of the British Commonwealth and has no counterpart in the United States, although a holiday is recognized on December 26 under different names in other countries.

As it's a big day for retailers hoping to lure bargain-seekers with record-setting low prices, we asked some Airdrie residents if they'll be parting with some more hard-earned cash today.