Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated after Christmas Day, and it is a well-known holiday primarily celebrated in the United Kingdom and other countries that were part of the British Empire, as well as in some European nations.

Table of Contents

1. When is Boxing Day?
2. The History of Boxing Day?
3. What Do People Do on This Day?

When is Boxing Day?

Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26, the day after Christmas Day. This date is consistent across countries that observe the holiday, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and several other Commonwealth nations. The following is the list of Boxing Day.

The History of Boxing Day?

The history of Boxing Day is rooted in British tradition and has evolved over centuries. While the exact origins are not entirely clear, several historical practices have contributed to its development.

One of the oldest traditions associated with Boxing Day involves the placement of alms boxes in churches during the Advent season. These boxes were used to collect donations for the poor. On the day after Christmas, which is also the Feast of St. Stephen, these boxes were opened and the contents distributed to the needy.

In more recent centuries, particularly during the Victorian era, Boxing Day became associated with the giving of "Christmas boxes" to service workers. This tradition involved masters and employers giving gifts or money to servants and other service workers in recognition of good service throughout the year. These boxes were given on the day after Christmas, as this was typically the only day when servants were allowed to visit their families, taking with them boxes of gifts from their employers.

Boxing Day became an official holiday in England, Wales, and Ireland under the Bank Holidays Act of 1871. It was recognized as a day off for workers, allowing them to celebrate the holiday with their families.

Today, the tradition of giving boxes to employees or those in service has largely faded. Instead, Boxing Day has become known for being a time of relaxation and family gatherings. Boxing Day has also become a significant day for retail. In many countries, it marks the start of post-Christmas sales. Stores offer large discounts, attracting crowds of shoppers.

In many Commonwealth nations, Boxing Day remains a public holiday, and if it falls on a weekend, the public holiday is usually moved to the next available weekday.

What Do People Do on This Day?

On Boxing Day, people engage in a variety of activities depending on their cultural background and personal preferences. Here are five common ways people celebrate this day:

• Shopping: Boxing Day is known for its retail sales, similar to Black Friday in the United States. Many people take advantage of post-Christmas discounts in stores and online. It's a popular day for shopping, with retailers offering significant markdowns.
• Family Gatherings: For many, Boxing Day continues the Christmas celebration. It's often a time for family get-togethers, especially for those who might have spent Christmas Day with their immediate family or working. These gatherings may include meals, games, and relaxing together.
• Charity: In keeping with the day's historical roots of giving, some people participate in charitable activities. This might include volunteering, donating to charity, or acts of kindness towards others.
• Relaxation: Many people use Boxing Day as a time to relax. This can involve watching movies, reading, or simply enjoying a day off from work.
• Eating Leftovers: A common tradition is eating leftovers from the Christmas Day feast. This often involves creating meals from the remaining turkey, ham, roast beef, or other festive foods.

The way Boxing Day is celebrated can vary widely, but it generally centers on relaxation, enjoyment, and spending time with family and friends after the busyness of Christmas.