What is Boxing Day: History, Traditions, and Celebrations of the Holiday After Christmas

Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated on December 26th, immediately after Christmas.

It is also known as Offering Day and is a public holiday in the United Kingdom and several Commonwealth countries.

Its origins are rooted in the centuries-old tradition of giving gifts or donations in the form of "boxes."

There are several theories regarding the origin of this name, all of which highlight the practice of charity and appreciation.

One of the leading theories regarding the origins of Boxing Day is the Servant's Box Tradition.

During the Victorian era (1837–1901), upper-class employers would prepare boxes filled with leftover food, money, or goods to give to their merchants and servants as a token of appreciation for their service throughout the year.

Servants who worked on Christmas Day would have the following day off, bringing home boxes filled with gifts, bonuses, and sometimes leftovers for their families.

The earliest record of this custom is found in Samuel Pepys's diary in 1663, where he sent 'something in the boy's box for Christmas' to his shoemaker.

Another theory links the name Boxing Day to Church Alms Boxes. Churches would place alms boxes to collect donations for the poor, which would then be opened on December 26th to be distributed to those in need.

This tradition coincided with St. Stephen's Day, which also falls on December 26th, honoring the first Christian martyr known for his charitable deeds.

The Oxford English Dictionary records the first use of the term 'Boxing Day' in print in 1833, although the custom is much older.

Boxing Day became an official bank holiday in the United Kingdom in 1871.

Boxing Day is celebrated annually on December 26th.

If this date falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the public holiday can be moved to the next weekday (Monday or Tuesday) to ensure the holiday still falls on a weekday.

This date also coincides with Saint Stephen's Day, a Christian feast day honoring the first Christian martyr.

Boxing Day celebrations are primarily observed in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other Commonwealth countries.

In South Africa, December 26th is known as Goodwill Day.

Meanwhile, in several European countries such as Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia, December 26th is celebrated as Second Christmas Day, with a focus on family gatherings and continued feasting.

Over time, Boxing Day traditions have evolved significantly to include a variety of modern activities.

One of the most popular traditions is shopping and big sales. Boxing Day has become one of the biggest shopping days of the year, rivaling Black Friday in the United States, with many stores offering huge discounts.

In addition to shopping, many sporting events are also held on Boxing Day.

These include football matches (especially the Premier League), horse racing, and rugby.

Fox hunting was once a traditional Boxing Day sport until it was banned in the UK in 2004.

Many people also use Boxing Day as a time to relax and gather with family.

After the busy Christmas celebrations, it's an opportunity to enjoy leftovers, such as turkey sandwiches, and spend time with loved ones.

Some people participate in charity runs or donate toys and food.

The old tradition of showing appreciation to those who provide services throughout the year, such as postmen or rubbish collectors, continues, often by giving gifts or money as a token of gratitude.