Boxing Day
This holiday is featured in the Obscure Holiday Calendar app with emoji-style visuals, reminders, and daily fun facts.
Overview
Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated on December 26th, the day after Christmas. Originating in the United Kingdom, it is traditionally a day when employers would give a Christmas box, or gift, to their employees and servants. Today, it is also a major shopping day, similar to Black Friday in the United States, and is often associated with sporting events.
Observed each year on December 26, Boxing Day invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.
Origin and story
The historical origins of Boxing Day are debated, with theories pointing to medieval alms boxes for the poor or gifts given by employers to their servants the day after Christmas.
It is a public holiday in several Commonwealth countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Quick facts
- DateDecember 26
- TypeCultural / community observance
- Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams
Also on this date
Ways to Celebrate Boxing Day
Boxing Day is observed on December 26 in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Traditionally associated with giving, rest, and community, the holiday has evolved to include a mix of charitable acts, relaxation, and social activities.
Learn about the history of Boxing Day
- What Is Boxing Day? (History.com) — explains the history, traditions, and modern observances of Boxing Day.
- Boxing Day Overview (Encyclopaedia Britannica) — cultural and historical background on the holiday.
Give back
- Donate items you no longer need
- Contribute to a charity or food bank
- Tip service workers or thank essential workers
- Volunteer time within your community
Relax and recharge
- Enjoy leftovers or a casual meal
- Spend time with family or friends
- Watch sports or movies
- Take a walk or enjoy time outdoors
Embrace modern traditions
- Check out post-holiday sales
- Follow sporting events
- Travel or visit family
- Declutter and organize after Christmas
Did you know?
The name “Boxing Day” is believed to come from the tradition of giving boxed gifts or donations to servants and those in need on the day after Christmas.
External links may lead to third-party websites.
Fun facts
- The historical origins of Boxing Day are debated, with theories pointing to medieval alms boxes for the poor or gifts given by employers to their servants the day after Christmas.
- It is a public holiday in several Commonwealth countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
- Sporting events are a significant tradition, particularly football (soccer) matches in the UK and horse racing.
- In many countries, Boxing Day has evolved into a major shopping day, similar to Black Friday, featuring significant post-Christmas sales.
- In Ireland, December 26th is also known as St. Stephen's Day, and is traditionally associated with the "Wren Day" procession in some areas.
Sources and attribution
Source not provided.
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FAQ
- When is Boxing Day?
- It is observed on December 26 each year.
- What is Boxing Day?
- Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated on December 26th, the day after Christmas. Originating in the United Kingdom, it is traditionally a day when employers would give a Christmas box, or gift, to their employees and servants. Today, it is also a major shopping day, similar to Black Friday in the United States, and is often associated with sporting events.
- How do people celebrate Boxing Day?
- Give back by donating items, tipping or thanking service workers, and enjoy a relaxed day with family, leftovers, and maybe some sports or a walk.
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