What is Boxing Day? Date, traditions, origin and what you need to know

On December 26, 2024By Littum

Christmas Eve is upon us and then Christmas Day. In the US, the day after Christmas is usually reserved for coming down from the hectic holiday – that is, if you’re lucky enough not to have to go straight back to the office.

However, across the pond and in other Commonwealth countries, December 26 is another continuation of the Christmas holiday called Boxing Day. Observed in Britain, Canada and beyond, the celebration is believed to have originated in Victorian times.

Although the traditional didn’t travel to the United States with the early colonists, it’s still popular elsewhere, giving partygoers not just another day off work, but another flurry of gifts, shopping, dining and sports-watching.

Here’s what you need to know about Boxing Day, its origins and how it became the celebration it is today.

What is Boxing Day?

Boxing Day is a public holiday celebrated after Christmas Day, on 26 December. It is usually marked by gifts, parties and sporting events.

When December 26 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the holiday is officially celebrated on the following Monday.

Where is Boxing Day celebrated?

Boxing Day is celebrated in Great Britain and some Commonwealth countries, notably Australia, Canada and New Zealand, according to Encylopedia Britannica.

The origin of Boxing Day

The origins of the holiday are somewhat muddled, although the generally accepted theory is rooted in Victorian England.

During Queen Victoria’s reign, servants, tradesmen and the poor were typically given gifts. The servants worked on Christmas Day and wanted the next day off to visit their own family. So according to Old farmer’s almanacthe upper class would take leftover food, goods or money and put them in boxes to give out to the poor.

Another theory says it originated from the opening of alms boxes provided by the church as opposed to gifts given by employers, according to Encylopedia Britannica.

The 26 also coincide with St. Stephen’s Day, a holiday celebrated in parts of Europe named after the first Christian martyr who, according to the Farmer’s Almanac, was known for helping the poor.

Evolution of Boxing Day

While the holiday had its roots in giving back to the poor, like many modern celebrations, it has changed and become more associated with shopping and sports.

Boxing Day is an official public holiday in the UK, Canada, New Zealand and most of Australia. Although boxes aren’t typically given to the poor anymore, it’s not unusual for service workers to get bonuses around this time of year, Britannica says.

It is typical for families to invite others over to enjoy a leisurely lunch made from Christmas Day leftovers. Many will also go out to shops to shop after the Christmas sales or make exchanges and returns.

Traditionally, sporting events include horse racing, fox hunting and rugby, according to Britannica. Fox hunting was later changed or banned altogether, and football matches took its place. Other popular sporting events include ice hockey, cricket and boxing.

Starring: Sarah Al-Arshani, USA TODAY