What is Boxing Day? All about the origins and traditions of the celebration

Boxing Day, the traditionally British public holiday recognized the day after Christmas, offers an extension of the festivities. People in countries like Canada, Great Britain and South Africa spend an extra day with friends, shopping or watching sports.

Andrew McLean and his wife moved to the United States from Manchester almost 25 years ago. They brought the holiday celebration across the pond with them and host a different Christmas Day party each year.

“We’ve enjoyed America. We love being here,” he said. “But there are lots of things about Britain that we miss. Boxing Day is probably in that top 10.”

What is Boxing Day?

Boxing Day is celebrated on 26 December by Great Britain, its Commonwealth countries and some former colonies.

Shops have shopping deals similar to Black Friday and fans cheer on sporting events such as football, cricket, rugby, horse racing and hunting.

McLean said hosting a Christmas Day party is also a great way to finish off some of the Christmas food. Turkey is a traditional British Christmas meal, and on Boxing Day many people enjoy turkey curry. Another classic Boxing Day dish is bubble and squeak or roast potato scraps and greens such as cabbage or Brussels sprouts.

Why is it called Boxing Day and what are its origins?

There are two major theories as to where the holiday began.

Some believe that Boxing Day began with the churches collecting alms boxes with money donated by parishioners, according to Britannica. The church would give these boxes of donations to the poor the day after Christmas.

The name has stuck, but now people typically donate to charity in the weeks leading up to the holiday.

Others believe that the day was observed because servants had to work at Christmas dinners and festivities, so they celebrated the holiday on December 26. History.comthe lords and aristocrats would give their servants “Christmas boxes” filled with leftovers and small gifts after the parties, leading to the name “Boxing Day”.

Employers still give service workers bonuses around the holidays, and leftovers are still part of the festivities today.

A third theory according to TimeOutis that British naval ships would seal a box of money at the start of a long voyage, and at the end priests would open the boxes and donate the money to the needy.

McLean said other theories about the name include bare-knuckle boxing matches that took place the day after Christmas, or that many people return their boxes of unwanted gifts that day.

Is Boxing Day an official holiday?

Yes, Boxing Day is a holiday or bank holiday recognized in the UK and other countries. It was made an official public holiday in Great Britain in the 19th century. If December 26 falls on a weekend, it is recognized on the following Monday. In 2024 it falls on a Thursday and in 2025 it falls on a Friday.

Where is it celebrated?

Countries that are part of the British Commonwealth such as Australia, Canada and New Zealand celebrate, but some former colonies such as South Africa and Hong Kong also recognize the holiday.

However, people can celebrate anywhere, as demonstrated by the McLeans’ party. Although some of their American friends are working on the 26th, people gather at their house in the evening for a lively pub quiz, delicious leftovers and mulled wine.

Is Boxing Day the same as St. Stephen’s day?

Not necessarily, because St. Stephen’s Day is a religious holiday, but the two are connected and are recognized on the same day. Christians celebrate St. Stephen’s Day to celebrate the first Christian martyr who was known for helping the poor and for his charitable work. Stephen’s Day is more commonly recognized in Ireland and other European countries.

Why don’t Americans recognize Boxing Day?

The United States is one of the few English-speaking countries that does not recognize Boxing Day. Americans do not celebrate mainly because the country is not part of the British Commonwealth, and the holiday was not officially recognized until 1871, nearly a century after the United States gained independence.

What sporting events are happening on Boxing Day this year?

Unlike in the US, where Americans can expect an NBA game at Christmas, Boxing Day is when the competition in the UK drops.

Eight Premier League football matches are set to be contested on December 26. In GMT the matches are:

• Manchester City vs Everton at 12:30
• Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace at 15:00
• Chelsea vs Fulham at 15:00
• Newcastle vs Aston Villa at 15:00
• Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham at 15:00
• Southampton vs West Ham at 15:00
• Wolves vs Manchester United at 17:30
• Liverpool v Leicester at 20:00

The BKT United Rugby Championship between the Dragons and Cardiff Rugby meet at 17:15 GMT. Two other rugby matches will also compete. Meanwhile five cricket matches is set to compete.

11 horse racing is also lined up for Boxing Day.

McLean emphasized the joy of sharing British culture with American friends.

“It’s just, it’s a great thing to be able to bring people together, not just on the days that everyone celebrates.”