Boxing Day

The holiday celebrated the day after Christmas, typically on December 26th, has deep historical roots and unique customs that have evolved over centuries. Boxing Day originated as a day of generosity and giving, particularly to those less fortunate. While not widely observed in the United States, this traditional celebration continues with various customs in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and other nations with British heritage.

The History and Origin of Boxing Day

What is Boxing Day?

This post-Christmas holiday traces back to the Victorian era in Britain, though its exact origins remain somewhat debated among historians. The most widely accepted explanation connects the holiday to the practice of giving “Christmas boxes” to service workers and the less fortunate. During the 1800s, wealthy families would prepare boxes filled with small gifts, money, and leftover food from Christmas feasts to distribute to their household staff and service providers on December 26th.

The name “Boxing Day” likely derives from these charitable boxes. Another theory suggests the name comes from churches’ practice of opening alms boxes after Christmas to distribute donations to the poor. St. Stephen’s Day, which falls on December 26th, also influenced the traditions of this holiday, as this saint was known for charitable works.

When Boxing Day Became Official

The day became an official bank holiday in the United Kingdom through the Bank Holidays Act of 1871. Despite some opposition in Parliament concerning potential economic impacts and fears about encouraging “laziness or drunkenness,” the holiday was formally established. When December 26th falls on a weekend, the following Monday is typically observed as the official holiday. For example, this will occur in 2027, when Christmas falls on a Saturday and Boxing Day will be celebrated on Monday, December 27th.

Upcoming Boxing Day dates include:

• Friday, December 26, 2025
• Saturday, December 26, 2026
• Sunday, December 26, 2027 (observed Monday, December 27)
• Tuesday, December 26, 2028

Boxing Day Traditions Around the World

United Kingdom Traditions

The festive day in the UK features several distinctive traditions that have evolved over time, transforming it from purely a day of charity to one filled with various festivities and customs.

A Second Christmas Celebration

Many British families treat December 26th as an extension of Christmas, using this time to:

• Enjoy Christmas leftovers for a second festive meal
• Open presents that weren’t opened on Christmas
• Visit extended family members who weren’t seen on Christmas Day
• Relax and recover from Christmas Day celebrations

This tradition is especially important for essential workers who may have been on duty during Christmas Day, allowing them a chance to celebrate with their loved ones.

Sporting Events

Boxing Day has strong associations with sporting traditions in the UK:

• Football (Soccer): Unlike most European leagues that take a winter break, British football leagues schedule full programs of matches on December 26th, creating one of the most anticipated days in the sporting calendar.
• Fox Hunting: Traditionally, this was one of the biggest days in the fox hunting calendar. This controversial practice was restricted in the UK in 2004, but “trail hunting” continues as an alternative where hounds follow an artificial scent rather than a live fox.
• Horse Racing: Several prestigious horse racing events take place on this holiday, connecting to St. Stephen (the patron saint of horses) whose feast day falls on December 26th.
• Boxing Day Dips: A growing tradition involves brave participants taking a plunge into freezing seas around the British coastline, often to raise money for charity—keeping with the day’s historical connection to giving.

Shopping and Sales

In more recent decades, the day after Christmas has become synonymous with shopping:

• The sales are among the UK’s biggest shopping events, comparable to Black Friday in the United States
• Retailers offer substantial discounts, with some shops opening very early to accommodate eager shoppers
• In 2019, an estimated £3.7 billion was spent during Boxing Day sales in the UK
• Online shopping has expanded the reach of these sales, allowing participation without braving the crowds

Boxing Day in Australia

Australia, with its British colonial history, has embraced this holiday but adapted it to its summer season and unique culture.

Cricket and Yachting

Two major sporting events define December 26th in Australia:

• The Boxing Day Test Match: Since 1950, the Melbourne Cricket Ground hosts a cricket test match on this day, drawing massive crowds. Between 1999 and 2007, Australia won every cricket match held on this holiday.
• Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race: This challenging race begins on the holiday, with competitors from around the world battling unpredictable conditions across 630 nautical miles from Sydney Harbour to Hobart, Tasmania.

Summer Celebrations

With December falling during the Australian summer, celebrations often include:

• Beach parties and barbecues
• Outdoor family gatherings
• Summer sports activities
• Retail sales, with discounts of up to 80% on everything from electronics to clothing

Boxing Day in Canada

Canada observes Boxing Day as a statutory holiday in most provinces. Like the UK, Canadians have developed their own traditions around this post-Christmas celebration.

Shopping Traditions

The December 26th sales are a major event in Canadian retail:

• Malls and stores open early with significant discounts
• Many Canadians line up hours before stores open to secure the best deals
• Electronics and big-ticket items are particularly popular purchases
• In recent years, some retailers have extended sales to “Boxing Week”

Family and Outdoor Activities

Canadians also use the day for:

• Family gatherings and enjoying Christmas leftovers
• Winter sports like ice skating, hockey, and skiing
• Charitable activities honoring the holiday’s giving tradition

How Americans Can Celebrate Boxing Day

While not an official holiday in the United States, Americans can still participate in the spirit of these traditions. Here are some ways to incorporate this celebration:

Charitable Giving

Embrace the original purpose of the holiday by:

• Donating to food banks after Christmas
• Volunteering at local shelters
• Creating care packages for essential workers
• Making year-end charitable contributions

Post-Christmas Gatherings

Americans can use December 26th for:

• Hosting relaxed gatherings with leftovers from Christmas dinner
• Organizing gift exchanges with friends unable to meet on Christmas
• Creating a new tradition of “Second Christmas” celebrations
• Planning low-key activities to recover from Christmas festivities

Shopping and Sales

Many U.S. retailers have begun offering post-Christmas sales, particularly online:

• Take advantage of post-Christmas clearance sales
• Look for electronics, clothing, and holiday decor at reduced prices
• Consider shopping at retailers with British or Canadian connections for authentic Boxing Day sales

Boxing Day Foods and Recipes

Traditional meals for December 26th often center around creative uses for Christmas leftovers:

Classic Boxing Day Dishes

Modern Boxing Day Entertaining

Contemporary celebrations on the 26th often feature:

• Charcuterie boards with Christmas leftovers
• Casual finger foods and appetizers
• Mulled wine or hot cider
• Buffet-style meals allowing guests to serve themselves

The Future of Boxing Day

This holiday continues to evolve, balancing tradition with modern influences:

Changing Retail Landscape

The rise of online shopping has transformed the post-Christmas sales:

• Many people now shop from home rather than visiting physical stores
• Sales often begin earlier and run longer
• Digital deals have made holiday shopping accessible even in countries where it’s not traditionally celebrated

Renewed Focus on Charity

There’s growing interest in returning to the holiday’s charitable roots:

• Many charities now run special fundraising campaigns on December 26th
• Social media has helped promote charitable Boxing Day activities
• Some families establish traditions of volunteering together on this day

While Boxing Day may not be widely celebrated in the United States, its traditions of generosity, relaxation, and community make it a holiday worth exploring. Whether through charitable giving, enjoying time with loved ones, or simply taking advantage of post-Christmas sales, Americans can embrace aspects of this holiday that resonates with them. As the world becomes more connected, cultural celebrations like this continue to cross borders, enriching our understanding of different traditions and providing new ways to extend the joy of the holiday season.

For more information about Boxing Day and its traditions, visit Boxing Day or explore its history on Wikipedia’s Boxing Day page.

Has this article inspired you to start your own Boxing Day traditions? From special gifts to charitable giving or simply enjoying the day after Christmas differently, there are many ways to incorporate this holiday into your seasonal celebrations.