Boxing Day - December 26th

Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated on December 26th, mainly in the UK, Canada, Australia and other Commonwealth countries. It started as a day when rich people gave gifts, money or food to their servants and those in need. Today, it is mostly a shopping day with big sales, similar to Black Friday. People also use the day for family time, watching sports and eating Christmas leftovers. In some countries, it is a public holiday, giving people a chance to relax and enjoy free time. 

Boxing Day comes from the tradition where wealthy families would prepare boxes filled with gifts for poor people. This helped spread holiday cheer and Christmas joy. In the past, servants of rich families had to work on Christmas to help with the guests and celebrations.

Why is it called Boxing Day at Christmas?

Boxing Day got its name from the tradition of giving "boxes" of gifts or money. In the past, wealthy families would fill boxes with presents, food or money and give them to their servants, workers and the poor as a thank you for their help during the year. This tradition helped spread holiday cheer and Christmas joy. Servants of rich families often had to work on Christmas to assist with the celebrations so they would receive these "Christmas boxes" the following day.

How is Boxing Day celebrated globally?

Boxing Day is celebrated in different ways around the world, especially in the UK, Canada, Australia, and other Commonwealth countries.

• Shopping and Sales: In many places, Boxing Day has become a big shopping day, similar to Black Friday. Stores offer big discounts, and people shop in stores or online to get good deals.
• Family and Friends: Boxing Day is also a time for family and friends to relax and spend time together. People enjoy meals, often with Christmas leftovers, and sometimes host parties or special gatherings.
• Sports: In countries like the UK and Australia, Boxing Day is known for sports events. Football, horse racing, and cricket matches are held, and many people watch or attend these games.
• Charity: The tradition of helping others continues. Some people donate to charity, volunteer, or give gifts to those in need.
• Public Holiday: In many places, Boxing Day is a public holiday, giving people a day off work to rest after the busy Christmas celebrations.

What are the traditions and activities of Boxing Day?

Boxing Day is celebrated with different traditions depending on the country. In many places, it has become a big shopping day, with stores offering large discounts and sales, like Black Friday. People often shop in stores or online to get good deals. Boxing Day is also a time for family to come together, enjoy meals, often with Christmas leftovers, and spend time with loved ones. 

In countries like the UK and Australia, sports like football, horse racing, and cricket are a big part of the celebration, with many people watching or attending these events. Giving to others continues on Boxing Day, as some people donate to charity, volunteer, or give gifts. Since Boxing Day is a public holiday in many places, people get the day off work to rest and relax after the busy Christmas celebrations.