Why the Day After Christmas Is Called Boxing Day
If you’ve ever looked at a calendar and wondered why December 26 is called Boxing Day, you’re definitely not alone. The name sounds confusing at first, especially if you’re picturing boxing gloves or piles of cardboard boxes. But the truth is, Boxing Day has nothing to do with the sport of boxing or returning unwanted gifts. Instead, it’s a holiday with deep roots in history, tradition, and generosity.
Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26, the day right after Christmas, and it’s widely observed in the United Kingdom and many Commonwealth countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. For millions of people in those places, it’s an official public holiday. Work slows down, schools stay closed, and the festive mood carries on for another day.
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The origins of Boxing Day are usually traced back to Victorian England. During that time, Christmas Day itself was a working day for many servants, tradespeople, and service workers. They were expected to help their employers host lavish Christmas celebrations. As a result, the following day was given to them as time off, so they could finally visit their own families. Before they left, they were often handed small boxes filled with leftover food, money, or useful items as a thank-you for their service. Those boxes are widely believed to be where the name “Boxing Day” came from.
Another commonly accepted explanation points to churches. Donation boxes, known as alms boxes, were placed inside churches throughout the year to collect money for the poor. These boxes were traditionally opened on December 26, and their contents were distributed to people in need. That act of opening and sharing from boxes may also have helped shape the holiday’s name.
The date also lines up with St. Stephen’s Day, which is celebrated in parts of Europe. St. Stephen is remembered as the first Christian martyr and was known for helping the poor, which fits neatly with Boxing Day’s theme of giving.
Over time, the meaning of Boxing Day has evolved. While its roots are tied to charity and gratitude, today it’s more commonly associated with shopping, sports, and relaxed family gatherings. In many countries, Boxing Day sales are a huge event, similar to Black Friday in the United States. Sporting traditions have also become a big part of the day, with soccer, cricket, hockey, and other matches drawing massive audiences.
Even though the U.S. hasn’t traditionally celebrated Boxing Day, interest around it has grown, especially as December 26 has occasionally been recognized as a holiday. At its heart, Boxing Day remains a reminder of sharing, appreciation, and extending the spirit of Christmas just a little bit longer.
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