Between Christmas and New Year’s Eve there is another holiday that is celebrated all over the world. Boxing day

HARRISONBURG VA: (ROCKTOWN NOW) – As families across the Shenandoah Valley celebrate Christmas today, another holiday is just around the corner. No, not New Year’s Eve, we’re talking about Boxing Day! Boxing Day is celebrated in Great Britain, Canada and British Commonwealth countries such as Australia and New Zealand. The holiday originated in the United Kingdom, but other European countries have since adopted it. Boxing Day coincides with the Christian holiday of Saint Stephen, which is considered the second day of Christmas. Saint Stephen was a deacon ordained by the apostles to care for widows and the needy.

According to Love to Know, Boxing Day dates back to 1871 and originated as a custom for tradesmen to collect “Christmas boxes” containing money or gifts on the first weekday after Christmas in return for good service throughout the year. Many workers, particularly domestic workers, had to work on Christmas Day, so Boxing Day gave them the opportunity to visit their own families. The workers took home boxes full of food and other gifts. In Great Britain, Boxing Day is a national holiday. If it falls on a weekend, the holiday is celebrated on the following Monday. Schools and many organizations are closed on this day. Shops are usually open as Boxing Day sales are very popular.

As with most events, there are some notable customs on Boxing Day.

· Workers, especially those in service positions, are honored. It is customary to make a financial gift to people who provide services throughout the year. These include mail carriers, sanitation workers, hairdressers and others.

· Contribute to those less fortunate. People often donate food to local food banks and support charities.

· Watch or attend sporting events. Boxing Day is also marked by sporting events such as horse racing and football, with Premier League games often taking place throughout the day in the UK.

· Take a cool bath. Some people enjoy participating in polar plunges to raise money for charities. An annual event sees people jump into the English Channel, and similar jumps also take place elsewhere.

· Go to the shops. Boxing Day is similar to Black Friday in the United States. Boxing Day is full of discounts and bargains for shoppers eager to spend on gift cards for the holidays.

· Meet up with friends and families. On Boxing Day, friends often get together to socialize and have dinner or a drink together.

Boxing Day is celebrated on the day after Christmas and offers an opportunity to continue the cheer of the holidays.