What is Boxing Day? Everything about the origins and traditions of the festival

Boxing Day, the traditional British holiday on the day after Christmas, offers an expansion of celebrations. People in countries like Canada, the UK 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 and host a Boxing Day party every year.

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

What is Boxing Day?

Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26th by the United Kingdom, its Commonwealth countries and some former colonies.

Stores offer 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 Boxing Day party was also a great way to end Christmas dinner. Turkey is a traditional British Christmas meal and many enjoy a turkey curry on Boxing Day. Another classic Boxing Day dish is bubble and squeak, or fried leftover potatoes and vegetables like cabbage or Brussels sprouts.

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

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

According to Britannica, some believe that Boxing Day began with churches collecting alms boxes with parishioners’ donated money. The church would distribute these donation boxes to the poor the day after Christmas.

The name stuck, but these days people typically donate to charity in the weeks leading up to the holidays.

Others believe that the day was observed because servants had to work at Christmas dinners and feasts, which is why they celebrated the holiday on December 26th. According to History.com, gentlemen and aristocrats gave their servants “Christmas boxes” filled with leftover food, etc. small gifts after parties, leading to the name “Boxing Day.”

Employers still give bonuses to service employees around the holidays, just as leftovers are still part of the celebrations today.

A third theory, according to TimeOut, is that British naval ships sealed a box of money at the start of a long voyage, and at the end priests opened the boxes and donated the money to those in need.

McLean said other theories about the name include 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 public or bank holiday recognized in the UK and other countries. In the 19th century it was declared an official holiday in Great Britain. If December 26th falls on a weekend, it will be recognized on the following Monday. In 2024 it falls on a Thursday and in 2025 it falls on a Friday.

Where is the celebration?

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

However, as McLean’s party shows, you can celebrate anywhere. Even though some of their American friends are working on the 26th, people gather at their house in the evenings for a lively pub quiz, delicious leftovers and mulled wine.

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

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

Why don’t Americans recognize Boxing Day?

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

What sporting events will take place on Boxing Day this year?

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

Eight Premiere League soccer games will be played on December 26th. In GMT the games are:

• Manchester City vs Everton at 12:30 p.m
• Bournemouth v Crystal Palace at 3pm
• Chelsea vs Fulham at 3pm
• Newcastle vs Aston Villa at 3pm
• Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham at 3pm
• Southampton vs West Ham at 3pm
• Wolves v Manchester United at 5.30pm
• Liverpool vs Leicester at 8pm

The BKT United Rugby Championship between the Dragons and Cardiff Rugby will be played at 17:15 GMT. Two other rugby matches will also be played. In the meantime, five cricket matches are scheduled to be played.

There are also 11 horse races on the program on Boxing Day.

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

“It’s just a great thing to bring people together, not just on the days when everyone is celebrating.”