Today’s Boxing Day: What Does it Mean and Who Celebrates It?

Boxing Day is a public holiday observed on December 26 in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It is a day for family and friends to gather and enjoy each other’s company.

Traditionally, Boxing Day was a time for servants and tradesmen to receive gifts, known as “Christmas boxes,” from their employers. These gifts were often food or money and were given in recognition of the servants’ hard work throughout the year.

Origins of Boxing Day

The exact origin of Boxing Day is unclear, but there are two popular theories:

1. Gifts for Servants: In the 19th century, servants and tradesmen would receive gifts, usually money or leftover food, from their employers on the day after Christmas. This tradition was known as “Boxing Day” because the gifts were often placed in boxes.
2. Church Collection Boxes: Another theory suggests that Boxing Day originated from the tradition of opening church collection boxes on the day after Christmas. The contents of these boxes were then distributed among the poor.

Modern Celebrations

Today, Boxing Day is celebrated in various ways:

• Shopping and Sales: Boxing Day is a major shopping event in many countries, with retailers offering significant discounts and promotions.
• Sports and Leisure: Boxing Day is also associated with sports, particularly horse racing and football (soccer) in the UK.
• Family Gatherings: Boxing Day is an opportunity for many people to spend time with family and friends, often enjoying leftover food from Christmas Day.

Countries That Celebrate Boxing Day

Boxing Day is observed in several countries, including:

• United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland)
• Canada
• Australia
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Hong Kong

Boxing Day is a unique and fascinating holiday with a rich history. While its origins are unclear, the day has evolved into a celebration of shopping, sports, and family gatherings.

Sources:

1. “Boxing Day: What is it and how is it celebrated?” BBC News, 2022,
2. “Boxing Day sales: What are the best deals and discounts?” The Guardian, 2022,

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