Boxing Day, a traditionally British holiday recognized the day after Christmas, offers an extension of the festivities. In countries like Canada, the United Kingdom and South Africa, people 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 have taken the holiday celebrations across the pond with them and host a Boxing Day party every year.
“We enjoyed America. We love being here,” he said. “But there are a lot of things about Britain that we miss. Boxing Day is probably in that top 10.”
What is Boxing Day?
Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26 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 party the day after Christmas is also a great way to finish off some of the Christmas food. Turkey is a traditional British Christmas meal and on Boxing Day many enjoy a turkey curry. Another classic Boxing Day dish is bubble and squeak, or leftover fried potatoes and green vegetables like cabbage or Brussels sprouts.
Diana Miller
Why is it called Boxing Day and what are its origins?
There are two main theories about when the holidays start.
Some believe Boxing Day began with churches collecting alms boxes containing money donated by parishioners, according to Britannica. The church gave these donation boxes to the poor the day after Christmas.
The name stuck, but now people typically donate to charity in the weeks leading up to the holiday.
Others believe that this day was observed because servants had to work during Christmas dinners and festivities, so they celebrated the holiday on December 26. According to History.com, lords and aristocrats gave their servants “Christmas boxes” filled with leftovers and small gifts after the holidays, leading to the name “Boxing Day.”
Employers still give bonuses to service workers during the holidays, just as leftovers are still part of celebrations today.
A third theory, according to TimeOut, is that British naval ships would seal a box full of money at the start of a long voyage and at the end, priests would open the boxes and give the money to those who received it. need.
McLean said other theories about the name include bare-knuckle boxing matches that took place the day after Christmas, or that many people return their boxes of unwanted gifts that day.
Is Boxing Day a public holiday?
Yes, Boxing Day is a recognized public holiday in the United Kingdom and other countries. It became an official public holiday in the United Kingdom in the 1800s. If December 26 falls on a weekend, it is recognized the following Monday. In 2024 it falls on a Thursday and in 2025 it falls on a Friday.
Where is it celebrated?
Countries that are part of the British Commonwealth such as Australia, Canada and New Zealand celebrate this holiday, but some former colonies such as South Africa and Hong Kong also recognize this holiday.
However, people can party anywhere, as the McLean party demonstrates. Even though some of their American friends are working on the 26th, people gather in the evening at their homes 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 the two are linked and are recognized on the same day. Christians celebrate St. Stephen’s Day to celebrate the first Christian martyr known for his help to the poor and for his charitable work. St. Stephen’s Day is more widely recognized in Ireland and other European countries.
Why don’t Americans recognize Boxing Day?
The United States is one of the few English-speaking countries that does not recognize Boxing Day. Americans do not celebrate this holiday mainly because the country is not part of the British Commonwealth and the holiday was not officially recognized until 1871, almost a century after American independence.
What sporting events will take place on Boxing Day this year?
Unlike in the United States, where Americans can expect an NBA game at Christmas, Boxing Day is when competition in the United Kingdom wanes.
Eight Premier League football matches are scheduled to clash on December 26. In GMT, the matches are:
- Manchester City v Everton at 12:30 p.m.
- Bournemouth v Crystal Palace at 3:00 p.m.
- Chelsea v Fulham at 3:00 p.m.
- Newcastle v Aston Villa at 3:00 p.m.
- Nottingham Forest v Tottenham at 3:00 p.m.
- Southampton v West Ham at 3:00 p.m.
- Wolves v Manchester United at 5:30 p.m.
- Liverpool v Leicester at 8:00 p.m.
The BKT United Rugby Championship between the Dragons and Cardiff Rugby will clash at 17:15 GMT. Two other rugby matches will also be in competition. Meanwhile, five cricket matches are expected to take place.
11 horse races are also scheduled for Boxing Day.
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McLean emphasized the joy of sharing British culture with American friends.
“It’s just that it’s a good thing to be able to bring people together, not just on days when everyone celebrates.”
