- Join the fox hunt. Although killing the fox has been largely criminalized, the fox hunt still endures as a popular Boxing Day tradition.
- Play football. Since football (or soccer, for you Americans) is such an important part of Boxing Day traditions as well as the overall culture of the countries that celebrate ...
- Attend games and races. Go to any one of the many horse races, soccer matches, and cricket matches scheduled on Boxing Day.
- Participate in one of many icy swims organized on Boxing Day. ...
What is Boxing Day and how is it celebrated?
Though it originated as a holiday to give gifts to the poor, today Boxing Day is primarily known as a shopping holiday. It originated in Great Britain and is celebrated in a number of countries that previously formed part of the British Empire.
Why is Boxing Day a stat holiday?
With Christmas Day falling on a Saturday and Boxing Day on a Sunday, two 'substitute' days have been added to the calendar. Today (Monday, December 27) and tomorrow (Tuesday, December 28) will be bank holidays. If a bank holiday is on a weekend, a ‘substitute’ weekday becomes a bank holiday, normally the following Monday.
What are some Boxing Day traditions?
This tradition appears to stretch back a long way before the 1830s, though, with diarist Samuel Pepys having referred to it in a December 1663 diary entry. Alternatively, some argue that the name of Boxing Day refers to the traditional alms box ...
Which countries have Boxing Day?
What do you do after Christmas?
- Check out a new neighborhood. …
- Plot a garden. …
- “Visit” another country. …
- Plan a camping trip. …
- Park it. …
- Plot a frugal future. …
- Learn a new skill. …
- Organize your photos.
What is the meaning of the word "boxing day"?
For the genus of shrubs, see Sarcococca. For other uses, see Boxing Day (disambiguation). Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated the day after Christmas Day, occurring on the second day of Christmastide. Though it originated as a holiday to give gifts to the poor, today Boxing Day is primarily known as a shopping holiday.
Which football leagues have Boxing Day?
In the United Kingdom, it is traditional for all top-tier football leagues in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland – the Premier League, the Scottish Premiership, and the NIFL Premiership – and the lower ones, as well as the rugby leagues, to hold a full programme of football matches on Boxing Day.
Why do churches put alms in boxes?
The tradition may come from a custom in the late Roman/early Christian era wherein alms boxes placed in churches were used to collect special offerings tied to the Feast of Saint Stephen, which, in the Western Christian Churches, falls on the same day as Boxing Day, the second day of Christmastide.
What is Boxing Day in New Zealand?
In East Donegal and Inishowen, the day is also popularly known as Boxing Day. In New Zealand, Boxing Day is a statutory holiday. On these holidays, people who must work receive 1 1/2 times their salaries and a day in lieu is provided to employees who work.
Which countries play Boxing Day cricket?
In Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, Test cricket matches are played on Boxing Day. For more details see Boxing Day Test. In Australia, the first day of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race are on Boxing Day.
Where did Boxing Day originate?
It originated in the United Kingdom and is celebrated in a number of countries that previously formed part of the British Empire. Boxing Day is on 26 December, although the attached bank holiday or public holiday may take place either on that day or one or two days later (if necessary to ensure it falls on a weekday).
Is Boxing Day a Christmas holiday?
Saint Stephen's Day (concurrent) Second Day of Christmastide. Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated the day after Christmas Day, occurring on the second day of Christmastide. Though it originated as a holiday to give gifts to the poor, today Boxing Day is primarily known as a shopping holiday.
What is Boxing Day?
Boxing Day is the day after Christmas, and it has absolutely nothing to do with your empty gift boxes. Here’s what you need to know about the holiday.
Why do churches give out boxes for Christmas?
Another theory is that churches put out boxes for people to give money to the poor, and the money was distributed the day after Christmas.
Is Boxing Day a Christian holiday?
It coincides with St. Stephen’s Day, a Christian holiday with similar themes of charity. When Boxing Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it’s observed on the following Monday.
1 Blow away the cobwebs with a walk
A winter walk in the country is a great (and free!) Boxing Day tradition – unless you’ve got kids who act like Every. Single. Step is torture.
2 Watch a movie
Around Christmas time, there are always tonnes of fantastic family Christmas movies on telly, and then you've got Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime too... So if you’ve run out of energy and need an easy activity to keep the kids occupied, get a couple of movies lined up.
3 Go to the beach
We don’t recommend packing your swimming cossies, but a wintry stomp along the seafront is a great way to re-energise after the festive excess – if you're lucky enough to live near one – and will let your kids burn off some steam too.
4 Hit the ice
Pop-up ice rinks are a regular Christmas instalment, and there's bound to be one not too far from you, so why not go skating on Boxing Day?
5 Go out for lunch
Chances are, most of Christmas day will have been spent roasting the turkey, boiling sprouts and peeling spuds. Which means, come Boxing Day, the kitchen is the LAST place you'll want to be.
6 Take in a show
Children’s theatre is at its best at Christmas, and an uplifting family play is the perfect antidote to Boxing Day boredom.
7 Go on a Boxing Day bike ride
If your kids have new Christmas bikes to try out, you’re on to a winner with a Boxing Day bike ride!
What is boxing day?
Before we dive into Boxing Day traditions, we should look at what Boxing Day is in the first place. In recent times, Boxing Day has become known as a day for going out to do some shopping. There are a lot of Boxing Day sales in the UK, with most retailers offering discounts on products.
Boxing Day dip
If you still want to contribute to those less fortunate, you can still donate to charities. There’s no better way to do so than by raising the money yourself. The Boxing Day dip has become one of the most well-known Boxing Day traditions. It’s biggest is organised by the Lions Club of Sunderland, UK.
Donations
If you want Boxing Day traditions that are still helpful but don’t require getting so cold, you could donate. Spend the day with your family going through old toys and clothes that you no longer want or need. Then take them to charity shops or shelters. There will always be someone else who can benefit from what you no longer need.
Family time
One of the best Boxing Day traditions you can do with your family is simply spending time with them. You likely have leftovers from the day before, so there’s no stressful cooking to be done. Dish out the leftovers and enjoy a nice meal with your loved ones. You could even visit or invite other family members round.
Volunteering
Since Boxing Day’s origins revolve around giving back, why not get the family together for some volunteering? There are plenty of food banks and charities that could do with some extra hands. Many vulnerable adults have no family to spend Christmas with. But there are community projects in place to help them feel less lonely this Christmas.
Reading
We are big on reading and learning at Santa Academy. So, we suggest reading a book as one of your Boxing Day traditions. Cuddling up with your little ones to enjoy a book can be a nice way to relax. As well as enjoying each other’s company. Not to mention you get to enjoy a great story too! We have a few books suitable for Boxing Day below:
Need ideas for activities?
Finding activities to do with kids can sometimes be a challenge. If you are looking for ideas, we have more at Santa Academy. Our app launches in November 2022! You can download several activities from our activity packs. We have several to choose from, inspired by our different factions.
What is Boxing Day?
Though historians disagree on the exact origin of Boxing Day, it is thought to have grown out of longstanding British traditions of charitable giving and goodwill—practices especially associated with the Christian festival of Saint Stephen’s Day, which is celebrated on December 26. One of the first deacons of the Christian church, ...
Where is Boxing Day celebrated?
It is also celebrated in many former British colonies that remain part of the Commonwealth, such as Canada, Australia, Nigeria, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago. Though the reasons are lost to history, Boxing Day charity eventually fell out of tradition—and was replaced with physical and material pleasures.
Why is Boxing Day celebrated on December 26?
Celebrated on December 26, Boxing Day isn't named for leftover Christmas gift boxes or the sport of boxing. While its origins are lost to time, many believe the holiday was derived from a British tradition of charitable giving. The presents are unwrapped, everyone’s stuffed, and Christmas is over.
What would the employer do after Christmas?
On the day after Christmas, employers would give the servants a rare day off and send them home with leftovers from the family’s Christmas feast, plus gifts and tips . In their servants’ absence, writes historian Andrea Broomfield, these lords and ladies would eat an informal feast of leftovers.
What happened the day after Christmas?
The day after Christmas, the boxes were opened and the money distributed to the poor. Another theory is tied to a practice that arose around the 16 th century. Working-class people would spend December 26 seeking out Christmas “boxes,” or tips, from the people they had served throughout the year.
Is fox hunting illegal on Boxing Day?
Hunting, especially fox hunting, is also beloved on Boxing Day. Though the sport is technically outlawed in England and Wales, a form of it that involves artificial scents tracked by dogs and hunters still takes place; in recent years protesters and hunters have clashed, sometimes violently, during Boxing Day events.
When Is Boxing Day?
Boxing Day occurs annually on December 26 (the day after Christmas ). In 2021, Boxing Day falls on Sunday, December 26.
What Is Boxing Day?
Boxing Day is a centuries-old gift-giving day that originated in Britain. Yes, boxes are a big part of Boxing Day traditions!
Boxing Day Food and Drink Recipes
Boxing Day is spent with family and friends with lots of food and fun.
How Is Boxing Day Celebrated Today?
Sporting events have taken place on Boxing Day for centuries. However, pugilism—fighting with gloved fists (boxing!)—is not normally one of them. Foxhunting was once a tradition among wealthy British on Boxing Day. In 2004, however, laws prohibited hunting with foxes and allowed hunts only in modified form.
Boxing Day Trivia & Lore
On this day in 1776, George Washington crossed the ice-clogged Delaware River to attack Hessian forces in Trenton, New Jersey, at dawn.
How to celebrate Boxing Day?
Go on an outing. Since sports and exercise are such a large part of Boxing Day, stay in the spirit and have the whole family get some exercise. Use this extra time together to go for a long hike through the woods or walk through the streets. ...
When is Boxing Day?
Boxing Day, also known as St. Stephen’s Day, is usually celebrated on the day after Christmas (December 26) in the United Kingdom and other countries with British roots. Although its origin is unclear, a popular theory is that it stems from the medieval practice of churches opening their collection boxes for the poor on this day, ...
What are the three Boxing Day carols on the album Bells of Dublin?
The album “Bells of Dublin” by the Irish band The Chieftains also features three Boxing Day carols: “The St. Stephen’s Day Murders,” “The Arrival of the Wren Boys” and “A Wren in the Furze.”.
What is the best food to serve on Boxing Day?
Popular food served as a Boxing Day meal includes leftover Christmas turkey served as sandwiches or another full meal, or alternately a cold ham or roast beef served as a buffet to minimize prep and cooking.
What to do after Christmas?
Take advantage of the more modern tradition of stores opening the day after Christmas, offering deep discounts. Go to larger chain stores and shopping malls, since smaller shops are more likely to remain closed for the holiday.
When did Boxing Day become an official holiday?
Although Boxing Day's roots extend far back in British history, it didn't become an official holiday in the UK until 1871, almost a hundred years after the American Revolution. By that time, the USA had already begun celebrating Thanksgiving, which is similar in many ways. Thanks!
Is it legal to hunt a fox on Boxing Day?
Although killing the fox has been largely criminalized, the fox hunt still endures as a popular Boxing Day tradition. Don the red jacket, mount your horse, and participate in the legal substitute of flushing out foxes with your hounds (without killing the fox) or chasing a human substitute instead.
Where did Boxing Day originate?
What we know for sure is that the holiday originated in Britain, back in medieval times.
What was the charity box exchange on December 26?
In Caribbean regions that were once under British rule, the charity box exchange on December 26 wasn’t between aristocrats and employees -- it was between slave-owners and their slaves. Boxing Day was likely the only day off from forced labor that slaves received all year. Among their descendants, December 26 has become a dance party, a day of artistic expression, and a celebration of Afro-Caribbean culture.
Overview
Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated after Christmas Day, occurring on the second day of Christmastide (26 December). Though it originated as a holiday to give gifts to the poor, today Boxing Day is primarily known as a shopping holiday. It originated in Great Britain and is celebrated in a number of countries that previously formed part of the British Empire. The attached bank holiday or publi…
Etymology
There are competing theories for the origins of the term, none of which is definitive.
The European tradition of giving money and other gifts to those in need, or in service positions, has been dated to the Middle Ages, but the exact origin is unknown; it may reference the alms box placed in the narthex of Christian churches to collect donations for the poor. The tradition may come from a custom in the late Roman/early Christian era wherein alms boxes placed in churche…
Date
In recent years, the day after Christmas Day, 26 December, is termed "Boxing Day" even when this falls on Sunday, though traditionally Monday 27 December would be Boxing Day. Saint Stephen's Day, a religious holiday, also falls on 26 December.
Unlike the contemporary understanding of Boxing Day itself, the bank holiday or public holiday associated with the observance always falls on a weekday. Where 26 December falls on a Satur…
Status by country
In Australia, Boxing Day is a public holiday in all jurisdictions except the state of South Australia, where a public holiday known as Proclamation Day is celebrated on the first weekday after Christmas Day or the Christmas Day holiday. Both the Boxing Day Test cricket match held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race begin on Boxing Day.
In Canada, Boxing Day (French: le Lendemain de Noël) is a federal statutory holiday. Governmen…
Shopping
In the UK, Canada, Australia, Trinidad and Tobago, and New Zealand, Boxing Day is primarily known as a shopping holiday. Boxing Day sales are common and shops often allow dramatic price reductions. For many merchants, Boxing Day has become the day of the year with the greatest revenue. In the UK, it was estimated in 2009 that up to 12 million shoppers appeared at the sales (a rise …
Sport
In the United Kingdom, it is traditional for all top-tier football leagues in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland – the Premier League, the Scottish Premiership, and the NIFL Premiership – and the lower ones, as well as the rugby leagues, to hold a full programme of football matches on Boxing Day. Originally, matches on Boxing Day were played against local rivals to avoid teams and their fans havin…
Boxing Day Tsunami
The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami occurred the day after Christmas, and therefore has been referred to as "the Boxing Day Tsunami".
External links
• The Origins of Boxing Day at Snopes