Boxing Day, a traditionally British holiday recognized the day after Christmas, provides an extension of the celebrations. In countries like Canada, the UK and South Africa, people spend an extra day with friends, shopping or watching sports.
Andrew McLean and his wife moved to the US from Manchester about 25 years ago. They celebrated the holiday with them across the pond and hosted a Boxing Day party every year.
“We have enjoyed America. We love living here,” he said. “But there are a lot of things about Britain that we miss. Boxing Day is probably in the top 10.”
What is Boxing Day?
Boxing Day is celebrated on 26 December by the United Kingdom, its Commonwealth countries, and some former colonies.
Stores run shopping deals similar to Black Friday, and fans rejoice at sporting events such as football, cricket, rugby, horse racing and hunting.
Hosting a Boxing Day party is also a great way to get rid of some of the Christmas food, McLean said. Turkey is a traditional British Christmas food and on Boxing Day, many people enjoy turkey curry. Another classic Boxing Day dish is bubble and squeak, or fried leftover potatoes and green vegetables like cabbage or Brussels sprouts.
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Why is it called Boxing Day and what is its origin?
There are two major theories as to where the holiday originated.
Some believe that Boxing Day began with churches collecting alms boxes of money donated by parishioners. Britannicathere will be church Give Donate these boxes to the poor the day after Christmas.
The name stuck, but now, people typically donate in the weeks before the holidays.
Others believe that the day was celebrated because servants had to work at Christmas dinners and festivities, so they celebrated the holiday on December 26. history.comAfter the parties, lords and aristocrats would give their servants “Christmas boxes” filled with leftover food and small gifts, giving it the name “Boxing Day”.
Employers still give bonuses to service workers around the holidays, such that leftover bonuses are still part of the celebration today.
A third theory, according to time outThis is how British naval ships would seal a box of money at the beginning of a long voyage, and at the end, the priest would open the box and donate the money to those in need.
McLean said other theories about the name include bare-knuckle boxing matches taking place the day after Christmas, or that many people return their boxes of unwanted gifts on that day.
Is Boxing Day an official holiday?
Yes, Boxing Day is a public or bank holiday recognized in the UK and other countries. It was made an official UK holiday in the 1800s. If December 26 falls on a weekend, it is recognized on the following Monday. In 2024 it falls on Thursday and in 2025 it falls on Friday.
where is it celebrated?
Countries that are part of the British Commonwealth such as Australia, Canada and New Zealand, but also some former colonies such as South Africa and Hong Kong celebrate. Identify Holidays.
However, people can celebrate anywhere, as Maclean's party demonstrated. Even though some of his American friends work on the 26th, people gather at his house in the evening for a spirited pub quiz, delicious leftovers and mulled wine.
Is Boxing Day the same as St. Stephen's Day?
Not necessarily because St. Stephen's Day is a religious holiday, but the two are associated and recognized as the same day. Christians celebrate St. Stephen's Day in honor of the first Christian martyr who was known for helping the poor and his charitable works. St. Stephen's Day is more widely recognized 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 primarily because the country is not part of the British Commonwealth and the holiday was not officially recognized until 1871, nearly a century after America gained independence.
What sporting events are taking place on Boxing Day this year?
Unlike the US, where Americans can expect an NBA game on Christmas, Boxing Day is where the UK competition goes down.
Eight Premier League football games are set to be contested on 26 December. In GMT, the games are:
- 12:30 pm Manchester City vs Everton
- 15:00 Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace
- 15:00 Chelsea vs Fulham
- 15:00 Newcastle vs Aston Villa
- Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham, 15:00 PM
- 15:00 Southampton vs West Ham
- Wolves vs Manchester United, 17:30
- 20:00 Liverpool vs Leicester
BKT United Rugby Championship The Dragons and Cardiff Rugby will face off at 17:15 GMT. Two other rugby matches will also be contested. Meanwhile, five cricket match Ready to compete.
11 horse racing Also in line for Boxing Day.
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Maclean emphasized the joy of sharing British culture with American friends.
“It's just, it's a great thing to be able to bring people together, and not just on days when everyone celebrates.”