Boxing Day doesn’t get the same level of attention as Black Friday (these days), but for those who celebrate it in many British Commonwealth countries (think: Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia…) its story is just as rich and a little more intriguing. For most people, December 26 means lounging around, eating leftovers, or scoring deals at post-holiday sales. But have you ever wondered why it’s called “Boxing Day” in the first place? (Hint: It’s not just about shopping.)
The origins of Boxing Day are based in tradition, charity, and a dash of Victorian etiquette. Over the years, it’s become a mix of old-world customs and modern-day rituals, depending on where you’re celebrating. It could be giving back, watching sports, or diving into bargain-hunting chaos, this holiday is all about carrying forward the festive spirit in a uniquely practical way.
Still, the history behind Boxing Day isn’t exactly straightforward. It’s tied to class structures, religion, and even fox hunts. And while its name might confuse some, its deeper meaning of generosity and community remains timeless. Let’s dig into the quirks, traditions, and historical gems that make Boxing Day so fascinating.
1. The Name “Boxing Day” Probably Came from Giving Gift Boxes
The name Boxing Day is believed to come from the tradition of giving “Christmas boxes” to workers, tradespeople, and those in need. These boxes, often filled with coins, leftovers, or small gifts, were a way to show gratitude for their service throughout the year.
This practice wasn’t just a random act of kindness, it was deeply ingrained in British culture. For many workers, these small boxes represented one of the few tangible rewards for their hard work during a time when social hierarchies were rigidly defined.
2. It’s Closely Tied to St. Stephen’s Day
December 26 is also St. Stephen’s Day, a Christian feast day honoring the first martyr of Christianity. St. Stephen was known for his charitable acts, particularly his dedication to the poor, making it a fitting day for generosity and giving.
In countries like Ireland, St. Stephen’s Day takes center stage with parades, music, and community gatherings, blending religious observance with festive cheer. Boxing Day and St. Stephen’s Day have become intertwined in history, sharing a common theme of kindness and community.
3. A Holiday for Servants to Celebrate
Back in Victorian England, Christmas Day was all about the upper class, grand meals, family gatherings, and formal celebrations. Servants worked tirelessly to make everything perfect. Boxing Day, however, was their turn to relax.
On this day, employers would give their staff time off and hand them a small token of appreciation, such as food, money, or gifts. It was a rare opportunity for servants to visit their own families and celebrate the season.
4. Tradespeople Were Honored with Tips and Gifts
Beyond household servants, tradespeople like milkmen, postmen, and delivery workers were also part of Boxing Day traditions. Customers would leave out small gifts, tips, or leftover Christmas treats as a way of saying thank you for their services.
This practice has evolved over time. While fewer people leave physical “boxes” for tradespeople today, the tradition of holiday tipping lives on, especially for those in service industries.
5. Sports Became a Boxing Day Staple
Sports, especially soccer, have become synonymous with Boxing Day, particularly in the UK. December 26 is a major day for football matches, drawing huge crowds and keeping the festive energy alive.
This tradition dates back to the 19th century when the day was associated with leisure and entertainment for the working class. The matches are still a big deal today, uniting families and fans during the holiday season.
6. The Retail Frenzy Is a Modern Twist
Post-Christmas sales have turned Boxing Day into a retail event. In the UK, Canada, and Australia, it’s the day shoppers hit stores for deep discounts, much like Black Friday in the U.S.
While this commercial aspect might seem disconnected from the holiday’s origins, it has become a modern tradition in its own right, offering people another reason to celebrate, or at least shop.
7. Hunting Once Defined Boxing Day
For the British aristocracy, Boxing Day was synonymous with fox hunting. Wealthy families would gather with their hounds and horses for a festive hunt, turning the day into a social event as much as a sporting one.
Although traditional fox hunting has been banned in the UK, symbolic hunts or alternative outdoor activities like trail walks have taken its place, keeping the spirit of the day alive.
8. South Africa Renamed It “Goodwill Day”
In South Africa, Boxing Day was renamed “Goodwill Day” after the end of apartheid. The change was part of a broader effort to move away from colonial-era traditions and emphasize kindness and compassion.
The new name reflects the holiday’s core values, while also giving it a modern and inclusive identity.
9. The Victorians Shaped Modern Boxing Day
While the concept of Boxing Day existed before Queen Victoria’s reign, it was during her time that the holiday gained widespread popularity. The Victorian era’s emphasis on charity, family, and social order made it a perfect fit for the season.
The Industrial Revolution also played a role, as the growing middle class adopted and adapted aristocratic traditions, cementing Boxing Day as a staple of British culture.
10. Traditions Vary Around the World
Boxing Day isn’t celebrated the same way everywhere. In Canada, ice hockey games are a major tradition. In Australia, cricket takes center stage, while New Zealanders often head outdoors for picnics and barbecues.
These variations show how Boxing Day has evolved to fit local cultures and climates, keeping the holiday relevant and unique.
11. It’s a Day for Family Traditions
Over the years, Boxing Day has become a time for families to create their own unique traditions. From board game marathons to movie nights featuring classic holiday films, it’s a day to spend quality time together without the formalities of Christmas Day.
For many, it’s also the day when families head outdoors for activities like hiking, sledding, or beach picnics (depending on the hemisphere), making it a flexible and fun continuation of the holiday season.
12. It’s Gaining Popularity in Non-Commonwealth Countries
While Boxing Day has long been a staple in Commonwealth nations, it’s slowly gaining recognition in other parts of the world. In the United States, for instance, the concept of post-Christmas sales and acts of charity resonates with many, even if the holiday itself isn’t officially observed.
This growing interest speaks to the universal appeal of its themes, generosity, community, and a little indulgence in leftovers or shopping deals.
14 Holiday Traditions From Each Decade That Show How Things Have Changed
Every decade brings its own flavor to the holiday season, shaped by trends, technological advancements, and shifting societal values. For instance, the cozy, homemade Christmas of the 1940s looks vastly different from the neon lights and plastic decorations that defined the 1980s. Yet, beneath these changes, the heart of the holidays, spending time with loved ones and celebrating goodwill, remains constant.
So, what do these changes tell us? They’re a snapshot of history, revealing how families and communities adapted to the cultural spirit of each decade. Let’s take a journey through 14 different holiday traditions, one from each decade, to see how they’ve evolved over the years.
14 Holiday Traditions From Each Decade That Show How Things Have Changed
15 Fun Holiday Traditions from Around the World
What’s fascinating is that some of these traditions go back hundreds of years, while others are surprisingly new, yet each has become deeply rooted in local culture. Some might be endearing, others a little strange, but all of them carry that same festive spirit. The world’s December traditions are as diverse as its people.
Here’s a peek at 15 of the most fun and quirky holiday traditions from around the world. Who knows, one of them might inspire a new tradition for you and your family this holiday season.
15 Fun Holiday Traditions from Around the World
14 Outside the Box Gift Ideas Women Will Love
When it comes to finding the perfect Christmas gift for a woman, it can be challenging to think of something unique and outside the box. Women can have very specific tastes. Plus, some women buy things on their wish lists for themselves throughout the year, making it harder to find something they don’t already have (this is how my mom is!).
But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! We’ve put together a list of 15 unique gift ideas that (most) any woman would love to receive this holiday season.
14 Outside the Box Gift Ideas Women Will Love
With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
