In parts of the world Boxing Day is a holiday – do you know about it?
Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26, is a holiday which often leaves people scratching their heads, particularly in the United States where it’s met with blank stares and the occasional query about whether it involves actual boxing matches. Know about Boxing Day? Spoiler alert: it doesn’t! Instead, it has its roots in charitable giving and the tradition of opening alms boxes to distribute to the needy, dating back to medieval times.
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People often gather at pubs or have get-togethers at home on Boxing Day. While it can be considered a day for social gatherings and enjoying drinks with friends and family, it’s not typically seen as a major “drinking holiday” in the same way as St. Patrick’s Day or New Year’s Eve, particularly in countries where it’s widely celebrated like the UK, Canada, and Australia;people may choose to drink moderately as part of the day’s festivities, but the focus is more on spending time with loved ones and participating in post-Christmas activities like shopping or watching sports.Â
The name “Boxing Day” comes from the practice of giving boxes filled with gifts or money to those in need. Traditionally, on this day, wealthy families would prepare boxes for their servants who had to work on Christmas Day. After a long day of serving, these workers were finally given a chance to celebrate and enjoy some leftovers—talk about a well-deserved feast! This practice of generosity was tied to the Feast of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, who is celebrated on December 26. So while you might think Boxing Day is just about putting away Christmas decorations or returning unwanted gifts, it’s really about spreading joy and kindness.
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So next time someone asks you about Boxing Day, you can enlighten them with tales of charity and shopping frenzies while secretly planning your own post-Christmas nap!
