Boxing day

Boxing Day is a holiday traditionally celebrated the day following Christmas Day, when servants and tradesmen would receive gifts, known as a "Christmas box", from their bosses or employers. It is observed on the 26th of December in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and several other countries in the Commonwealth of Nations.

History

The exact origins of Boxing Day are unclear. There are several theories, including the notion that it was the day when people would give a present or "Christmas box" to those from whom they received a service throughout the year. Another theory is that it was the day when the alms box, collection boxes for the poor often kept in churches, were traditionally opened and their content distributed.

Modern Celebrations

In modern times, Boxing Day is a public holiday in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, among others. It is often a day of relaxation and familial gatherings, following the hectic Christmas Day celebrations. In some countries, it is also a popular day for sporting events, including football and horse racing.

In Canada, Boxing Day is a day for sales and is similar to Black Friday in the United States. Many people take advantage of the sales to buy products at significantly reduced prices.

Boxing Day in Other Cultures

In South Africa, Boxing Day was renamed to the Day of Goodwill in 1994. In Ireland, the day is known as St. Stephen's Day and is famous for the "Wren Boys" who "hunt" a fake wren and parade it around town.

See Also

• Christmas Day
• Public holidays in the United Kingdom
• Public holidays in Canada
• Public holidays in Australia