Boxing Day

Boxing Day is on December 26th, right after Christmas. It’s a time to gather with family and friends, enjoy the festivities, and show appreciation to those around you!

History

Mention of the date can be traced back to the 1800s in England. On this day, the nobility would give gifts to their staff and allow them to leave to be with their families for the weekend. This was an act of generosity, as the servants worked hard during this period – cooking, decorating the house, and cleaning.

In 1871, Boxing Day became a day of giving gifts to the less fortunate sections of the population, often with the intention of helping the homeless. It has since evolved into a day of bargain shopping, where many stores offer huge discounts on merchandise. Nowadays, football marathons, cricket matches, and fox hunting in designated areas can be found in different countries.

Interesting facts

• Boxing Day coincides with St. Stephen’s Day, which symbolizes the first Christian martyr.
• It has become almost like a second Christmas in some states.
• It is widely used for online shopping – with around 70% of people choosing online stores.

How to take part

Gather with your family and have a festive dinner – cook your favorite dishes or order takeaway from your favorite cafe. If the weather is nice, go on a hike and have fun. Share the history of the celebration of the day on social networks, or offer ideas to let people join in!

When is Boxing Day in 2024?

Boxing Day is devoted to celebrating cheerfulness and fun. It happens annually on December 26th.

Observations