Boxing Day

Boxing Day History

Boxing Day is associated with the extension of the Christmas festivities and marks a day of relaxation, family time, and charitable acts. One of the key aspects of the observance is the customary offering of gifts and financial support to servants, employees, and tradespeople in appreciation for their services, as well as direct charitable acts towards the less fortunate. Over time, the day has evolved to encompass sporting events, social gatherings, shopping, and a time to share leftover Christmas items with others.

The origins of Boxing Day can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when alms boxes were placed in churches to collect donations for the poor during the Christmas season. These boxes were later opened on the Feast of St Stephen, also known as Boxing Day. The prominent British tradition of providing assistance – in the form of gifts, money, or goods – to service staff on December 26 began in the 17th century, reflecting an annual rite of appreciation for a year's hard work. In addition to its philanthropic elements, Boxing Day has also been marked by sports like horse racing, rugby, and football matches - a practice that continues in contemporary times.

In the United Kingdom, Boxing Day is predominantly observed as a day to unwind and enjoy family gatherings. Traditional activities include watching sports, taking part in festive leisure pursuits like country walks, and visiting local restaurants and pubs. Furthermore, Boxing Day sales, launched as early as 1905, remain highly popular and offer significant bargains to shoppers. This public holiday is observed annually on December 26th.

Top facts about Boxing Day

• 26 December is also St Stephen’s Day; commemorating the first Christian martyr Saint Stephen. According to the Acts of the Apostles Stephen was a deacon accused of blasphemy for his teachings. He was stoned to death and is now venerated as a saint in the Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Oriental Orthodox and Eastern Orthodox churches.
• Boxing Day is one of the 6 bank holidays in the UK. The others are Christmas Day, Good Friday, Easter, Whit Monday and the August Bank Holiday.
• Boxing Day in the UK was traditionally associated with fox hunting. This involved hunters riding on horseback, followed by a pack of hounds, to chase foxes.
• In some coastal towns, people participate in the Boxing Day Dip. This is a tradition where people dress up in costumes and jump into the cold sea for fun, or to raise money for charity.

In the News and Trending in the UK for Boxing Day

Boxing Day Top Things to Do

• Watch some sport! There is top-tier football and rugby throughout the weekend and in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa cricket Test matches begin. The King George VI Chase, a horse race at Kempton Park also runs; it is known as the 2nd most prestigious race in the calendar.
• In the UK, it is tradition to take a walk in the crisp winter air and enjoy the outdoors. If you happen to be in the UK try the Snowdonia range (Wales), the Lake District (northern England), the Peak District (the English Midlands) or just round the local streets. You’ve probably eaten a lot over the last few days, so maybe go easy.
• Every Boxing Day, Warwick Castle hosts a special event with festive entertainment such as storytelling, birds of prey displays, archery and much more.
• Going to see a festive pantomime is a popular Boxing Day activity, with theatres around the UK putting on special performances.