A day after Christmas, the largest festival for Christians across the world, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ and indulging in festive joy, celebration and gathering, Boxing day is about distributing money, gifts and donations to the poor, in positions of service or to those in need. The day has now become a part of extensive Christmas celebrations and many people choose to look for deals on this day. Boxing Day originated in the United Kingdom and is celebrated in several Commonwealth countries, including Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Here you will find everything you want to know about the day and its celebrations.

When is Boxing Day 2024?

Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26th every year, one day after the Christmas celebrations on December 25th. This year it falls on a Thursday.

History of Boxing Day

The tradition of distributing money and gifts to those in need or those working in service dates back to the Middle Ages and may have roots in the late Roman and early Christian periods. At this time, alms boxes placed in churches were used to collect offerings in connection with the feast of Saint Stephen, which coincides with Boxing Day, Boxing Day. In some areas it was customary to open these alms boxes on Boxing Day and distribute the contents to the poor. In Britain, the tradition evolved into merchants collecting “Christmas boxes” of money or gifts from customers throughout the year as a token of appreciation for their services, a practice recorded in the diary of Samuel Pepys in 1663. In addition, it was common for servants in wealthy households to visit their families on the day after Christmas, taking boxes from their employers filled with gifts, bonuses, and leftover food.

There are two possible origins of the day. While some believe that the name is derived from the opening of alms boxes kept in churches to collect donations to help the poor and needy. Others believe it is related to the boxes of gifts given to employees or servants the day after Christmas to reward them for their efforts during the Christmas festivities. They also received bonuses. On Boxing Day, employees were given a holiday so they could relax and celebrate themselves.
These days, bonuses and gifts are still given to employees, but before Christmas rather than the day after.

This is how Boxing Day is celebrated

Shopping

The celebrations have evolved over time and the modern tradition is to go shopping during this period and take advantage of big discounts. People flock to stores to get discounts and offers, while others prefer to shop online.

Sporting event

In Great Britain, Boxing Day is known for Premier League football matches. In Australia, the Boxing Day Test Match is a major sporting event played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Horse racing is another popular Boxing Day activity in some countries.

Charity

On this day, many people donate clothes, money and other essentials to the poor to celebrate the spirit of Boxing Day.

outdoor activities

In many countries such as Canada and the UK, some people use Boxing Day as an opportunity to go hiking, take long walks or go polar bear swimming.