Boxing Day, a traditional British holiday celebrated the day after Christmas, offers to extend the festivities. People in countries like Canada, Great Britain and South Africa spend an extra day with friends, shopping or watching sports.
Andrew McLean and his wife moved to the US from Manchester almost 25 years ago. They brought the holiday across the pond with them and host a Boxing Day party every year.
“We loved America. We love being here,” he said. “But there's a lot we're missing in Britain. Boxing Day is probably in the top 10.”
What is Boxing Day?
Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26 by Great Britain, the Commonwealth of Nations and some former colonies.
Shops are offering Black Friday-like sales and fans are rooting for sporting events such as football, cricket, rugby, horse racing and hunting.
McLean said throwing a Boxing Day party is also a great way to finish off the Christmas meal. Turkey is a traditional British Christmas food and many people enjoy turkey curry on Boxing Day. Another classic Boxing Day dish is bubble and sizzle, or roast leftover potatoes and greens like kale or Brussels sprouts.
Diana Miller
Why is it called Boxing Day and what is its origin?
There are two main theories as to how the holiday began.
Some believe that Boxing Day began when churches collected donation boxes from parishioners. Britannica. The church would to give these donation boxes for the poor the day after Christmas.
The name stuck, but now it's common for people to donate to charity in the weeks leading up to the holidays.
Others believe that this day was celebrated because servants had to work at Christmas dinners and parties, so they celebrated the holiday on December 26. History.comlords and aristocrats gave their servants “Christmas boxes” filled with leftovers and small gifts after parties, leading to the name “Gift Day”.
Employers still give bonuses to service workers during the holidays, just as leftovers are part of the celebration today.
The third theory, according to Time outis that British naval ships would seal a box of money at the start of a long voyage, and at the end priests would open the boxes and donate the money to those in need.
McLean said other theories about the name include bare-knuckle boxing matches that took place the day after Christmas, or that many people return their boxes of unwanted gifts on that day.
Is Boxing Day an official holiday?
Yes, Boxing Day is a public or public holiday recognized in the UK and other countries. It was made an official holiday of Great Britain in the 1800s. If December 26 falls on a holiday, it will be recognized on the following Monday. In 2024 it falls on a Thursday, and in 2025 it falls on a Friday.
Where is it celebrated?
Commonwealth countries such as Australia, Canada and New Zealand celebrate, but some former colonies such as South Africa and Hong Kong also celebrate to recognize a holiday
However, you can celebrate anywhere, as the McLean party showed. Although some of their American friends are working on the 26th, people gather at their house in the evening for a lively pub quiz, delicious leftovers and mulled wine.
Is Boxing Day the same as St. Stephen's Day?
Not necessarily because St. Stephen's Day is a religious holiday, but both are connected and recognized on the same day. Saint Stephen's Day is celebrated by Christians in honor of the first Christian martyr, who was known for his help to the poor and his charity work. St. Stephen's Day is more widely recognized in Ireland and other European countries.
Why do Americans not recognize Boxing Day?
The US is one of the few English-speaking countries that does not recognize Boxing Day. Americans don't celebrate, mainly because the country isn't part of the British Commonwealth, and the holiday didn't become officially recognized until 1871, nearly a century after the US gained independence.
What sporting events will take place on Boxing Day this year?
Unlike in the US, where Americans can expect an NBA game on Christmas Day, the competition in the UK is reduced on Boxing Day.
Eight Premier League football matches will be held on December 26. According to Greenwich Games:
- Manchester City – Everton at 12:30 p.m
- Bournemouth v Crystal Palace at 3pm
- Chelsea v Fulham at 15:00
- Newcastle v Aston Villa at 15:00
- Nottingham Forest – Tottenham at 15:00
- Southampton – West Ham at 15:00
- Wolves v Manchester United at 5.30pm
- Liverpool v Leicester at 20:00
The BKT United Rugby Championship the Dragons and Cardiff Rugby will meet at 17:15 GMT. There will be two more rugby matches. Meanwhile, five cricket matches tuned for competition.
11 horse racing are also lining up for Boxing Day.
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McLean emphasized the joy of sharing British culture with American friends.
“It's just a great thing to be able to bring people together, not just on days that everyone celebrates.”