Boxing Day, the traditional British holiday recognized the day after Christmas, offers an extension of the holiday. People in countries such as Canada, the UK and South Africa spend an extra day with friends, shopping or watching sports.
Andrew McLean and his wife moved to the United States from Manchester almost 25 years ago. They took the holiday celebration over lunch with them and hold a Boxing Day party every year.
“We like America. We like being here,” he said. “But there are many things about Britain that we miss. Maybe Boxing Day is in the top 10.”
What is Boxing Day?
Boxing Day is celebrated on 26 December by the United Kingdom, its Commonwealth countries and some of the former colonies.
Stores run shopping deals, similar to Black Friday, and fans cheer on sporting events such as football, cricket, rugby, horse racing and hunting.
MacLean said hosting a Boxing Day party is also a great way to finish off some of the Christmas food. Turkey is a traditional British Christmas food and on Boxing Day, many people enjoy turkey curry. Another classic Boxing Day meal is bubble and squeak, or fried potatoes and greens like cabbage or Brussels sprouts.
Diana Miller
Why is it called Boxing Day and where did it come from?
There are two main theories as to where the holiday began.
Some believe that Boxing Day began with churches collecting alms boxes of money donated by parishioners, according to Britannica. The church would be give those boxes of donations to the poor the day after Christmas.
The name has stuck, but now, people usually donate to charity in the weeks leading up to the holidays.
Others believe that the day was observed because servants had to work at Christmas dinners and festivals, so they celebrated the holiday on December 26. History.comlords and nobles would give their servants “Christmas boxes” filled with leftovers and small gifts after the parties, leading to the name “Boxing Day.”
Employers still give bonuses to service workers around the holidays, just as leftovers are still part of celebrations today.
The third theory, according to Time outis that British naval ships would seal a money box at the beginning of a long voyage, and at the end, priests would open the boxes and give the money to those in need.
MacLean 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 that day.
Is Boxing Day an official holiday?
Yes, Boxing Day is a public or bank holiday recognized in the UK and other countries. It was made an official holiday in the UK in the 1800s. If December 26 falls on a weekend, it will be recognized on the following Monday. In 2024, it will fall on a Thursday and in 2025, it will fall on a Friday.
Where is it marked?
Countries that are part of the British Commonwealth such as Australia, Canada and New Zealand celebrate but some colonies such as South Africa and Hong Kong also celebrate. recognize the holidays.
However, people can celebrate anywhere, as shown by the McLean party. Even though some of their American friends work on the 26th, people gather at their house in the evening for a spirited pub quiz, delicious leftovers and mulled wine.
Is Boxing Day the same as St. Patrick's Day? Stephen?
Not necessarily, because St Stephen's Day is a religious holiday, but both ties are linked and recognized on the same day. Christians observe St Stephen's Day in celebration of the first Christian martyr who was famous for helping the poor and for his charitable work. St. Stephen's Day is more widely recognized in Ireland and other European countries.
Why don't Americans recognize Boxing Day?
The US is one of the few English-speaking countries that does not recognize Boxing Day. Americans mostly don't celebrate because the country isn't part of the British Commonwealth and the holiday wasn't officially recognized until 1871, nearly a century after US independence. .
What sporting events are happening on Boxing Day this year?
Unlike the US, where Americans can expect an NBA game on Christmas, Boxing Day is where the UK competition goes down.
Eight Premier League football matches are scheduled to be contested on 26 December. In GMT, the games are:
- Manchester City vs Everton at 12:30
- Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace at 15:00
- Chelsea v Fulham at 15:00
- Newcastle vs Aston Villa at 15:00
- Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham at 15:00
- Southampton vs West Ham at 15:00
- Wolves vs Manchester United at 17:30
- Liverpool vs Leicester at 20:00
The United BKT Rugby Championship face off between the Dragons and Cardiff Rugby at 17:15 GMT. Two other rugby matches will also be contested. At the same time, five cricket games are set for competition.
11 horse racing also lined up for Boxing Day.
Getty Images/iStockphoto
MacLean emphasized the joy of sharing British culture with American friends.
“It's just, it's a good thing to be able to bring people together, not just on the days that everyone celebrates.”
