Key Takeaways:
– Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26, primarily in the United Kingdom and its commonwealth countries.
– The holiday got its name from the practice of donating alms boxes or giving Christmas boxes to servants.
– Stores run special deals and various sports events are often part of the celebrations.
– Boxing Day is also an occasion to enjoy leftover Christmas food.
– The United States, despite an exception, does not observe Boxing Day.
Unmasking Boxing Day: An Extension of Christmas Festivities
On December 26 each year, countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and South Africa prolong Christmas celebrations with an additional day off known as Boxing Day. This British tradition has seen foreigners like Andrew McLean and his wife, who moved to the U.S. from Manchester 25 years ago, hosting an annual Boxing Day party.
Boxing Day: A Celebration of Sharing and Caring
Boxing Day is welcomed with open arms as the merriment continues. Retail shops run Black Friday-like deals, fueling enthusiastic shoppers while popular sports such as soccer, cricket, rugby, horse racing, and hunting draw passionate crowds. Hosting a Boxing Day party, as Andrew McLean and his wife do, serves as a great occasion to polish off Christmas leftovers. Traditional Boxing Day meals usually include a turkey curry, followed by a British dish called bubble and squeak – an enjoyable combination of leftover potato and green vegetables.
Scrutinizing the Origin of Boxing Day
Two theories majorly headline the origins of Boxing Day. The first points to churches that collected alms boxes filled with parishioners’ donations. The contents of these boxes, according to this perspective, were given to the less fortunate the day after Christmas. Even though the tradition has evolved and people now give to charity in the weeks leading up to Christmas, the name has persisted.
The second theory attributes the holiday named Boxing Day to servants who worked on Christmas day. Bodes well for the theory that landlords and aristocrats awarded them ‘Christmas boxes’ filled with leftovers and small gifts on December 26.
Boxing Day: A Recognized Holiday
Originally formalized as a U.K holiday in the 1800s, Boxing Day is a public holiday recognized by the U.K. and other commonwealth countries. If December 26 falls on a weekend, it is observed on the following Monday.
Global Recognition of Boxing Day
Countries, including the members of the British Commonwealth, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand celebrate Boxing Day. Additionally, former colonies like South Africa and Hong Kong also observe this holiday, although its celebration is not limited to these spaces alone. For instance, the McLean family marks Boxing Day with a vibrant party, which involves a spirited pub quiz, delicious leftovers, and mulled wine.
Boxing Day vs. St. Stephen’s Day
While both Boxing Day and St. Stephen’s Day are recognized on December 26, the latter is a religious holiday observed in honor of the first Christian martyr known for his charitable work towards the poor. St. Stephen’s Day finds broader acceptance in Ireland and other European countries than Boxing Day.
Boxing Day: Not Recognized in the United States
The U.S, one of the few English-speaking countries, does not observe Boxing Day. The primary reason is attributed to the country’s independent status that was established almost a century before Boxing Day was formally recognized in 1871.
The Significant Sporting Events on Boxing Day
Unlike the U.S, where NBA games mark Christmas, the U.K. hosts its primary sporting competitions on Boxing Day. This year, dedicated soccer fans can look forward to eight Premier League games. The BKT United Rugby Championship and five cricket matches are also scheduled, along with 11 horse racing events.
In essence, Boxing Day echoes the joy of sharing, extending holiday cheer, and celebrating unity. It bridges the gap between cultures as observed in the party hosted by the McLean family. It endures as a cherished tradition, fostering a spirit of generosity and community goodwill during the festive season.