Boxing Day, the traditional British holiday celebrated the day after Christmas, offers an extension of the festivities. People in countries like Canada, the United Kingdom and South Africa spend an extra day with friends, shopping or watching sports.
Andrew McLean and his wife moved to the US from Manchester nearly 25 years ago. They brought the holiday celebration with them across the pond and host a Boxing Day party every year.
“We enjoyed America. We love being here,” he told CBS News. “But there are a lot of things we miss in Britain. Boxing Day is probably in the top 10.”
What is boxing day?
Boxing Day is celebrated on 26 December by the United Kingdom, Commonwealth countries and some former colonies.
Stores hold shopping deals, similar to Black Friday, and fans cheer on sporting events such as football, cricket, rugby, horse racing and hunting.
McLean said hosting a Boxing Day party is also a great way to finish off some Christmas food. Turkey is a traditional British Christmas meal, and on Christmas Day, many enjoy a curried turkey dish. Another classic Boxing Day dish is bubble and squeak, or leftover fries and greens such as cabbage or Brussels sprouts.
Diana Miller
Why is it called Boxing Day and what are its origins?
There are two main theories about where the holiday began.
Some believe Christmas began when churches collected alms boxes from parishioners’ donated money, according to Britannica. The church will give these donation boxes to the poor the day after Christmas.
The name stuck, but now, people typically donate to charities in the weeks before the holidays.
Others believe that this day was celebrated because servants had to work for Christmas dinners and celebrations, so they celebrated the holiday on December 26. According to History.com, lords and aristocrats would give their servants “Christmas boxes” filled with leftovers and candy. Small gifts after parties, giving rise to the name “Boxing Day.”
Employers still give service workers bonuses on holidays, just as leftovers are still part of the festivities today.
The third theory, according to TimeOut, is that British naval ships would seal a chest of money at the beginning of a long voyage, and at the end priests would open the chests and donate the money to those in need.
Other theories about the name include bare-knuckle boxing matches that occurred the day after Christmas, or that many people return boxes of unwanted gifts on that day, McLean said.
Is Boxing Day an official holiday?
Yes, Boxing Day is a recognized public or public holiday in the UK and other countries. It became a public holiday in the United Kingdom in the 19th century. If December 26 falls on a weekend, it will be recognized on the following Monday. In 2024, it will fall on Thursday, and in 2025, it will fall on Friday.
Where is it celebrated?
Countries that are part of the British Commonwealth such as Australia, Canada and New Zealand celebrate the holiday, but some former colonies such as South Africa and Hong Kong also recognize the holiday.
However, people can party anywhere, as evidenced by McLean’s party. Although some of their American friends work 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 Saint Stephen’s Day?
Not necessarily, because St. Stephen’s Day is a religious holiday, but the two are linked and are recognized on the same day. Christians celebrate the Day of Saint Stephen in celebration of the first Christian martyr known for helping the poor and for his charitable work. Saint Stephen’s Day is widely recognized in Ireland and other European countries.
Why don’t Americans celebrate Boxing Day?
The United States is one of the few English-speaking countries that does not recognize Boxing Day. Americans do not celebrate mainly because the country is not part of the British Commonwealth and the holiday was not officially recognized until 1871, nearly a century after the United States gained its 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 competition in the UK falls flat.
Eight Premier League matches are scheduled to be contested on December 26. GMT, the matches are:
- Manchester City vs Everton at 12:30 pm
- Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace, 15:00
- Chelsea vs 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
- Wolverhampton vs. Manchester United at 17:30
- Liverpool vs Leicester City at 20:00
The BKT United Rugby Championship between the Dragons and Cardiff Rugby will take place at 17:15 GMT. Two other rugby matches will also be contested. Meanwhile, five cricket matches are scheduled to be contested.
11 horse races are also set to take place on Boxing Day.
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McLean stressed the joy of sharing British culture with American friends.
“It’s great to be able to bring people together, not just on days when everyone is celebrating.”
