The Real Story Behind Boxing Day
On the day after Christmas, stores are bustling with shoppers, sports fans are glued to television sets, and families gather for day-after feasts—it’s Boxing Day! But what is Boxing Day, anyway? Follow along as we unbox the Boxing Day meaning and more; no gloves required.
What is Boxing Day & When Is It?
Boxing Day, also known as Offering Day, is a holiday recognized in the United Kingdom and British Commonwealth countries. It’s celebrated annually on December 26—the day after Christmas. If December 26 falls on a weekend, the bank holiday is observed on the following Monday. In Canada, however, Boxing Day is always celebrated on December 26.
In 2025, Boxing Day is on Friday, December 26.
Who Celebrates Boxing Day?
While Boxing Day originated in the United Kingdom, it’s now a public holiday in many other Commonwealth nations, including:
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
Additionally, nations that were part of the British Empire, such as South Africa and Hong Kong, may celebrate Boxing Day.
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Boxing Day Origins
Although Boxing Day, in its current form, was established by Queen Victoria in the mid-19th century, the origins of Boxing Day are still a subject of debate. There are two popular theories regarding why we celebrate Boxing Day and how Boxing Day got its name:
Alms Boxes
Some believe Boxing Day began with early Christian churches providing alms boxes for parishioners to donate to the poor. On the Feast Day of St. Stephen—acknowledged for his charitable acts—the boxes were opened and distributed to the less fortunate. So it makes sense that St. Stephen’s Day, which falls on December 26, evolved into Boxing Day.
Christmas Boxes
It’s also widely speculated that the observance dates back to the 17th century. Because the servants of wealthy lords and aristocrats typically worked on Christmas Day, they observed Christmas the day after, on December 26. Employers would send their staff home with Yuletide boxes filled with gifts, money, and leftovers. These symbolic tokens gave life to what we’ve come to know as Boxing Day.
Whatever the truth may be, it’s generally agreed that the tradition began in Britain as a day devoted to generosity.
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What Do You Do on Boxing Day?
Today’s Boxing Day looks a bit different than centuries ago. Commemorated as a day of giving, modern observances include rest, shopping, and sports. Here’s what you’re supposed to do on Boxing Day:
Rest
Most federal and local government offices, post offices, schools, and banks are closed on Boxing Day, allowing people to rest, spend time with family, and honor it in their own unique ways.
Shopping
Described as an equivalent to America’s Black Friday, retailers in many British Commonwealth countries roll out deep discounts and doorbusters on Boxing Day, and big box stores open early and close late to accommodate sale-hungry crowds. Conveniently, this is when gift returns tend to surge. It’s estimated that Boxing Day returns jumped by 15% in 2024.
Sports
Sports are an integral part of Boxing Day. The Premier League and other English leagues have a long history of scheduling traditional rivalry matches on this day, and sports like cricket, rugby, and horse racing are common in Britain.
Boxing Day is one of Canada’s hottest sporting days, too. The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Junior Championship kicks off on Boxing Day, with the under-20 teams competing for the top medal. As the birthplace of hockey, Canada has taken the gold 20 times since the championship’s start. Additionally, the world’s oldest annual invitational ice hockey tournament, the Spengler Cup, is held on December 26 in Davos, Switzerland.
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Boxing Day Foods
A throwback to the Middle Ages, eating leftovers on Boxing Day is a custom that still stands. Traditional Boxing Day foods include:
- Turkey casseroles
- Stews
- Curries
- Yorkshire pudding
- Boxing Day pies
- Mulled wine
- Butter tarts
- Bûche de Noël (Yule log cake)
The Takeaway
The day after Christmas, Boxing Day is a time to reflect on the gifts of the season—not just the presents, but the time spent with those we cherish most.
To learn what other special occasions are celebrated with friends and family at the end of the year, check out The Other “Holidays” of The Holiday Season now!
Boxing Day FAQs
Is Boxing Day a holiday in USA?
No, Boxing Day isn’t a holiday in the United States.
Why don’t Americans celebrate Boxing Day?
Americans don’t celebrate Boxing Day because the country isn’t part of the British Commonwealth.
Is Boxing Day similar to Black Friday?
Boxing Day and Black Friday are both significant shopping events marked by sales and discounts, but they differ in origin and timing. Black Friday occurs the day after American Thanksgiving and features early holiday sales, while Boxing Day, on December 26th, focuses on post-Christmas clearance.
Do you open gifts on Christmas or Boxing Day?
Holiday gifts are traditionally opened on Christmas Day, not Boxing Day.