Issue link: https://www.cominghomemag.com/i/1541378
BOXING DAY TODAY Today's Boxing Day looks a bit different than centuries ago. Commemorated as a day of giving, modern observances include rest, relaxation, family, shopping—and, of course, ice hockey. Most federal and local government offices, post offices, schools, and banks are closed, allowing Canadians to honor it in their own unique ways. Described as Canada's Black Friday, retailers usually roll out deep discounts and doorbusters on Boxing Day, while big box stores open early and close late to accommodate sale-hungry crowds. Conveniently, this is also when gift returns tend to surge. It's estimated that Boxing Day returns increased by 15% last year alone. ICE HOCKEY & BOXING DAY Any Canuck will tell you: Boxing Day is one of Canada's hottest sporting days. Like U.S. football on Thanksgiving, ice hockey is the game du jour across the nation. 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. Since joining the tournament in 1984, Canada has asserted its dominance with 16 winning titles and 10 runner-up finishes. BOXING DAY EATS A throwback to the Middle Ages, eating leftovers on Boxing Day is a custom that still stands. With turkey as the prime Christmas dish, turkey casseroles, stews, and curries are brunch highlights. Yorkshire pudding and Boxing Day pies are also commonly enjoyed as a nod to the holiday's English roots. Add traditional staples, like mulled wine, butter tarts, and bûche de Noël (Yule log cake) to round out the festive foods.