Boxing day Countdown 2026

What is Boxing Day?

Boxing Day is a public holiday celebrated in the United Kingdom and many other Commonwealth countries, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. It falls on December 26th, the day after Christmas Day.

If December 26th falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday is designated as the public holiday.

Origins and History: Why is it called "Boxing Day"?

The name "Boxing Day" has nothing to do with the sport of boxing. Instead, it comes from a long-standing tradition of giving "Christmas boxes" to those in need or to people who provided services throughout the year. There are a few competing theories:

1. Gifts to the Servants: In wealthy British households during the 17th and 18th centuries, servants were required to work on Christmas Day to serve their masters' holiday celebrations. The following day, December 26th, they were given the day off to visit their own families. Their masters would give them a "Christmas box" containing gifts, bonuses, and sometimes leftover food from the Christmas feast.

2. Alms for the Poor: Churches often placed collection boxes for the poor outside their doors during the Advent season. These boxes were opened on Christmas Day, and the contents were distributed to the needy on the following day, December 26th.

3. Gratuity for Tradespeople: It was also common for Britons to give a "Christmas box" of money or gifts to tradespeople (like the milkman, postman, or rag-and-bone man) who had provided good service throughout the year, as a thank-you. This usually happened on the first weekday after Christmas.

The common thread is the act of giving to those less fortunate or in service roles, embodying the charitable spirit of the season.

Modern Traditions and How It's Celebrated

Today, Boxing Day has evolved into a relaxed holiday with its own set of customs, which can vary by country.

1. Sports

• Football (Soccer): In the UK, Boxing Day is famous for a full fixture of Premier League football matches. It's a major tradition for fans to attend games or watch them on TV.

• Cricket: In Australia, the Boxing Day Test Match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is a huge sporting event that draws massive crowds.

• Horse Racing: Fox hunting (with hounds following a scent rather than a live fox) and horse racing meetings are also traditional events.

2. Shopping and Sales

Similar to Black Friday in the United States, Boxing Day has become one of the biggest shopping days of the year. Retailers offer significant discounts and sales, leading to large crowds and long lines. In recent years, these sales have often started online on Christmas Day itself.

3. Family Time and Leftovers

For many, it's a quiet day to relax and recover from Christmas festivities. A key activity is eating leftovers from the large Christmas dinner, often in the form of sandwiches (especially turkey and stuffing) or bubble and squeak (a fried dish made from leftover potatoes and vegetables).

4. Outdoor Activities

If the weather permits, going for a family walk or hike is a very popular way to spend the day, burning off some of the Christmas calories and enjoying the fresh air.

5. Fox Hunting (Historically)

A traditional Boxing Day activity in the UK was fox hunting with hounds. However, since the Hunting Act of 2004 made hunting with dogs largely illegal, most events now are "trail hunts" where hounds follow a pre-laid scent rather than a live animal. These gatherings remain a social event in some rural communities.

Where is Boxing Day Celebrated?

It is a public holiday (bank holiday) in:

• United Kingdom

• Canada

• Australia

• New Zealand

• South Africa

• Ireland (where it is known as St. Stephen's Day)

• Other Commonwealth nations and British territories like Hong Kong and Singapore also observe it.