Boxing Day —The official tickets promotion and useful information of Boxing Day

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By Haimo

Boxing Day 2022: A day of big sales, sports and donation

Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26th of each year  (Source: Kira Auf Der Heide/unsplash)

Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26th of each year
(Source: Kira Auf Der Heide/unsplash)

With all the grind and obligations over for Christmas, Boxing Day is an extra public holiday for several countries and territories worldwide. While traditionally, Boxing Day is a day when the rich hand out boxes of gifts to their servants and the poor, today it is a big shopping and sporting day. Here's a guide on how cultures around the world mark the day after Christmas, December 26th.

🎁What is Boxing Day?

Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated the day after Christmas Day  (Source: Amy Shamblen/unsplash)

Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated the day after Christmas Day
(Source: Amy Shamblen/unsplash)

💛When

December 26

💛Region

The United Kingdom and some Commonwealth countries

💛Cultural Background

Secular holiday

💛Why

Originally a holiday to give gifts to the poor

Boxing day is a holiday that falls on December 26th, the day after Christmas Day (Boxing Day 2002 is on a Monday). For people in the United Kingdom and some Commonwealth countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, this day is traditionally when gifts and tips are given to servants, tradespeople, and the poor. The origin of the name varies. Some believe the box refers to the boxes of donations placed in churches for the poor. Others think they are the boxes of gifts given to employees the day after Christmas. Today, nearly 30 countries worldwide and many territories mark this day. Boxing Day also coincides with St. Stephen's Day. As the patron saint of horses, it is common to see sporting events like horse races, rugby, and foxhunting on December 26th.

▶Boxing Day is a public holiday in numerous countries that observe it. For example, Boxing Day is a government-mandated holiday in the United Kingdom.

▶If it's on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday is the holiday, and the same practice is observed in Canada. Boxing Day 2022 falls on a Monday, so that day will be the official day off.

▶How to make the days off longest? For the UK, as Christmas Day 2022 falls on a Sunday, the Christmas public holiday will be on Tuesday 27th because the 26th is the Boxing Day holiday.This means people can enjoy a four-day weekend without taking additional leave. Head out on Friday after work, enjoy three full days at the destination and travel back on Tuesday.

🎁Origin and History of Boxing Day

Why is it called Boxing Day? Is it something to do with boxing the sport? While many theories surround the exact origin of the term, many scholars agree that it most likely refers to a 17th-century practice of 'boxing'. A gift, gratuity or donation is placed into a box and given to someone the day after Christmas, primarily servants, tradesmen or the poor.

Traditionally, the wealthy British elites splurge over Christmas with feasts, parties and games, all of which are supported and run by household servants, vendors and tradesmen. So, after a year of hard work, the day after Christmas is an opportunity for wealthy employers to reward their good service. The rewards include paid time off or small gift boxes filled with trinkets or coins. Boxing Day gifting was between slave-owners and their slaves in the Caribbean regions that were once under British rule. The day was likely the only day off the enslaved people received all year. Hence, later on, December 26 has become a dance party, a day of celebration of Afro-Caribbean culture.

Another meaning behind the practice of 'boxing' is the boxes of donations left in churches in the early days of Christianity. The boxes were opened the day after Christmas, and the money was distributed to the poor. So, all in all, Boxing Day meaning refers to when the rich used to box up gifts to give to the poor or reward servants.

🎁What's Open on Boxing Day 2022?

Boxing Day is a public holiday in nearly 30 countries worldwide  (Source: James Lee/unsplash)

Boxing Day is a public holiday in nearly 30 countries worldwide
(Source: James Lee/unsplash)

Boxing Day, December 26th, is a public holiday in the United Kingdom and near 30 countries worldwide. As a result, government offices, post offices, banks, schools, and many businesses like shops will be closed on Boxing Day 2022. In many countries, public transport like buses and trains are either not operating on the day or will operate a reduced service. So, if you are travelling on Boxing Day 2022, you should check schedule changes with the local transport authority. All schools and many organizations are closed on this day. Many stores are open and start their post-Christmas sales on Boxing Day.

🎁Why Do We Love Boxing Day So Much?

Boxing Day is a no fuss, no stress day for relaxation  (Source: Thought Catalog/unsplash)

Boxing Day is a no fuss, no stress day for relaxation
(Source: Thought Catalog/unsplash)

💛An extra day off

As a continuation of Christmas, the public holiday on December 26th, Boxing Day allows extra down time for all to enjoy more quality time with family, get together with friends, and another day for a mini holiday. This additional day off is precious for anyone with no more vacation days or leave.

💛Stress-free

With the main event and obligations of Christmas over, Boxing Day is typically viewed as no fuss, no stress holiday. There is no pressure to find that perfect gift for everyone, no need to dress up for social functions and no fixed traditions to observe. Also, in the UK, if you plan to travel on Boxing Day 2022, it is likely to be a busy day as many people depart for the post-Christmas holiday, so expect airports and train stations to be packed.

💛Binge on TV all Day

Movies, TV series, or football matches, Boxing Day is one day you could decide to sit at home and catch up on everything you had planned to watch. And if you are a football fan in the UK, Boxing Day football is the icing on the cake. The football matches start at around midday and go on all day.

🎁Popular Boxing Day Customs and Practices

Boxing Day is a no fuss, no stress day for relaxation  (Source: Thought Catalog/unsplash)

Today Boxing Day is known as a shopping holiday

(Source: Tamanna Rumee/unsplash)

Boxing Day has fewer traditions and regional practices as a secular holiday than the more religious Christmas. While local variations in customs exist, here is a selection of popular ways to spend this day. How will you spend Boxing Day 2022?

💛Honouring those who work for you

Do what this day is designed for. Suppose you have a regular cleaning staff, a business with hardworking employees, or a trusted handyman. In that case, Boxing Day is a day to appreciate their work and dedication by giving them a bonus of some sort. A common tradition is to provide a bonus cheque or special gift to anyone who works for you.

💛Charitable Donations

Donating to a charity is another way to honour the holiday's origin. You can make a monetary donation, volunteer time at an organisation you love or give blood to the blood bank. Alternatively, donate unwanted or unneeded Christmas gifts or canned goods to the local food bank.

💛Play sports

After a whole day of feasting and staying at home on Christmas, Boxing Day is the perfect time to participate in a sporting event such as horse racing or a football game. In the UK, Premier League Football has an entire day dedicated to games on Boxing Day. Test cricket is played on this day in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Horse racing and hunting are popular outdoor activities too. For something more extreme, others take part in the annual charity plunge into the freezing English Channel, known as the Polar bear plunge.

💛Spend time with friends

As it is more customary to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with family, one of the most common Boxing Day traditions is to meet up with friends. Grab a drink at a local pub, head to a sporting event and cheer for your team or go for a nature walk outside together.

💛A day off for self-care

With all the mayhem of Christmas over, Boxing Day is a time to breathe and relax. Enjoy this extra day off to unwind and treat it as a 'me' day by reading a book, taking a bath or having a cosy 'staying-in' day. Another way to self-care is by doing some exercise to work off all the holiday treats they ate.

💛All the shopping

Boxing Day has become a much-anticipated shopping day in recent years when post-Christmas sales draw big crowds looking for bargains. In the UK, people rush to the shops for exceptionally good deals or to return unwanted presents received over Christmas. The scale of the Boxing Day sales in the UK now rivals Black Friday in the US (Day after Thanksgiving) and Singles Day in China (November 11th).

🎁How Will Boxing Day 2022 Be Celebrated Around the World?

Many Caribbean nations marks Boxing Day with street parades  (Source: Bash Visual/unsplash)

Many Caribbean nations marks Boxing Day with street parades
(Source: Bash Visual/unsplash)

Although Boxing Day and many of its traditions originally started in the UK, many countries have continued this tradition and made it their own by including some regional festivities and events.

💛Australia

Boxing Day traditions are sports-centred in Australia. From the Boxing Day Test match to the Sydney-to-Hobart yacht race, people are cheering for the players on site or with friends in a backyard BBQ.

💛Bahamas

In the past, Boxing Day was when enslaved people received wooden boxes filled with leftovers of Christmas feast from their masters. Today, Boxing Day tradition has evolved into an annual celebration of black Caribbean Garifuna culture. The colourful street carnival, Junkanoo, kicks off on Boxing Day and continues into the new year.

💛Canada

Boxing Day is a federal holiday in Canada, but it is not observed in all provinces and territories, e.g. not an official holiday in Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia. Many organizations and businesses are closed, although stores are often open.

💛Jamaica

A similar Garifuna dance party in Jamaica called John Canoe has developed its own marquee tradition: pantomime. A musical comedy that originated in the UK, but it’s Jamaicans who elevated it.

💛New Zealand

Located in the Southern Hemisphere, Boxing Day is celebrated in the summer in New Zealand. It is a relaxing day as people take advantage of the good weather by hiking, swimming in the lakes or picnicking in nature. Heading to the races at Ellerslie Boxing Day Races or Cemetery Circuit is also popular.

🎁What Food to Eat on Boxing Day 2022?

Christmas leftovers is a popular Boxing Day meal option  (Source: Brett Jordan/unsplash)

Christmas leftovers is a popular Boxing Day meal option

(Source: Brett Jordan/unsplash)

As a continuation of the Christmas holiday season, cultures and countries celebrating Boxing Day get another day to indulge in festive food and drinks. If you want to experience Boxing Day 2022 in a new culture fully, don't forget to feast on these popular festival foods.

💛Christmas leftovers

Most people would not have had a chance to shop right after Christmas Day, so leftovers are the main course on Boxing Day. Despite that, inviting family and friends over is a common tradition on this day as well. Bring out the goodies from Christmas and set up a buffet filled with holiday leftovers like cold sliced beef, leftover turkey, cold salads, pickles and bread.

💛Turkey cranberry sandwiches

One favourite Christmas leftover dish many people look forward to is turkey cranberry sandwiches. Perhaps the only time of the year to have this seasonal delicacy. The classic version puts turkey, lettuce, butter and cranberry sauce in their sandwich using leftover Christmas turkey.

💛Savoury recipes

As this is a mid-winter December holiday, it makes sense that hearty pies and pasties on popular choices for the season. Traditional game pie is the pie for Boxing Day and is filled with meats, especially game and spices. Other favourites include pork pie, Cornish pasties, traditional ham and stilton cheese.

💛Boxing Day rolls

Boxing Day rolls are essentially sausage rolls, a traditional British dish served during Boxing Day. In the past, December 26th was one of the only days when upper-class families ate leftovers. Those meals often included sausage rolls. So, in keeping with tradition, British people continue to make and eat these savoury pastries every Boxing Day.

🎁Plan Your Boxing Day 2022 Holiday with Trip.com

Boxing Day is known for donations, sports and sales (Source: Arno Senoner/unsplash)

Boxing Day is known for donations, sports and sales

(Source: Arno Senoner/unsplash)

Boxing Day 2022 is a great time to travel and experience different cultures. Trip.com has it covered with the best flights, hotels, tours and experiences wherever you want to spend this unforgettable time of the year.

Check out these Trip.com Boxing Day 2022 experiences and offers here

🎁FAQ

  • Why is it called Boxing Day?

    It referred to the practice of 'boxing' when the rich used to box up gifts and money to give to their servants or the poor.


  • When is Boxing Day 2022?

    Boxing Day is Monday, December 26th, 2022.


  • What to do on Boxing Day 2022?

    Popular activities on Boxing Day include making donations, sports and games, hanging out with friends and going on mini breaks.


  • Which countries celebrate Boxing Day?

    Nearly 30 countries celebrate Boxing Day, including the UK, Australia, Fiji, Belize and Uganda.


  • Is Boxing Day 2022 a public holiday?

    Boxing Day is a public holiday in countries that celebrate it, like the UK, Canada and Australia.


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