Boxing Day, a traditional British holiday recognized 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 almost 25 years ago. They brought the holiday celebration with them across the pond and organize a Boxer Day party every year.

“We enjoyed America. We love being here,” he said. “But there are a lot of things about Britain that we miss. Boxing Day is probably in that top 10.”

What is Boxing Day?

Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26 by Great Britain, its Commonwealth countries and some former colonies.

Shops offer 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 was also a great way to finish off some of the Christmas food. Turkey is a traditional British Christmas meal, and on Boxing Day many people enjoy turkey curry. Another classic Boxing Day dish is bubble and squeak, or fried scraps of potatoes and vegetables like cabbage or Brussels sprouts.

Why is it called Boxing Day and what is its origin?

There are two main theories about where the holiday began.

Some believe that Boxing Day began with churches collecting alms boxes of parishioners’ donated money, according to Britannica. The church would give these donation boxes for the poor the day after Christmas.

The name stuck, but now people usually donate to charity in the weeks leading up to the holidays.

Others believe that this day was celebrated because the servants had to work on Christmas dinners and festivities, so they celebrated the holiday on December 26. Povijest.comlords and aristocrats would present their servants with “Christmas boxes” filled with scraps and small gifts after parties, giving rise to the name “Boxing Day”.

Employers still give bonuses to service workers around the holidays, just as leftovers are part of the celebration today.

The third theory, according to Timeoutis that the ships of the British Navy would seal the box with the money at the beginning of the long journey, and at the end the priests would open the boxes and donate the money to the needy.

McLean said other theories about the name include bare-knuckle boxing matches that took place the day after Christmas or that many people return their boxes of unwanted gifts that day.

Is Boxing Day an official holiday?

Yes, Boxing Day is a national or public holiday recognized in the UK and other countries. It was declared an official holiday in Great Britain in the 1800s. If December 26 falls on a weekend, the following Monday is recognized. In 2024 it falls on a Thursday, and in 2025 it falls on a Friday.

Where is it celebrated?

Countries that are part of the British Commonwealth such as Australia, Canada and New Zealand celebrate, but also some former colonies such as South Africa and Hong Kong recognize holiday.

But you can celebrate anywhere, as the McLean’s party showed. Although some of their American friends are working on the 26th, people gather at their house in the evening for a lively pub quiz, tasty leftovers and mulled wine.

Is Boxing Day the same as St. Stephen’s Day?

Not necessarily, because St. Stephen’s Day is a religious holiday, but the two are connected and are recognized on the same day. Stjepan is celebrated by Christians as the first Christian martyr who was known for helping the poor and charitable work. Stefanje is more widely known in Ireland and other European countries.

Why do Americans not recognize Boxing Day?

The US is one of the few English-speaking countries that does not recognize Boxing Day. Americans don’t celebrate mainly because the country isn’t part of the British Commonwealth and the holiday wasn’t officially recognized until 1871, nearly a century after the US gained independence.

What sporting events are taking place on Boxing Day this year?

Unlike the US, where Americans can expect an NBA game on Christmas Day, Boxing Day is where the competition falls in the UK.

Eight Premier League football matches will be contested on December 26. According to GMT, the matches are:

• Manchester City vs. Everton at 12:30 p.m
• Bournemouth v Crystal Palace at 15:00
• Chelsea vs. Fulham at 3 p.m
• Newcastle vs. Aston Villa at 3 p.m
• Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham at 15:00
• Southampton vs West Ham at 15:00
• Wolves vs Manchester United at 17:30
• Liverpool vs. Leicester at 8 p.m

The BKT United Rugby Championship between the Dragons and Cardiff Rugby will be measured at 17:15 GMT. Two other rugby matches will also be contested. Meanwhile, Fri cricket matches are set for competition.

11 horse racing they are also in line for Boxing Day.

McLean noted the joy of sharing British culture with American friends.

“It’s just a great thing to be able to bring people together, not just on days that everyone celebrates.”