What is Boxing Day? Which countries celebrate it? Read here

Christmas is around the corner, and the world is already in a vacation mood. Many people in the UK are looking forward to a highly-anticipated rest at home, enjoying the winter with friends and family. However, a lesser-known holiday celebrated in the UK on the very next day of Christmas is Boxing Day, which is celebrated as Saint Stephen’s Day in other parts of the Christian world. Here’s all you need to know about Boxing Day.

What is Boxing Day?

To be clear, Boxing Day has got nothing to do with the sport of boxing, but it’s certainly related to boxes. The term dates back to the 19th Century when wealthy British families would pack gifts in boxes for the less fortunate in the UK.

Families of workers and servants received special Christmas boxes from their employers on holiday and they would be given the day off to spend time with their families. Historically, Churches in the UK have also played a significant role in Boxing Day celebrations via funds collection from churchgoers for needy folks.

Where is Boxing Day Celebrated?

Since it was a tradition particularly followed in the UK, all regions part of the erstwhile British Empire continues to observe Boxing Day. Countries other than the UK celebrate Boxing Day Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Nigeria, and the Caribbean Islands. South Africa celebrates Boxing Day as the Day of Goodwill.

Other European countries, including Romania, Finland, Hungary, Croatia, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Czech, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, etc., also observe a public holiday on December 26. However, the day is commemorated as St Stephen’s Day, not Boxing Day.

Major Sporting Events on Boxing Day

Two major events take place on Boxing Day. One is the Boxing Day Test, which begins annually on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Second is the Boxing Day Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, which commences on December 26.

FAQs:

1. Which holiday is celebrated in Europe on December 26 other than Boxing Day?
   St Stephen’s Day.
2. When did the Boxing Day holiday start?
   19th Century.