Wait, what?
For much of the English-speaking world, the day after Christmas is Boxing Day.
The holiday isn’t celebrated in the U.S., which sounds strange for a country that loves its holidays. Although to be honest, we really, really love them when they fall on a Friday or Monday.
This year, Christmas hit us on Wednesday. The first day of Hanukkah started on the same day, a rare occurrence. And today also marks the first day of Kwanzaa.
But what about Boxing Day? Why doesn’t America celebrate the day, what do people do and what is the holiday all about?
What is Boxing Day?
Boxing Day is a day that began in Britain centuries ago, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
“During the Victorian Era — 1837 to 1901 — the upper class would box up leftover food, money, or goods and give them to their tradesmen, as well as their servants for reliable service all year.”
“The custom arose because servants, who would have to wait on their masters on Christmas Day, had the next day off. They were given gifts from their masters and would go home to visit their families,” according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
“Some historians attribute Boxing Day to the small boxes of alms placed near the church doors requesting donations to help the poor during Advent,” according to National Day Today.
“On the day after Christmas, members of the church clergy would distribute the donations to needy citizens throughout the community.”
When is Boxing Day?
Boxing Day is celebrated each year on the day after Christmas, on Dec. 26.
This year, it’s today, Thursday, Dec. 26.
What countries celebrate Boxing Day?
Boxing Day is celebrated in Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, along with other Commonwealth countries associated with the British Empire.
Some former British colonies, such as The Bahamas, Hong Kong, and South Africa also have made it a public holiday, according to Infoplease.
The day is an official bank holiday in Britain, Canada, New Zealand and most of Australia.
How is Boxing Day celebrated?
Boxing Day is a day to relax after all the activities associated with Christmas.
People play games, watch sporting events, enjoy leftovers and yes, do a little post-Christmas shopping (or returns).
Why doesn’t the US celebrate Boxing Day?
The U.S. is one of the few English-speaking countries — and former British colonies — that doesn’t celebrate Boxing Day.
In fact, when Christmas falls on a weekday, it’s just another day and employees head back to work.
While there’s no clear reason why the U.S. hasn’t adopted Boxing Day as a national holiday, some speculate it’s because America became an independent nation well after Britain established the day as an official holiday in 1871, according to Infoplease.
And don’t forget, the U.S. did adopt it’s own special holiday in 1789, Thanksgiving.
Are there any Boxing Day events in Florida?
We did find a few!
Is Boxing Day the same as St. Stephen’s Day?
While both days are celebrated on Dec. 26, St. Stephen’s Day is a religious holiday that’s also known as the Feast of Saint Stephen.
Stephen was the first Christian martyr who was known for helping the poor, according to Farmer’s Almanac.
If his name sounds familiar, it’s because he’s mentioned in a popular Christmas song, “Good King Wenceslas”:
“Good King Wenceslas looked out
on the feast of Stephen.”
Ever heard of Wren Day?
In Ireland, St. Stephen’s Day is also called Wren Day, according to Britannica.
“Irish legend says a wren betrayed St. Stephen as he was hiding from his attackers by flapping its wings or singing, thereby giving away the saint’s whereabouts,” Britannica said.
In the past, a wren would be hunted, killed and then attached to a pole and taken door-to-door by young boys who asked for money to bury the wren.
“Capturing one (a wren) and burying it on St. Stephen’s Day ensured good luck for the upcoming new year,” Britannica said.
The tradition of wren hunting died out in the 20th century but Wren Day parades still take place in some parts of Ireland.
Today, as many people around the world celebrate Boxing Day, it is important to remember that December 26th is also known as St. Stephen’s Day. This day holds significant historical and cultural importance, especially in countries with strong Christian traditions.
St. Stephen was one of the first Christian martyrs, who was stoned to death for his faith in Jesus Christ. He is considered the patron saint of deacons, headaches, and horses, and his feast day is celebrated on December 26th.
In addition to honoring St. Stephen, Boxing Day also has a long history dating back to the Middle Ages. It was traditionally a day when servants and tradespeople would receive gifts or “Christmas boxes” from their employers as a token of appreciation for their hard work throughout the year.
Today, Boxing Day has evolved into a day of shopping sales, sports events, and charitable giving. It is a time for families and friends to come together, enjoy leftover Christmas feasts, and continue the spirit of giving and generosity.
So as we celebrate Boxing Day today, let us also remember the significance of St. Stephen’s Day and the rich history and traditions that accompany it. Let us reflect on the importance of kindness, compassion, and gratitude, and carry these values with us throughout the year. Happy Boxing Day and St. Stephen’s Day to all!
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Boxing Day, St. Stephens Day, history of Boxing Day, meaning of Boxing Day, St. Stephens Day traditions, December 26th holiday, holiday celebrations, Christmas season traditions, December holidays, holiday history, festive season traditions, holiday traditions around the world.
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