In the UK,
Boxing Day became a holiday during the reign of Queen Victoria, its earliest
mention in writing dating from the 1830’s.
In reality,
however, its roots go much further back. In Medieval times, lords would pay
their servants with boxed packages on the day after Christmas for the work they
had done during the year, and later, employers began giving their workers gifts
on that day. Additionally, churches would collect offerings in boxes on
December 26th and give the proceeds to the poor.
Today, Boxing
day has become a time of major sports events, much as Thanksgiving Day is in
the United States. The most traditional sport on this day has traditionally
been fox hunting, and a picture of a redcoat on horseback surrounded by white
hounds poised to chase down a red fox is a veritable symbol of Boxing Day.
Fortunately for
the foxes, killing the fox in a fox hunt has been banned. Now the chase is done
just for fun, and some people with a bit of humour even chase human beings
instead. Horse races, soccer games, cricket tournaments, and rugby matches are
also all popular on Boxing Day.
Boxing Day is
also the day when the post-Christmas shopping season officially begins in the
UK, and huge sales are on everywhere. Stores often open very early, at 5am or
earlier, and shoppers are already lined up waiting at the doors, hoping to grab
the best bargains and maybe win a door prize. More recently, sales are running
from just before Christmas up to New Year’s Eve, and this is being called
“Boxing Week”.
Finally, there
are those who use Boxing Day as a day to recover from the hectic Christmas
season and relax at home with friends and family. Many also go for long walks
in the country or visit city parks. Christmas leftovers are eaten as well,
though some make a new festive meal just for Boxing Day.
There are some
other countries that also observe Boxing Day, but they are all British
Commonwealth countries or former British colonies that adopted the holiday from
the UK. For example, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, and Bahamas
all keep Boxing Day.
Boxing Day
coincides with the Feast of St. Stephen, which is a feast-day in both the
UK and many other European nations such as Ireland, Germany, Italy, Finland,
and parts of Spain and France. St. Stephen’s Day is a “church holiday” that
commemorates the life and death of Christianity’s first recorded martyr.
Events and activities
A
few activities to take part in should you choose to visit the UK on Boxing
Day Weekend are:
- Get in on the numerous sports events going
on. Two to try to attend are: the horse race known as the King George VI
Chase that takes place at Kempton Park Racecourse in the town of Surrey
and the demolition-derby-style auto race at London’s Wimbledon Stadium,
which is usually used as a greyhound track.
- If you are healthy enough and brave enough
to try it, do what many do on Boxing Day, and go for a swim in the
icy-cold ocean. Then huddle around a campfire on the beach and chat with
the other participants. Many of these events also raise money for charity,
so you may want to make a donation, even if your money is wet and salty.
- Go shopping in London. Some of the best
neighbourhoods to shop include Westfield, Covent Garden, and West End, but
departments stores and small shops are found all over the city. On Kings
Road and Bond Street, you will find chic boutiques and luxury outlets. On
Oxford and Regent Streets, you will find many of the best bargains. On
Tottenham Court Road, electronics abound. The more you know where to shop
for what, the better you’ll do, but sales are everywhere on Boxing Day.
- Get in the post-Christmas spirit and give
time or money to a charity. Churches make collections for the needy on
Boxing Day, food drives are common, soup kitchens are busy, and many also
donate blood. Definitely be sure to tip anyone who provides you with
service since that’s the epitome of how Boxing Day got started.
