Boxing Day

Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated on the second day of Christmastide, specifically on December 26th. It originated in the United Kingdom and is observed in several Commonwealth nations, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The name Boxing Day has varied explanations, with some believing it started from alms boxes placed in churches for the poor, while others attribute it to boxes of gifts given to employees after Christmas.

Historically, Boxing Day was a day when servants, tradespeople, and the poor were presented with gifts. Today, it has evolved into a day associated with shopping and sporting events, particularly in the United Kingdom, where top-tier football and rugby leagues hold a full programme of matches on Boxing Day.

In addition to being a shopping holiday, Boxing Day is also concurrent with the Christian festival of Saint Stephen's Day in parts of Europe, such as Spain, the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Hungary, the Netherlands, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Belgium, Norway, and the Republic of Ireland.

The holiday is not officially named Boxing Day in the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 in the United Kingdom, but it falls on "26th December, if it be not a Sunday". When December 26th falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday is designated as the official public holiday.

In Australia, Boxing Day is a public holiday in all jurisdictions except South Australia, where Proclamation Day is celebrated instead. The Boxing Day Test cricket match and The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race both begin on Boxing Day.

In Canada, Boxing Day is a federal statutory holiday, with government offices, banks, and postal services closed.