The History of Boxing Day (Boxing Day, Dec. 26)

  • 3 years ago
The History of , Boxing Day .
Relatively unknown in the U.S.,
Boxing Day is a bank holiday in the U.K.
and countries throughout the British
Commonwealth, including Canada and Australia.
The day has evolved into one
popularly devoted to post-Christmas
shopping, but its origins remain a bit blurry.
The term Boxing Day first appeared
in print in 1833. Four years later,
Charles Dickens would make reference
to it in 'The Pickwick Papers.'.
The day and its name could have arisen
from the "Christmas boxes" often given to
servants by their lords, the day after the holiday. .
These boxes were essentially
holiday bonuses, including leftovers
from Christmas dinner or small
gifts and money.
Boxing Day may have also
originated from the Dec. 26 distribution
of donations collected in church alms boxes.
In addition to shopping,
Boxing Day is also a popular
day to watch soccer or cricket
and spend time with friends