Origin Of Boxing Day

I shared this little quiz with my students this week, can you choose the correct origin of boxing day? For those of you who are unaware of what boxing day is, it is a national holiday celebrated the day after Christmas, 26th of December. Answer at the bottom of the page.

1. Boxing Day originated in the early 20th century and describes the act of cleanng up after Christmas. A bit like spring cleaning it is a time for all members of a household to throw out old items that were replaced by Christmas gifts. All of the unwanted items are boxed up and thrown out or more recently given to those in need.

2. Boxing Day is the term used to describe the fact that family members who get together once a year vent all of their frustration with one another. Christmas is a time to be with family so arguments are usually avoided on the 25th of December. The day after Christmas seems to be when families fight the most according to family counselors.

3. In the middle of the 19th century, the British royal family declared the 26th of December a day dedicated to helping and offering gifts to the working classes and those in need. Drivers, servants and nannies were given a day of rest and a box of treats for their hard work throughout the year and for working on Christmas Day.

4. In the 1940s countries under British rule used to hold national boxing competitions across all weight divisions. These boxing days were a welcome way of spending a rest day for many men, while the boxing competitions no longer run on the 26th of December, the day of rest is still practiced.

5. Boxing day is sales tool used by retailers to cash in even more on the holiday season. Boxing Day sales now make up a major portion of many retailers’ revenue. The day refers to the boxes of merchandise that are usually sold at very heavily discounted prices.

And the true origin of boxing day is ……..
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Number 3. A day to thank those who help us throughout the year and also those who are not able to provide a very Merry Christmas for their own families. Can you think of anyone you can help out on boxing day?