The surprising origins and history of Boxing Day

The historical origins of Boxing Day can be traced back to the Middle Ages in Britain.

One of the earliest practices associated with this day involved the distribution of alms boxes.

These boxes, kept in churches, were used to collect donations for the poor during the Advent season.

On the day after Christmas, these boxes were opened and the contents distributed among the needy, a practice reflecting the spirit of charity and giving associated with the Christmas season.

In the United Kingdom, Boxing Day became an official holiday during the reign of Queen Victoria in the 19th century, reflecting the era's emphasis on charity and goodwill.

It was a day when the wealthy would distribute boxes containing small gifts, money, and leftover food to their servants and to the less fortunate, a gesture that reinforced the social bond between different classes.

Churches also played a significant role in the evolution of this holiday. They would open their alms boxes, collections for the poor accumulated over the Advent season, and distribute their contents.

Another key aspect of Boxing Day's origin is linked to the relationship between employers and their servants or employees.

In a time when servitude was a common part of life, servants would work on Christmas Day, attending to the needs of their employers who would be celebrating the festival.

As a gesture of gratitude and recognition of their service, employers would give their servants a day off on December 26th.

Along with this day off, servants were given a ‘Christmas box’ – a gift of money or food to take home to their families.

This practice not only allowed servants to celebrate their own Christmas with their families but also served as a token of appreciation from their employers.

The name 'Boxing Day' is believed to have been derived from these two practices – the opening of the alms boxes and the giving of Christmas boxes to servants.

Over the years, as social structures evolved and the practice of keeping servants faded, the nature of Boxing Day changed.

However, the core principle of giving and charity that marked its origin remained an integral part of the day.

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the charitable aspect of Boxing Day.

Many people volunteer or donate to charities, reflecting the day's origins. This resurgence of interest in the day's traditional values mirrors a broader societal interest in social responsibility and community support.

As time progressed, Boxing Day evolved beyond its origins of charity and servitude.

It became synonymous with sporting events, particularly in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth nations.

Traditional fox hunts, which are now largely symbolic, were a mainstay of Boxing Day activities.

Additionally, it emerged as a significant day for sports such as football and rugby, with matches attracting large numbers of spectators.

In other countries, particularly Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, Boxing Day took on a different flavor.

It became an extension of the Christmas holiday, providing an additional day of rest and celebration.

Over time, it also became synonymous with shopping and sales, much like Black Friday in the United States.

Retailers offer significant discounts, turning the day into a busy shopping holiday, with people queuing early in the morning to snag deals.

In many households, it is a day for relaxation and spending time with family and friends, often involving eating leftovers from Christmas Day feasts.

It's a quieter, more reflective day, offering a respite from the hectic pace of Christmas.