What is Boxing Day? Why is it Called Boxing Day?

1. What is Boxing Day? Why is it Called Boxing Day • When is Boxing Day?: • Boxing Day is the 26th December and is a national holiday in many countries.. • What is Boxing Day?: • How many times am I asked – what is Boxing Day, or, why is it called Boxing Day? Arguments come thick and fast as to why and I hope, like me, you find the answers below interesting. But first off I must say; it has nothing to do with the sport of boxing. • It starts of course with our greed here in Britain and Ireland for a longer holiday; it’s not enough for us to have Christmas Day celebrations we have added on another day called Boxing Day. The day is a national holiday and one to spend with family and friends and eating up the leftovers. Its origins however, are steeped in history and tradition. • Why is it Called Boxing Day: • Arguments abound on the origins of the name Boxing Day, all of the answers here are relevant, so maybe it is all of them. • 1. A ‘Christmas Box’ in Britain is a name for a Christmas present. • 2. Boxing Day was a day off for servants and when they received a ‘Christmas Box’ from the master. The servants would also go home to give ‘Christmas Boxes’ to their families. • 3. A box to collect money for the poor was placed in Churches on Christmas day then opened the next day. • 4.Great sailing ships when setting sail would have a sealed box containing money on board for good luck.If the voyage were a success the box was given to a priest, opened at Christmas and the contents given to the poor. • Activities on Boxing Day: • Boxing Day is a time to spend with family or friends, usually those not seen on Christmas Day itself. • In recent times the day has become synonymous with sport. Horse racing is particularly popular with meets all over the country. Many top football teams also play on Boxing Day. • Boxing Day is also a time when the British show their true eccentricity taking part in all kinds of silly activities like s – not the warmest place on December 26th – fun runs and charity events. • The New Boxing Day Sport – Shopping: • Another ‘sport’ to emerge in recent years is shopping. Sadly what was once a day of relaxation and family time sees the start of the sales. Sales used to start in January post-New Year but the desire to grab a bargain and for shops to off-load stock means many now start on Boxing Day.Shopping with GoodOrient.com.There are many surprise waiting for you! • Website : http://www.goodorient.com/ Asia Offices • Beijing, China : (Main Office) • Room 2310, Unit A6, Midtown Building, Guangqujiayuan, Chongwen District, Beijing City, China 100022 Phone: (+86 10) 8751 3441 (international charge) • USA : (Administrative Rep Office) • Monroe Services 2405 W. Atlanta Ct. Broken Arrow, OK (Oklahoma) 74012 United States of America Phone: 1-888-226-4088 (Toll Free) • Email:support_department@goodorient.com