After Christmas Comes Boxing Day?

Hello, this is Awork Academy.

How did everyone spend their Christmas holidays?
Did you know that overseas, December 26th, the day after Christmas (December 25th), also has a special name?

That day is called "Boxing Day", and it is observed as a public holiday in the Commonwealth countries, starting with the UK, as well as in some European countries and even Hong Kong.

In some regions, when the day falls near a weekend, it is also common for a substitute holiday to be added, creating a long weekend.

< What Is Boxing Day? >

So why is December 26th called "Boxing Day"?

The origin dates back to the Victorian era in England.
At that time, wealthy households would, on the day after Christmas,
give their servants clothes, food, wine and other items packed in a box, so the story goes.

Churches also had a custom of distributing donations to people in need after Christmas services, and this culture is also considered one of the origins of Boxing Day.

Later, the custom of handing out boxes filled with gifts spread to people working in shops and manor houses as well.

The "Box" here refers to a box of presents, and has nothing to do with boxing (the combat sport).

<Boxing Day and Sale Culture >

Nowadays, in countries like Canada and the UK, Boxing Day has become established as a day of massive sales. It is similar to America's "Black Friday," with department stores and shopping malls opening early in the morning and offering steep discounts.

In Japan too, there have been past cases of foreign-owned supermarkets holding Boxing Day sales, showing traces of this overseas culture.

How Boxing Day Is Spent Abroad

While studying a language abroad, one of the appeals is being able to experience not just Christmas, but also Boxing Day, a culture unique to life overseas.

Here are some typical ways people spend the day.

1. Taking Part in Volunteer Activities

On Boxing Day,
churches and community groups often hold fundraising and support activities,
and some people spend the day donating or volunteering.

It can be a chance to do something helpful for others at the end of the year,
making for a heartwarming day.

2. Watching Sports and Sporting Events

In England especially, football matches held on Boxing Day are famous.

People watch games with family or friends, and local sporting events are sometimes held as well.

Depending on the region, unique events such as cold-water swimming (ice swimming) competitions are also held.

3. Spending Time with Family and Friends

This is the most common way to spend the day.

Since it is a public holiday, many people gather with family or friends and enjoy relaxed conversation over a meal.

It is also apparently traditional to use up the leftover turkey from Christmas by turning it into a different dish.

In the UK and Canada, some restaurants also offer buffets and special menus for Boxing Day.

4. Enjoying Shopping

Boxing Day is also a perfect shopping day, since large sales are held.

It's a great chance to buy items you wanted at a good price, but keep in mind that

• Stores can get crowded
• Business hours may be shortened

are things to watch out for.
It's a good idea to check business hours in advance before heading out.

In Summary: Boxing Day, a Culture Unique to Overseas

This time, we introduced the meaning and customs of "Boxing Day," an overseas culture that is not very familiar in Japan.

Being able to experience these local holidays and cultures is also one of the great appeals of studying a language abroad.

On Awork Academy's official website, we post a wide range of information useful for life as a language study abroad student.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us anytime.