Career & Finance Fridays

“Wisdom of the Ages: "Boxing Day" In the UK, the day after Christmas is named after the first activity that takes place between husband and wife after the Christmas receipts are added up.” ― Matthew D. Heines

Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26! This year, that’s a Tuesday. Why is it called Boxing Day? And what, if anything, does boxing have to do with it? Boxing Day, like a box, has many points of interest. Enjoy these Boxing Day recipes, a short history of Boxing Day, and more.

When Is Boxing Day?

Boxing Day occurs annually on December 26 (the day after Christmas). In 2023, Boxing Day falls on Tuesday, December 26.

This public holiday is celebrated in Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and other Commonwealth countries. Most offices are closed on this day if it is a weekday.

Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26! This year, that’s a Tuesday. Why is it called Boxing Day? And what, if anything, does boxing have to do with it? Boxing Day, like a box, has many points of interest. Enjoy these Boxing Day recipes, a short history of Boxing Day, and more.

When Is Boxing Day?

Boxing Day occurs annually on December 26 (the day after Christmas). In 2023, Boxing Day falls on Tuesday, December 26.

This public holiday is celebrated in Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and other Commonwealth countries. Most offices are closed on this day if it is a weekday.

Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26! This year, that’s a Tuesday. Why is it called Boxing Day? And what, if anything, does boxing have to do with it? Boxing Day, like a box, has many points of interest. Enjoy these Boxing Day recipes, a short history of Boxing Day, and more.

When Is Boxing Day?

Boxing Day occurs annually on December 26 (the day after Christmas). In 2023, Boxing Day falls on Tuesday, December 26.

This public holiday is celebrated in Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and other Commonwealth countries. Most offices are closed on this day if it is a weekday.

Written by John Mason Neale and first published in 1853, the lyrics celebrate the spirit of Boxing Day—generosity—as it describes King Wenceslas watching a poor man “gath’ring winter fuel.” The king then brings the peasant food and logs for his fire. 

How Is Boxing Day Celebrated Today?

Today, Boxing Day is a day off in England and Canada, and just a day to relax after the festivities of Christmas. 

There’s no feast. It’s all about the leftovers! Think turkey sandwiches.  See turkey leftover recipes.

And perhaps a little drink. Here’s our recipe for Champagne Mimosa.

Sporting events have taken place on Boxing Day for centuries. Today’s more popular Boxing Day sporting activities include watching horse races and football matches against local rivals. 

Of course, another “sport” is post-Christmas shopping, as folks do their exchanges and returns and look for the best deals. See our ideas on what to do with those Amazon cardboard boxes!

Charity and giving to the poor are still a big part of Boxing Day.  Some folks participate in charity runs. The Boxing Day Dip is another charity event where people in fancy dress swim in the sea on Boxing Day. Can you imagine swimming in the frigid English Channel? 

Boxing Day Trivia & Lore

• On this day in 1776, George Washington crossed the ice-clogged Delaware River at dawn to attack Hessian forces in Trenton, New Jersey.
• On this day in 1963, two songs by The Beatles—”I Want to Hold Your Hand” and “I Saw Her Standing There”—were released in the United States.
• Weather lore says, “If the wind blows much on St. Stephen’s Day [December 26], the grape will be bad in the next year.”

Money & Finances

Do you have plans to buy anything specific this boxing week? If so, what will you buy?