LONDON (CNN) – Boxing Day is the day after Christmas and has absolutely nothing to do with your empty gift boxes.
Here’s what you need to know about the vacation.
What’s the point of Boxing Day?
It is a day to give to the less fortunate. Long ago, during Britain’s Victorian era, servants were given free time on December 26 to visit their families as they had to work for their employers’ Christmas celebrations. It became such standard practice that a new holiday was born in 1871. It coincides with St. Stephen’s Day, a Christian holiday with similar themes of charity. When Boxing Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it will be observed on the following Monday.
So why would you call it Boxing Day?
There are a few theories. Some say it stems from the time when the wealthy gave boxes full of small gifts, cash, and Christmas scraps to their employees to acknowledge their service. Another theory is that churches set up boxes to give people money to the poor, and the money was distributed the day after Christmas.
Where do you celebrate Boxing Day?
Wherever you want. But it is really recognized in Britain and former British colonies such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
I am American. Can I still celebrate?
Of course. Join in the fun. No one can stop you from being charitable.
What are you doing on Boxing Day?
Some people like to go fox hunting or horse racing, as St. Stephen was the patron saint of horses. Although fox hunting was banned in 2004, people still regularly come out for the sport. For others, the day after Christmas is like the Friday after Thanksgiving in the United States – the ultimate bargain extravaganza. Of course, these are things people like us do not in the middle of a pandemic. It’s best this year to stay safe and socially distant.
The-CNN-Wire ™ & © 2020 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.