Boxing Day

Why Is It Called Boxing Day?

I remember one day years ago I was thinking “Why Is It Called Boxing Day”?
Have you ever wondered that?

What is Boxing Day?

No, it has nothing to do with two gloved men sparring on a canvas square ringed by ropes and trying to knock each other out.

Boxing Day is a bank or public holiday that occurs on December 26 or the next day,
depending on national or regional laws. Boxing Day takes place in several places
such as  Canada,  Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand and parts of other nations
around the world. There are much more specifications for Boxing Day but I won’t
bore you with all the details.

Why did the name Boxing Day come about?

Boxing Day got its name from an old tradition when employers boxed gifts for their workers on the day after Christmas.

Boxing Day has different meanings for people in different countries. In Britain and Ireland
it’s a reason to spend extra time with family and friends after Christmas Day. Also for some it was a way of collecting money for the poor by placing boxes in church then opened the
next day.

For some people Boxing Day means great shopping deals to be had!

From my experience, Boxing Day has always been a day of chaotic shopping. In Canada it’s
a shopping holiday much like the day after Thanksgiving in the United States. It’s the same in Britain, New Zealand and parts of Australia. There are great deals to be had if you are brave enough to take part. Many stores dramatically reduce their prices and have a limited quantity of big draw or deeply discounted items. Not only is Boxing Day sales and shopping hectic, but it can be dangerous. It may even be fatal.

You are likely thinking, “how can shopping be fatal”?

Well millions of shoppers head to stores looking to score some great deals especially in electronics. With so many people in the stores injuries can occur. I know from experience, it can get rough out there. LOL!

But seriously, people have been trampled. It’s too bad. Even the roads are congested with
automobiles and some crazy drivers trying to get their deals. Because of the crowds and
the busy roads, many people choose to stay home. Personally I think that is a great
choice to just stay home and spend time with family.

Boxing Day has become a day of great revenue for stores that participate. In recent years
retailers have expanded these deals to “Boxing Week” which will take place anywhere from several days before Christmas to days after Christmas, and even often up to New Years Eve.

Now we don’t have to leave our home in search of amazing deals, we have – Cyber Boxing Day.

All over the world people are participating in the online version of Boxing Day, simply referred to as “Cyber Boxing Day”. In the UK in 2008, Boxing Day was the busiest online shopping day of the year. Now this is my idea of shopping and getting great ideas. You can stay home and avoid the crowds and craziness, and save money by shopping from your computer while in your pajamas. 

So there you have it, Boxing Day can have different meanings and rituals for people around the world.

If you are like me, Boxing Day is a day of relaxing after a busy Christmas day with family and friends. If I choose to get some great deals on items I wish to have, I will shop from my laptop in the comfort of my home.

Roland Leveille

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