Why the day after Christmas is called Boxing Day

Boxing Day

So the festivities are behind you, the chapatis are all but gone, you're heading out to the sales or chilling on the sofa...but why?

What exactly is Boxing Day, and why is it even called that? Funny enough it has nothing to do with Boxing, instead, there's a confusing mix of traditions that kickstarted the day.

Here's what the day is all about:

What is Boxing Day?

The day after Christmas, December 26, is called Boxing Day. It's when we get another day off before heading back to work.

Why is it called Boxing Day?

There are plenty of theories so we've broken them down.

The earliest mention was in the 1830s when a 'Christmas Box' was the name given to a Christmas present.

It also relates to giving to the poor. Traditionally there was a box to collect money for the poor placed in Churches on Christmas day and opened the next day - Boxing Day aka St Stephen's Day.

The Victorians were the ones who made Boxing Day a Bank Holiday in 1871. Around the same time, the tradition of giving servants time off to visit the family was growing.

Boxing Day was traditionally a day off for servants, their master would give them a box to take with them. It used to hold gifts, a bonus and sometimes leftovers.

Sailing ships when setting sail would have a sealed box containing money on board for good luck. If the voyage was a success, the box was given to a priest, opened on Christmas, and the contents given to the poor.