What and when is Boxing Day?

, [Boxing Day traditions, history, and trivia.] [View Online Version] [The Old Farmer's Almanac Store] WHAT IS BOXING DAY, AND WHEN IS BOXING DAY IN CANADA? What is Boxing Day? Why is it called Boxing Day? What, if anything, does boxing have to do with it? Boxing Day, like a box, has many points of interest. WHAT IS BOXING DAY? Boxing Day is a centuries-old British traditional gift-giving day once recognized across the British empire. Today, Boxing Day is considered part of the Christmas season’s festivities in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. WHEN IS BOXING DAY IN CANADA? Boxing Day occurs on December 26 (the day after Christmas). However, if Christmas falls on a Saturday, Boxing Day takes place on the following Monday. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2017 Calendars ] 2017 Old Farmer’s Almanac Wall & Desk Calendars SAVE 30% when you order 2 or more! Promo Code: CELEBRATING225 [Learn More!] $9.99-$14.99 --------------------------------------------------------------- ORIGIN OF BOXING DAY Boxing Day in Ireland is also known as St. Stephen’s Day. But did you know: There are two saints named Stephen! One St. Stephen was stoned to death for his Christian faith and is considered the first Christian martyr. The other St. Stephen practiced missionary work in Sweden and had a fondness for animals—especially horses. (This may be the reason that horse racing is popular on this day.) Are you familiar with the carol titled “Good King Wenceslas,” with its first line of “Good King Wenceslas looked out/on the feast of Stephen”? Written by John Mason Neale and first published in 1853, the lyrics celebrate the spirit of Boxing Day—generosity—as they describe King Wenceslas watching a poor man “gath’ring winter fuel.” The king then brings the peasant food and logs for his fire. WHY IS IT CALLED BOXING DAY? Yes, boxes are a big part of Boxing Day traditions! During the Victorian era (1837–1901, Queen Victoria’s reign), Boxing Day was the occasion for church parishioners to deposit donations into a box that was put out for the purpose by the clergyman. Boxing Day was also the day on which wealthy employers gave their workers a box into which they had put cash, food, and other treats. Servants were given the day off to enjoy the day with their family. On Boxing Day, tradespeople received “Christmas boxes”, usually made of pottery and containing cash and/or gifts. Recipients broke open the boxes and used the money to celebrate Boxing Day. One of the earliest records of these box gifts dates from 1663. In an entry in his diary, English Parliamentarian Samuel Pepys writes that he sent a coach to his shoemaker to deliver “something to the boys’ box against Christmas” in addition to funds to cover his bill. --------------------------------------------------------------- [Almanac Anniversary Collector's Edition] The 2017 Old Farmer's Almanac Special Anniversary Collector's Edition Our best offer—includes 3 FREE GIFTS! (a $15.99 value) [Learn More!] $15.95 --------------------------------------------------------------- DO BOXING EVENTS OCCUR ON BOXING DAY? Sporting events have taken place on Boxing Day for centuries. However, pugilism—fighting with gloved fists—is not normally one of them. Foxhunting was once a tradition among wealthy British on Boxing Day. In 2004, however, laws were passed that prohibited hunting with foxes and allowed hunts only in modified form. Today’s more popular Boxing Day activities include watching horse races and football games, jogging (in organized fund–raising runs), charity events, and taking a dip in the frigid English Channel. BOXING DAY TRIVIA & LORE - On this day in 1776, George Washington crossed the ice-clogged Delaware River to attack Hessian forces in Trenton, New Jersey at dawn. - 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 wind blows much on Stephen’s day [26th], the grape will be bad in next year.” BOXING DAY RECIPES Want to eat something typical for Boxing Day? Because it’s the cook’s day off (traditionally speaking), leftovers are on the menu. Here are a few recipes, suited for the remains of a Christmas dinner or a fresh start: - [Turkey Chowder] - [Meat Pie] - [Vegetable Pie] - [For dessert—what else?—Prune Ice Box Cake] If you are feeling especially clever or crafty, make a [white-chocolate candy box] and fill it with treats for someone special! --------------------------------------------------------------- [Comfort Food Cookbook] The Old Farmer's Almanac Comfort Food More than 200 recipes that will put a smile on your face! 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