Boxing Day
/ˈbɒk.sɪŋ ˌdeɪ/
Definition
The meaning: The term Boxing Day refers to the day after Christmas, celebrated on December 26th. Traditionally, it was a day when servants and tradespeople received gifts, known as "Christmas boxes," from their employers or patrons. Today, it is widely associated with shopping sales, sports events, and continued festivities in some countries.
Le Boxing Day est un jour férié célébré le lendemain de Noël, soit le 26 décembre. Ce jour est traditionnellement marqué par des échanges de cadeaux, des célébrations festives et des événements sportifs. Lorsque le 26 décembre tombe un samedi ou un dimanche, le jour férié est officiellement reporté au lundi suivant.
Note: This day is recognized as a public holiday in several countries and carries varying traditions depending on the region.
Example Dialogue
Thabang: "What are your plans for Boxing Day?"
Lieketseng: "I'm planning to go shopping during the sales. How about you?"
Thabang: "I might just relax and watch a football match. It’s my favorite Boxing Day tradition!"
Etymology
Origin: The term "Boxing Day" dates back to the 17th century in Britain. It is believed to originate from the tradition of employers giving their servants "Christmas boxes" containing gifts, money, or leftover food on the day after Christmas as a token of gratitude. These boxes were often distributed to tradespeople and the less fortunate as well.
The name is also linked to the practice of placing alms boxes in churches during the Christmas season, which were opened and distributed to the poor on December 26th. Over time, the day evolved into a public holiday, marked by sporting events, shopping, and other festive activities in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. And in fact, in just about all Commonwealth countries, including my beloved Lesotho.
Audience
The term "Boxing Day" is commonly used in countries that observe this day as a public holiday, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It is familiar to a general audience and often referenced in both casual and formal contexts, especially in discussions about holidays, traditions, and shopping.
When to use: This term is suitable for describing the customs and events associated with the day after Christmas. It can be used in holiday greetings, cultural discussions, and explanations of traditions to people unfamiliar with the concept, making it a valuable term in intercultural communication.
Dictionary Meaning
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the noun Boxing Day refers to 'the day after Christmas Day, celebrated as a holiday in the UK and some other countries, traditionally marked by giving gifts or money to service workers and now associated with shopping and sports events.'
News Snippet
"In an interview with the Lesotho Times this week, LBTS Principal Laboratory Technologist, Khotso Kalake, said they had 432 blood units which were enough for the holidays, particularly Christmas Day on 25 December 2021, Boxing Day a day later and New Year’s Day on 1 January 2022. [Lesotho Times]
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Extra! Extra!
When I was a kid growing up in Lesotho, I thought that the day after Christmas, 26 December, was dedicated to boxing matches. What else would I have thought? According to Wikipedia, "Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated after Christmas Day, occurring on the second day of Christmastide (26 December). Boxing Day was once a day to donate gifts to those in need, but it has evolved to become a part of Christmas festivities, with many people choosing to shop for deals on Boxing Day. It originated in the United Kingdom and is celebrated in several Commonwealth nations.
The attached bank holiday or public holiday may take place on 27 or 28 December if necessary to ensure it falls on a weekday. Boxing Day is also concurrent with the Christian festival Saint Stephen's Day."
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Common Idioms and Expressions
On the eve of: Refers to the time just before an important event or occasion.
Boxing Day sales: A common phrase about major shopping discounts on 26 December.
Boxing Day tradition: Cultural or personal customs observed on Boxing Day.
Christmas Eve: The night before Christmas, often with family gatherings or religious observances.
New Year's Eve: The last evening of the year, often celebrated with parties, fireworks, etc.
Year‐end bonus: Monetary reward given to employees at the close of the year.
New Year resolution: A commitment set at the start of the new year to improve oneself, etc.
Ring in the New Year: To celebrate the arrival of the new year, often with festivities and joy.
Year‐end review: A reflection of achievements, events, or lessons learned over the past year.
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