Boxing Day: A Festive Tradition

Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26, is a unique holiday in the UK that transforms the Christmas celebration into an extended festivity. This day is not only a continuation of Christmas but is also recognized as a UK National Holiday. Therefore, if December 26 falls on a weekend, the following Monday becomes a holiday, allowing for a delightful extended weekend.

In certain fortunate years, such as 2016 when Christmas Day was a Sunday, Boxing Day is observed on Tuesday, thus creating an exciting four-day holiday for many.

What Does Boxing Day Celebrate?

The origins of Boxing Day are shrouded in mystery, with several theories attempting to explain its significance:

• A Day for the Servants: Traditionally, this day was when households presented a Christmas box to their servants or allowed them to visit their families, bringing gifts and leftover food.
• A Day for Charity: Some believe churches traditionally opened their alms boxes to distribute to the needy on this day, which aligns with St Stephen’s Day, associated with charity.
• A Day to Reward Good Service: It was customary for tradespeople to receive boxes of gifts and money for their service on the first weekday after Christmas.
• A Feudal Obligation: Some suggest the lord of the manor would give boxes of goods to serfs, fulfilling his obligations on Boxing Day.

The tradition of Boxing Day dates back centuries, with mentions in Samuel Pepys’ diary in the mid-17th century. However, it wasn’t until the mid-19th century that Queen Victoria designated Boxing Day as a legal holiday in England and Wales, with Scotland following in the late 20th century.

Racing Meets and Fox Hunts

Interestingly, St Stephen is the patron saint of horses, making horse racing a traditional Boxing Day activity. While fox hunting was a popular event on this day, it faced restrictions; hunting with hounds was banned in England and Wales in 2004, yet alternative methods still allow for similar activities. Boxing Day continues to host various sports events, including football matches and racing meets, drawing large crowds.

A Day for Eccentricities

Boxing Day is often filled with quirky events, including icy water swims, rubber duck races, and beagling—a whimsical, foot-based mock fox hunt. This day showcases British eccentricities and provides an opportunity for people to enjoy light-hearted fun after the Christmas festivities.

Getting Around on Boxing Day

If you plan to travel beyond walking distances on Boxing Day, it is essential to organize your transport in advance. Public transportation operates on limited schedules, so planning is advised. Available resources for navigating transportation options on Boxing Day include:

• Transport for London – A comprehensive journey planner and service status updates for London’s public transport.
• UK Buses – A site linking most local bus services across the UK.
• Traveline – An organization providing schedules and routes for various public transport in Britain.