Boxing Day

What Is Boxing Day?

December 26 is "Boxing Day," a public holiday observed the day after Christmas in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other Commonwealth countries. The name "Boxing" doesn't refer to the sport — it comes from the practice of putting gifts in a "Christmas box." Traditionally, on this day, employers gave gifts to servants, postal workers, and other employees as a token of appreciation.

How Boxing Day Is Celebrated Today

• Major sales: Department stores and retailers hold huge discount sales the day after Christmas — roughly equivalent to Japan's New Year's "hatsu-uri" sales and lucky bags. In the UK and Canada, it's one of the biggest shopping days of the year, alongside Black Friday
• Sports: In England, Boxing Day is famous as a day for Premier League football matches
• Time with family: A day to visit relatives and friends you weren't able to see on Christmas Day itself

Japan's Own "Boxing Day"-Style Traditions

In Japan, some stores offer steep discounts on Christmas cakes starting December 26. Year-end sales and lucky bag ("fukubukuro") reservations at supermarkets and department stores share a similar spirit with Boxing Day's sales culture. In cities with larger communities from English-speaking countries, Boxing Day parties are sometimes held as well.