December 26th comes after Christmas Day. In Canada, this day has a name. People call it Boxing Day.

What is the reason for this celebration?

Origins

Boxing Day is a special day. It is a holiday. People in Canada celebrate this day. People in the UK also celebrate it. Countries that were once British colonies celebrate it too. December 26th is also St. Stephen’s feast day. St. Stephen was the first martyr. A martyr is someone who dies for their beliefs. But many people do not think of religion on Boxing Day.

In the past, rich people gave gifts to their servants. This was around the 1600s. Servants took leftover Christmas food. They put this food in boxes. Then they took the boxes home to their families.

There is another story about Boxing Day. It involves Anglican churches. People put money in boxes during Advent. Advent is the time leading up to Christmas. On Boxing Day, they give the money away. Poor people receive the money.

Modern Boxing Day

December 26th is a day off in some places. It is a holiday in Ontario by law. It is a holiday for federal workers in Canada. In Manitoba, not everyone gets Boxing Day off. Some bosses give their workers a day off. If your boss does this, you are lucky!

The holiday’s meaning has changed. It was about giving gifts and help. Now, it is a day for shopping on sale. People shop on sale on Boxing Day or during Boxing Week. This is like Black Friday in the United States. Shops open early. They lower prices on many things. These things include clothes, gadgets, and home machines. But, shops are closed in some places. These places are New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Ontario. Sales start on December 27th there.

Canadians also enjoy watching hockey on TV on Boxing Day. The World Junior Hockey Championships often start on December 25 or 26. The Spengler Cup Ice Hockey tournament is on TV too. It happens in Davos, Switzerland. This year, it is from December 26 to 31.

Should you celebrate Boxing Day?

Of course! If you have a free day on the 26th, you should celebrate.

You can go shopping. You can watch hockey games. Or stay at home and eat leftovers from your Christmas meal. If you are from Germany, Poland, Scandinavia, or the Netherlands, you can have a party for Second Christmas Day. If you wish to think about the day’s religious importance, you can visit a church. You can light a candle to honor St. Stephen’s feast day. Think of this day as a chance to relax. Spend the holiday with your loved ones and friends!

A friendly reminder

Banks, post offices, and other places change their hours on holidays. You should call or check if they are open by looking online. It is good to finish your tasks before Christmas. This is because holiday hours might go on until the New Year.

 
Sources: Boxing Day, The Canadian Encyclopedia; Boxing Day in Canada, Time and Date.com; Manitoba Statutory Holidays.