My DH and I were arguing. I think Boxing day (day after Christmas) is a Commonwealth (UK, Aus. Canada, NZ) holiday and he thinks the US has it as well because he's SURE he's seen Boxing day sales advertised on the US stations.

I do know some Americans (North eastern states maybe?) celebrate it but I don't think it's a common or well known holiday south of the border.

By Dawnk777 on Monday, December 26, 2005 - 10:33 am:

Nope, I don't do Boxing Day and I live in Wisconsin. I think it's a UK and Canada thing. (don't know about Aust and NZ)

By Luvn29 on Monday, December 26, 2005 - 10:45 am:

Nope, I've lived in OH and VA and Boxing Day is not celebrated. On our calenders it is noted as a Canadian holiday.

By Bea on Monday, December 26, 2005 - 11:33 am:

We have often held our Open House on Boxing Day, but I'm an Anglophile and love English traditions.

Boxing Day
by Alecia Dixon
BOXING DAY

When is it?
December 26th, Boxing Day takes place on December 26th or the following Monday if December 26 falls on a Saturday or Sunday.

Where did it come from?
Boxing Day began in England, in the middle of the nineteenth century, under Queen Victoria. Boxing Day, also known as St. Stephen's Day, was a way for the upper class to give gifts of cash, or other goods, to those of the lower classes.

Where is Boxing Day celebrated?
Boxing Day is celebrated in Australia, Britain, New Zealand, and Canada.

How is Boxing Day celebrated?
There seems to be two theories on the origin of Boxing Day and why it is celebrated. The first is that centuries ago, on the day after Christmas, members of the merchant class would give boxes containing food and fruit, clothing, and/or money to trades people and servants. The gifts were an expression of gratitude much like when people receive bonuses, from their employer, for a job well done, today. These gifts, given in boxes, gave the holiday it's name, "Boxing Day".

The second thought is that Boxing Day comes from the tradition of opening the alms boxes placed in churches over the Christmas season. The contents thereof which were distributed amongst the poor, by the clergy, the day after Christmas.

Today, Boxing Day is spent with family and friends with lots of food and sharing of friendship and love. Government buildings and small businesses are closed but the malls are open and filled with people exchanging gifts or buying reduced priced Christmas gifts, cards, and decorations.

To keep the tradition of Boxing Day alive, many businesses, organizations, and families donate their time, services, and money to aid Food Banks and provide gifts for the poor, or they may choose to help an individual family that is in need.

What a great extension of the Christmas holiday spirit. You might consider making this holiday a tradition in your family. No matter where you live the simple principle of giving to others less fortunate than yourself can be put into practice.

By Pamt on Monday, December 26, 2005 - 11:40 am:

You win!! I've lived in AL, GA, LA, TX, and MO and it isn't celebrated in any of those states.

By Reds9298 on Monday, December 26, 2005 - 12:31 pm:

Never heard of it!

By Paulas on Monday, December 26, 2005 - 01:12 pm:

Boxing day is a big deal here in Canada, but mainly for the sales at the stores. I think it might be similiar to the big sales you have in the US after your Thanksgiving. Electronic stores often have a few of a wanted item at an amazing price to lure customers in. We decided to stay home this year.

By Missbookworm on Monday, December 26, 2005 - 03:03 pm:

I'm staying home this year too Paula! I'm all shopped out lol

By Dawnk777 on Monday, December 26, 2005 - 04:52 pm:

We were briefly in a store today. They were busy and DH went into Walmart by himself to buy some rechargeable batteries for his sister's new camera. For those of us out in the car, the cars were coming and going at a rapid pace!

By Alberobello on Monday, December 26, 2005 - 04:56 pm:

Today is Boxing Day and is very big in the UK. Today is when most of the sales begin, some even at 6 am...

That is really nice Bea, i didn't know that that was the meaning, it sounds a lot better than going shopping before sunrise!

By Marcia on Monday, December 26, 2005 - 05:45 pm:

I would have gone today, but I'm too sick.
It's insanely busy, and the deals are amazing! Most stores are starting to have boxing day sales before Christmas now, which is excellent!

By Crystal915 on Monday, December 26, 2005 - 06:27 pm:

Never heard it celebrated in the US either. We typically have sales the day after Christmas, but often that's because of returns, and gift cards. Stores did open early this morning, but we don't call it Boxing Day.

By Momofmax on Monday, December 26, 2005 - 06:43 pm:

I've lived in LA all of my life except for a few years in London. I had never heard of it until I moved there and my British neighbor told me it was a holiday celebrated the day after Christmas when everyone goes shopping and returns gifts they don't want! I thought that was a little funny but who am I to question an old tradition that includes shopping!

By Pamt on Monday, December 26, 2005 - 11:04 pm:

How sad that a holiday that started to help those less fortunate has turned into a big shopping day full of consumerism.

By Marcia on Tuesday, December 27, 2005 - 01:55 am:

It's a big no no to take your returns back on boxing day at most stores. They are far too busy with sales to deal with returns.
I was totally unaware of the origins of Boxing Day until I read it here, and then I heard it on the news tonight. I'm sure most people don't know.

By Insaneusmcwife on Tuesday, December 27, 2005 - 07:56 am:

I had never heard the term "boxing-day" until yesterday. And it was explained to me that it is the day that everyone boxes their unwanted presents up and returns them to the store. I think its funny how people make up their own meaning to things they know nothing about.

By Marcia on Tuesday, December 27, 2005 - 02:02 pm:

On the news last night they were asking people where they thought the name came from. Most people said it's because you need to put boxing gloves on to make it through the craziness of the stores. LOL Sounds pretty accurate!