Boxing Day began in mid-nineteenth century England under Queen Victoria. It is celebrated on December 26 (or the following Monday if the 26th falls on a Saturday or Sunday). Also know as Saint Stephen’s Day, Boxing Day gave the upper class a chance to give gifts to the lower classes.

Typically, this took the form of members of the merchant class giving boxes containing food, fruit, clothing, and money to trades people and servants as a show of gratitude – not unlike employee bonuses today. Since these gifts came in boxes the holiday became known as Boxing Day. Boxing Day was also seen as a good time to open the churches’ alms boxes. The clergy would distribute donations they had received during the Christmas season to the poor.  

These days Australia, Canada, Great Britain, and New Zealand all observe Boxing Day. The day is usually spent with friends and family sharing food and friendship. Government offices and many businesses are closed so people can exchange gifts or spend time shopping at the malls, which remain open.

To maintain Boxing Day’s tradition of charity, many businesses, families, and individuals give their time, talent and money to food banks or other organizations that provide help and gifts to the poor.