Normally we think of the day after Christmas as just sitting in our pajamas watching TV and resting from the excesses of the night before. But in many countries, December 26 has its history and is, in fact, a day of celebration, called "the day of the boxes".

If you've never heard of this tradition, don't worry. We will explain everything you need to know to start celebrating it every year, starting with this one.

What is the day of the boxes?

First of all we must clarify that Boxing Day, or “day of the boxes”, is a holiday that is celebrated every December 26; that is, the day after Christmas.

Its origin lies in the United Kingdom, where it is considered a national holiday. However, currently there are many countries that have acquired it as another celebration of the December season. Such is the case of Australia, Canada, Ireland or New Zealand.

The latter due to the fact that, during its celebration day, sporting events and significant commercial sales are held. Although the original reason for this celebration is to promote charity and help those most in need. Either through donations or solidarity gestures.

What is the history of box day?

There is no single story that explains the origin of box day. Since, like any tradition, it has evolved with each generation until it fully developed into what we know today. However, we can mention some of the most curious stories that have emerged around this solidarity celebration.

The “extra day” of Christmas

Perhaps the best known story of the day of the boxes. It dates back to the 19th century, specifically, to a year in which Christmas Day fell on a Sunday.

Queen Victoria of England, in an act of solidarity, declared that industrial workers would have an extra day of Christmas extension to enjoy with their families. In other words, Monday December 26 would be a holiday that year and every year Christmas fell on a Sunday.

What Queen Victoria did not know, however, is that this “extra day” would be taken as another public holiday, regardless of its position on the calendar. Being settled in British history as the day of the boxes.

Domestic Employees' Christmas

Another story about the origin of this day of the boxes has to do with the English bourgeoisie of the 19th century. At that time, the aristocrats were in the habit of giving December 26 as a "day of rest" for their domestic servants.

Mainly because, every Christmas, the English bourgeoisie held a “Christmas party”, which employees had to attend. Not to enjoy the celebration, but to render service. Therefore, December 26 was the only day the servants had to share with their families.

In fact, many historical scholars claim that aristocrats gave away boxes of food, and sometimes bonuses, on this day. Something that many misinterpreted as "alms", but which in turn allowed this day to go down in history as a holiday to support those most in need.

The day of the agricultural gift boxes

Perhaps this is one of the most curious stories about the day of the boxes. Apparently, the feudal owners would gather their workers every December to offer them a gift as payment for the entire year of service. This “gift” consisted of large wooden boxes filled with farm tools, food, and clothing.

It is unknown if the objective of giving away these “work tools” came from a real concern that the employees did not have proper tools. Or if, on the contrary, it was a reminder for the workers to keep in mind what they had to do when next year arrived.

A Religious Tradition

During Victorian times, churches were said to lock up donation boxes filled by parishioners at Christmas. This so that, the next day, they could distribute everything collected among the poorest in the parish.

Unlike the other stories of the day of the boxes, this one does have a historical verification. Well, the churches in the United Kingdom are still using this custom of "opening" the donation boxes every December 26.

A tribute…to the Football League?

The day of the boxes is intrinsically linked to sport, to the point that all the Premier Leagues have started on this day, December 26. A relationship that some would take as a coincidence, but that has a historical reason.

It seems that the first game in the history of British football was held precisely on a day of the boxes. Specifically, on December 26, 1860. A match between Sheffield FC and Hallam FC that went down in posterity, and which is believed to have triggered the media popularity of box day.

Beyond her story, how can we help people who need it today?

Each story may seem stranger to us than the last, but if they all send us something, it's the one importance of solidarity and supporting the community. Qualities that are more present than ever on this day and that can vary according to each family and each culture.

Perhaps we have never celebrated this solidarity date, but it is the perfect moment to try it. That is why here we leave you some of the solidarity practices that you can start implementing on this day.

Giving greeting cards as gifts

Although this is an act that could be considered more “polite” than supportive, taking advantage of the holidays to send your friends or clients a reminder of how important they are to you never hurts .

We all like to receive good wishes. More if they are accompanied by some detail or donation. So it is one of the most implemented practices today.

Donate clothes and toys

For children, Christmas is the time for gifts. Unfortunately, not many families cannot afford them. Therefore, a good solidarity action could be to donate the clothes you no longer use, or that forgotten toy in your room.

An action that will not only brighten the child's life, but will also open more space in your closet.

Using social networks to promote solidarity action

The reach of social networks has been demonstrated for years. So it would not be bad to redirect its power in favor of those most in need at this time.

We can use our network reach to start a campaign in favor of a community, or offer online fundraising options for NGOs. It all depends on the creativity of each one of us.

Dedicate your time to those who need it most

Being supportive does not always imply an economic outlay, it is more a matter of attitude. Therefore, devoting your time to those who need it can be, in many cases, more beneficial than offering a donation.

Believe it or not, every day someone is needed to help an elderly person cross the street, or take care of a pet at Christmas. Any voluntary action can be of great help to those people who cannot pay for that service.

As we can see, box day is more than just an “English celebration”. It is the perfect excuse for us to transform that feeling of solidarity that we have into actions for our neighbor, and make this December 26 a day as special as Christmas.

References:

Do you know what Boxing Day is? https://www.brainlang.com/blog/464-you-know-what-is-boxing-day.html

What to do to celebrate a Solidarity Christmas? https://ayudaenaccion.org/ong/blog/solidaridad/navidad-solidaria/

All about Boxing Day https://www.cbc.ca/kidscbc2/the-feed/whats-the-story-boxing-day