What to Do on Boxing Day: Fun Ideas for December 26th

Shopping and Sales

• In many countries, Boxing Day is known for big sales and discounts, similar to Black Friday. People often visit stores or shop online to take advantage of these deals.

Sports

• Football (Soccer): In the UK, Boxing Day is famous for its football matches, with clubs across the leagues playing games.
• Rugby and Cricket: Other sports like rugby and cricket also feature prominently in some countries.
• Horse Racing: Traditional horse racing events are held in places like the UK and Ireland.

Relaxing and Spending Time with Family

• After the hustle of Christmas Day, many people use Boxing Day to relax at home, watch movies, or enjoy leftovers.
• It’s also a popular day for family gatherings and informal socializing.

Outdoor Activities

• Hiking or Walking: People might go for a Boxing Day walk to enjoy nature or burn off Christmas calories.
• Swimming: In some coastal areas, "Boxing Day swims" in icy waters are a tradition.
• Hunting: Traditional fox hunts, now replaced with drag hunts in the UK, are a Boxing Day custom in rural areas.

Charitable Activities

• Historically, Boxing Day was a time to give to those in need. Some people still use the day to volunteer or donate to charity.

Travel and Holidays

• Boxing Day is often the start of travel for those heading off on post-Christmas vacations or visiting extended family.

Eating Leftovers

• Many enjoy leftover turkey, ham, and other Christmas Day treats, sometimes repurposed into dishes like sandwiches, pies, or soups.

Watching TV and Movies

• Special Boxing Day programs, Christmas specials, and classic movies are staples on TV schedules.

Boxing Day Events

• Parades, fairs, and local events, like the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race in Australia, are common in some areas.

Boxing Day Sales Tradition Origin

• The name "Boxing Day" is thought to come from the tradition of giving "Christmas boxes" to servants or those in need, which evolved into a day for sharing and generosity.

People celebrate Boxing Day in different ways depending on their cultural background, but it is generally a more laid-back and less formal day than Christmas.