“In this corner, weighing in at 157 pounds….” Ok, so here in the U.S. we don’t really know much about Boxing Day but we do realize that it doesn’t have anything to do with pugilism! A little research on the topic unearths quite a bit of interesting — if not completely consistent — information about the origins and meaning of Boxing Day, which occurs on the day after Christmas.
One site states that Boxing Day started in England in the Middle Ages and that the holiday was created because servants were required to work on Christmas but had the following day off. As they prepared to return to their families, their employers would present them with gifts (presumably in boxes!).
Another source reports that Boxing Day is when people give gifts, bonuses, donations or items to others, often those less fortunate. For centuries, a Christmas box was an earthenware box, introduced by the Romans, used to collect donations, either as tips at a business or as donations for the poor. These “boxes” were smashed the day after Christmas and the funds were distributed, hence the name Boxing Day. Check out this painstakingly reproduced money box by UK ceramic artist — and I’m assuming history buff — MattGrimmitt.
“This one has a flowering plant of sorts along the lines of many I have looked at on old Devon Harvest jugs of the 17-19th century.”
Today, Boxing Day is a public holiday celebrated in Great Britain, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, as well as many British commonwealths. In the holiday spirit of giving, many popular stores in these areas open early and offer big discounts on all the “boxes” that have not yet been sold. In the Western Church, December 26 is also recognized as St. Stephen’s Day or the Feast of St. Stephen — a patron of widows and the poor.
No matter the historic origins, or the more recent incarnations, it seems like what’s most important is a spirit of charity shared by all. Happy Boxing Day to everyone around the world!
Read another Boxing Day post or more Etsy International posts.
172 comments
Sign in to add your ownimfromthewoods says:
wahooooooo sales time!
2 years ago
missindie says:
Cool article! :]
2 years ago
beautifulbridget says:
bring it on!!!
2 years ago
sesenarts says:
Happy and safe Boxing Day to all. Enjoy the little holiday, don't stress with the kids. Just chill... easy for you in Europe and the US. For us in Australia. we are looking for ways to chill! It's hot here!!
2 years ago
staroftheeast says:
Lovely read!
2 years ago
AMIdesigns says:
Happy Boxing Day from the UK :)
2 years ago
SWANclothing says:
i'm Boxing Daying it up! bring on the boxes!
2 years ago
hisocietyjewelry says:
Happy boxing day to all. My sale starts now. Am offering 10% discount plus free shipping thru 1/3/10.
2 years ago
MinceCo says:
It always attracts sport, cricket, sydney to hobart yatch race...not only do we get xmas in a little earlier than many of you, we also call boxing day a public holiday. Today, for me, that means more time to browse Etsy :)
2 years ago
voleurdebijoux says:
Happy Boxing Day!! :)
2 years ago
jolinne says:
Happy boxing day!! My shop offers free worldwide shipping :)
2 years ago
MinceCo says:
correction...yacht +)
2 years ago
mclean2612 says:
I love Boxing Day because it also happens to be my Birthday!! Happy Boxing day everyone!
2 years ago
dafnadagan says:
intresting :)
2 years ago
studiocvh says:
awesome finds! free shipping in my shop! studiocvh.etsy.com
2 years ago
Ebruk says:
Happy Boxing Day,I am ready for Boxing Day.All items in my shop Free Worldwide Shipping.Dont miss this opporyunity.
2 years ago
Morphologica says:
Boxing day for me means eating far too much (again) :)
2 years ago
ebrukSupplies says:
Happy boxing Day! My offer is 10% off all items in my shop,Plus Free Worldwide Shipping. You can find unique jewelry and supplies in my shop.
2 years ago
SzetoBaby says:
Wow! I didn't know what Boxing Day was until now... If you are from Great Britain, Canada, New Zealand, Australia or another British commonwealths I'll ship to you guys FREE on purchases $50 and up :o) in the spirit of this great holiday! :o) Just let me know in an email before purchase and I will set up a custom listing with FREE shipping for you!!! Sincerely, SzetoBaby's Mommy :o)
2 years ago
pocketcarnival says:
Hooray! Happy days. Boxing day for me means recovering from eating far too much, and playing with my christmas gifts. (I really should try to embrace the meaning of the day in the above article though!)
2 years ago
soapychica says:
Lovely article- I always thought Boxing Day here in the UK was so called because of giving 'Christmas Boxes' to people like your postman and milkman etc. Although they don't call on Bank Holidays so....maybe not! The Boxing Day Sales is what it is all about these days!
2 years ago
SixSkeins says:
Many sales start here on Boxing Day but for me it's the food (again) - cold meats left over from Christmas Day with piping hot croquette potatoes and cranberry sauce - mmmm...!
2 years ago
PeculiarForest says:
Happy boxing day everyone from a Brit living in France :)
2 years ago
steinschmuckdesign says:
Happy Boxing Day to everyone!!! Guess I will do a SALE in my Shop:)
2 years ago
FrenchRevelation says:
Happy Boxing Day. I'm having a Boxing Day sale! All Christmas items reduced to half price (prices as marked) - stock up for next year frenchrevelation.etsy.com
2 years ago
nowonder says:
Happy boxing day!
2 years ago
SamanthaSprite says:
To me, a girl from Melbourne, Boxing Day is all about eating leftovers while sitting at the MCG, watching the first day of the Boxing Day test match. I love it!
2 years ago
matouenpeluche says:
How interesting!! I'm from Sydney - viva SALES - one in my shop also as a matter of fact!! :)
2 years ago
Adornyourself says:
Hope all will enjoy the Feast of St.Stephen's. I have my boxes of baking all ready to go, we visit friends and take small gifts or boxes of goodies today as part of our celebration here in Canada.
2 years ago
WooldeBeast says:
I've marked down some items by half and offer free shipping. Come see my sale section!
2 years ago
maijutzeler says:
happy xmas!!! 6_6
2 years ago
moaningminnie says:
happy boxing day everybody!
2 years ago
masaoms says:
Happy Boxing Day everybody!! Here in Spain we celebrate Saint Esteban Day eating with all family and friends... ;-)
2 years ago
valnorthwoods says:
I always thought that Boxing Day was when you "played" with your Christmas presents. OOPS.
2 years ago
RedBridge says:
Here's my Boxing Day Treasury. http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=80730
2 years ago
RubyBeets says:
Happy Boxing Day!
2 years ago
BizzieLizzie says:
Happy Boxing Day to all of my Etsy friends that celebrate! LOVE the fact that we get to chat and celebrate with folks all around the world!!
2 years ago
BabbidgePatch says:
Happy Boxing Day!
2 years ago
TomBjornDesigns says:
yeap!! happy boxing day :)))
2 years ago
callmemimi says:
Intresting ! Happy Boxing Day !
2 years ago
candythomasgourdart says:
I had never heard of Boxing Day-very interesting!Happy Boxing Day!!! :D
2 years ago
BlackStar says:
Happy Boxing Day from Tennessee!
2 years ago
StellasKnits says:
Happy Boxing Day from Virginia USA!!
2 years ago
CardsAndCraft says:
Happy Boxing Day from the UK, Happy St Stephen's Day to Ireland.
2 years ago
Iammie says:
Happy Boxing Day!
2 years ago
capitalcitycrafts says:
thanks for the history lesson... I'm celebrating later!
2 years ago
blueskyclouds says:
I'm glad to learn about the origins of this day. Thanks for the info, it was very interesting! For us, today is boxing day because we have to box up all our gifts and ship them home after visiting relatives far away!
2 years ago
pandawithcookie says:
Happy day!
2 years ago
editionbw says:
Indeed 'tis Boxing Day! & 'tis Boxing Day in my shoppe!
2 years ago
hazelmehoo says:
happy boxing day!
2 years ago
craftpile says:
happy boxing day!
2 years ago
dazzlecreations says:
Happy Boxing Day!!
2 years ago
3dots says:
Happy Boxing Day from Québec, Canada!!
2 years ago
ModernMetalJewelry says:
Happy Boxing Day!
2 years ago
HeatherMitchellDraws says:
In the spirit of Boxing Day, I will offer 50% off the first portrait order I get that mentions Boxing Day. Happy Holidays to all!
2 years ago
theeye says:
from beautiful British Columbia, happy Boxing Day!
2 years ago
poppyswickedgarden says:
WWWoooHooo Happy Boxing day! I'm having a big "Vacation" sale over here too, with a big sale section http://www.etsy.com/shop/poppyswickedgarden?section_id=5115244
2 years ago
artangel says:
Happy Boxing Day everyone - before today I'd never realised this holiday wasn't recognised in the US!
2 years ago
alittleVintageShop says:
What a beautiful celebration ... now this is a holiday I could really get into :)
2 years ago
britishvintage says:
Happy Boxing Day, from a snowy Edinburgh, Scotland.
2 years ago
LavenderField says:
Interesting! Happy Boxing Day to everyone here!
2 years ago
breadandroses2 says:
Happy Boxing Day & St. Stephen's Day! Mention either day in message to seller box when ordering & get free shipping, through today 12/26 only.
2 years ago
starvingartistbazaar says:
happy boxing day!
2 years ago
breadandroses2 says:
Correction: Happy Boxing Day & St. Stephen's Day! Mention either day in message to seller box when ordering and get FREE SHIPPING TO U.S. OR CANADA, through today 12/26 only. International buyers, shipping is 1/2 off.
2 years ago
breadandroses says:
Same offer in my other BreadandRoses shop: Happy Boxing Day & St. Stephen's Day! Mention either day in message to seller box when ordering and get FREE SHIPPING TO U.S. OR CANADA, through today, 12/26/09, only. International buyers, shipping is 1/2 off.
2 years ago
roundabout says:
Thanks for the background on this holiday - very interesting! Happy Boxing Day!
2 years ago
uknowuneedanother says:
Happy Boxing Day to all my northern neighbors, across the pond, and down under!
2 years ago
divalovessilver says:
Happy Boxing Day..........from Melbourne Australia! ha ha .i am looking forward to the whole boxing week sales!!
2 years ago
oldworldprimitives says:
Happy Boxing Day!
2 years ago
metrostation says:
Boxing Day Sales are great usually you get 70% off already clearanced items!
2 years ago
PinkSherbert says:
Happy Boxing Day from the UK :0)
2 years ago
riorita says:
Thank you for the interesting details!
2 years ago
worksofwhimsy says:
Thanks for the little history lesson. Happy Boxing day to all!
2 years ago
MissSideburns says:
Happy Boxing Day! 25% off everything in my shop and free shipping, as always!
2 years ago
grayday says:
happy boxing day!!!
2 years ago
SimpleJoysPaperie says:
Thanks for the history lesson ~ Happy Boxing Day!
2 years ago
littlejennywren says:
Happy Boxing Day everyone from Tiny Tassie. Lovely to see some familiar faces in the items up above.
2 years ago
mingtaphotography says:
Happy Boxing Day!
2 years ago
SetCarre says:
I'm having a sale too! 25% off Happy Boxing Day to everyone :)
2 years ago
girltuesdayjewelry says:
Happy Boxing Day!
2 years ago
lindabutterfly says:
Good to see Etsy embracing and explaining the roots of Boxing Day.
2 years ago
MidwestAlchemy says:
Happy Boxing Day!
2 years ago
kristimcmurry says:
I learn something new every day! Thank you for telling us about Boxing Day.
2 years ago
yotldesigns says:
Happy Boxing Day and Happy New Years to all.
2 years ago
thelittlereddoor says:
Happy Boxing Day from the Canadian Prairies! check out my 50% off section in shop :)
2 years ago
JetWhitePonytail says:
Happy Boxing Day all!
2 years ago
JLRutter says:
What a wonderful tradition that I wish was worldwide. :)
2 years ago
gilstrapdesigns says:
Have a very very happy Boxing day All.
2 years ago
Morado says:
Happy Boxing day! My White doves are now ON SALE!! :o) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34986657
2 years ago
rebeccasanchez says:
Learn something new everyday. Happy boxing day!
2 years ago
rctees says:
Lovely article.....Happy Boxing day to all. I would like to thank those in Canada, Australia and Great Britain that have made purchases from me. You are awesome and I appreciate you!!
2 years ago
mizdarlin says:
Thanks for the acknowledgement...maybe next year we could actually have an FP...just dreaming...
2 years ago
DonidoDesigns says:
I always kind of wondered what Boxing Day was about, but was of course always too lazy to do any research on it. So thanks!
2 years ago
battysbath says:
Great article! Happy Boxing Day :)
2 years ago
itselemental says:
Great story! Had never heard of Boxing Day before- Happy Boxing Day!
2 years ago
Sammis2shoes says:
Yes they forgot to mention the cricket that is played during the BOXING DAY MATCH. Usually either a one-dayer, or a test series. Anyway mates enjoy the boxing day downunder! Im an Aussie missing the boxing day onslaught sales that occur nationwide in Australia. Oh well She'll be apples!
2 years ago
CreativeButterflyXOX says:
Happy Boxing day to all, from a British girl in NY :)
2 years ago
daynaaa says:
HAPPY BOXING FROM CANADA Sale at my shop! www.ashesforash.etsy.com
2 years ago
OhFaro says:
Great read- I seriously thought it had something to do with ring fighting! Happy Boxing Day to our international friends!
2 years ago
jbeaudet says:
Happy Boxing day!
2 years ago
thecyclingartist says:
aw, thanks Etsy! :) Have a great day!
2 years ago
soule says:
Yes! Happy boxing day!
2 years ago
lolos says:
Happy Boxing Day to all! Lolo :-)
2 years ago
maggiesraggedyinn says:
Have a fun Boxing day whether you are boxing up your Christmas gifts from under the tree or shopping for the great sales.
2 years ago
lifeofcolors says:
Sending box loads of cheer to those celebrating Boxing Day!
2 years ago
ThatOldBlueHouse2 says:
Happy Boxing Day! Lucky enough to spend the Holiday in London many years ago...wonderful place, although it was a little cold and rainy!!!
2 years ago
hotellemotelle says:
ridiculously cheap boxing week sales in my store! Happy Boxing Day everyone!!!!!
2 years ago
JesseMosher says:
Happy Boxing Day -discount in my shop as Boxing Day gift to all ! Enjoy your day .
2 years ago
sarahndipities says:
Happy Boxing Day, everyone! I'm celebrating with FREE SHIPPING on all of my Holiday items!
2 years ago
creamrose says:
Happy Boxing day everyone! Love from the Seaside somewhere near to London:)
2 years ago
muka says:
Hi everyone. And to add to the article, I read today in the paper that in several countries in Africa they hold their most important boxing matches on this day. Whatever you are doing, enjoy the day!
2 years ago
kippyssomature says:
Thank you muka for the great article and photo - Now I can explain what Boxing Day is!
2 years ago
maggiemaevintage says:
Happy boxing day! 10% off everything in my shop - make sure you add a note to seller: "10% Off" to qualify
2 years ago
justlikeyouimagined says:
MEGA SALES IN THE UK!!! WOOOOO-HOOOOO!!!***
2 years ago
justlikeyouimagined says:
and happy boxing day, from me in merry old london, uk! :D
2 years ago
LindaFriedrich says:
Happy boxing day from Israel.
2 years ago
AnnaLela says:
happy boxing day!!! sales in my shop enjoy
2 years ago
sleepyking says:
Happy boxing day! free shipping in my shop :) http://www.etsy.com/shop/sleepyking
2 years ago
michvanetta says:
Boxing Day for me is catching up with my sisters family and giving more gifts. Happy Boxing Day from Australia. xx
2 years ago
WingsDove says:
Happy Happy Happy Boxing Day to everyone. We should take part in this generous and charming tradition in the US.
2 years ago
SEOWebDesign says:
Happy Boxing Day. We should adopt this Holiday in the U.S.
2 years ago
BellaRennie says:
Boxing Day for us is just kicking back and relaxing..eating leftovers, drinking left over wine (!), watching movies, hockey or just enjoying the day however we see fit. I'm having a boxing week sale in my shop and no shipping charges!
2 years ago
jamiespinello says:
Ah, so it has nothing to do with violence after all. Strange and interesting.
2 years ago
trudiedavies says:
In the land of OZ - there is the Boxing Day Cricket Match, which is big and the Sydney to Hobart Boat Race (ocean racing) and the department stores have big sales......... and just plain looking forward to NYE!!...
2 years ago
dorijewellery says:
Happy Boxing Day to all.
2 years ago
LisbonSky says:
Happy Happy Boxing Day! :) Great picks, Etsy!
2 years ago
CosplayOtaku says:
I learned something new, Happy Boxing Day!
2 years ago
stonehorsedesigns says:
Boxing day - who knew..
2 years ago
MeadowbelleMarket says:
I'm so glad to finally know what this Boxing Day is all about. I wish we celebrated in the US! Perhaps I'll start...
2 years ago
OriginalMischief says:
Love Boxing Day - it's my Dad's birthday.♥
2 years ago
Gardenbonbons says:
Happy Boxing Day to one and all!
2 years ago
daniellexo says:
Now that I'm living in Brooklyn I miss Boxing Day - I'll celebrate with you MeadowbelleMarket!
2 years ago
streetnoodles says:
always wondered about boxing day...and you're right, it doesn't matter how it originated, BUT how it's celebrated, which i better get a move on and get some celebrating with my hubby!
2 years ago
twirliewhirlies says:
Oh wow! I couldn't figure out why my pinwheels were getting so many views today. Thanks for including them. We celebrate Boxing Day here in Ontario Canada so thanks for recognizing our fab holiday!
2 years ago
That70sShoppe says:
Thanks for the information. I didn't know what it was until reading this.
2 years ago
kirakira says:
This beautiful box (included in the article): http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26448007&ref=storque Is actually a Jewish tzedakah box and has nothing to do with Boxing Day. The Hebrew word tzedakah is loosely translated as charity. Tzedakah boxes are used to collect money for charity throughout the year but the money can be distributed at anytime.
2 years ago
bstrung says:
You learn something new everyday! Happy Boxing Day!!!
2 years ago
odiliafu says:
What a meaningful article!! Happy Boxing Day!!
2 years ago
shopKCQ says:
Happy Boxing Day~ hopefully next year, I'll be in Toronto or Hong Kong to celebrate as well!! :]
2 years ago
empressjade says:
Had a lovely Boxing Day. A walk on the beach (extra special as it was SUNNY), a late dinner with family and friends and a few glasses of wine. Can't get better than that. XOXO Empress Jade.... from Victoria BC, Canada
2 years ago
vintagemaison says:
Had a great meal with friends after a crisp frosty morning of clay-pigeon shooting. We all contributed left-overs: own produced turkey and lamb, home-grown veg (we are ex-pat Brits & self-sufficiency wannabies, living in France). It was a magical day, in their old cosy farmhouse, with a roaring fire and dogs at our feet. An excellent day combining all things British: sport, frost dogs, good food & wine but most of all, good friends!
2 years ago
littlestarclothing says:
Happy Boxing Day to everyone from Down Under! P.S. I hope you are all recovering from Christmas!!!!
2 years ago
MyJunkyTrunk says:
In honor of Boxing Day, check out my print entitled, "Boxin' Brickhouse"! LOL! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28660434
2 years ago
SparxsDesigns says:
Very interesting holiday. I am a sucker for boxes, myself. I collect limoge boxes, cardboard hat boxes, ring boxes and unpainted boxes. I painted this box http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33637076
2 years ago
MessyJesse says:
Happy 'belated' Boxing Day! from England! :)
2 years ago
BlueChinaBaby says:
Thanks for the enlightenment! :)
2 years ago
ToxicInk says:
That pixie hat is too cute!
2 years ago
nikid says:
Wonderful!
2 years ago
rosieisrosey says:
As an Aussie I find 'happy boxing day' a funny turn of phrase. It's simply boxing day, an extra public holiday that you use to play with your presents, recover from the food and drink of Xmas whilst eating and drinking all the left overs. Boxing day growing up meant having family friends that had their own Christmases to attend to over for a bbq and left over cheeses and cold meats etc.
2 years ago
nikkicandles says:
Thanks for the history on that day. Very interesting to know how some holidays are created. I hope those that celebrated enjoyed the day.
2 years ago
CereiceDesigns says:
Yeah, we recognize Boxing Day in Bermuda, too, but no-one says "Happy Boxing Day" (smiles). It's an extension of the Christmas holiday to us, and we visit our other family and friends whom we didn't get to see on Christmas Day. Or just relax. Nice to see it explained on here, though.
2 years ago
ricerafferty says:
Boxing day sounds like a great time. :)
2 years ago
PoshPixels says:
Love those pinwheels! :)
2 years ago
aisha123 says:
I like it! Very interesting.
2 years ago
SewMuchStyle says:
Happy boxing day to all and to all a good night.
2 years ago
VintiqueLa says:
Last year I got a fake moustache in my box when I was visiting Scotland. Love Boxing Day! Cool history.
2 years ago
anne4bags says:
It is fascinating to see how everyone celebrates the day. Thanks for the chance to be in touch with so many people from around the world. I didn't realise it wasn't a US holiday. While I agree with CereiceDesigns - we don't usually say "Happy Boxing Day" -- it was lovely to read all those good wishes above.
2 years ago
ArtisticIntentions says:
Very cool! I learned something today! Thanks for sharing!!
2 years ago
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2 years ago
filofashion says:
Happy Boxing Day from the TURKEY :))))
2 years ago
filofashion says:
Happy Boxing Day from the TURKEY :)))
2 years ago
keeperofart says:
Happy Boxing day. It's a vacation time and I have a sale going on in my shop.
2 years ago
woofbark says:
Thanks for the lesson.
2 years ago
srinandi says:
It's actually the day that 'lords of the manor' would deliver 'boxes' of left overs for the regular peasants that worked the fields, kitchens, or whatever. It is still in practice today, at least, it is in Somerset!
2 years ago
sweetharvey says:
Yes, boxing day. Never heard of that until being on Poppytalk Handmade. Anyway, Happy Boxing Day!
2 years ago
PoisonApplePotions says:
Wow I actually never knew what Boxing Day was all about!
2 years ago
GarrettMcCarthy says:
Happy Boxing Day Canada!!!! ( Neighbors to the north of us just over the St. Lawrence River.....) Man..I gotta get back to visiting Kingston, Ottowa and Montreal - and paint the hell out of those places!!!! - Ottowa especially during tulip Festival!!!)
2 years ago
JaniceCordeiro says:
Many interesting facts on the origins of Boxing Day. I like the giving to the needy part best. After all the taking it seems to add balance.
2 years ago
DiCeS says:
I never knew the origins either, but if you want to compare what goes on, it's similar to the American's Black Friday.
2 years ago
GarrettMcCarthy says:
Happy Boxing Day Canada also! I had heard a little bit about it - especially with an over-the-border trip to Kingston - great little city!
2 years ago