Boxing Day

[H]

I wasn't sure where to ask this but, since it's not particularly serious, thought to ask it here:
Why does Australia, Canada and New Zealand have Boxing Day after Christmas? Don't they keep any of their gifts -- and shouldn't it be called "Re"-Boxing Day?

[ozzy72]

We also have it on the 26th in the UK H
I know that the historical reason for it is that on Christmas day night children used to make a small box out of wood and then on Boxing day when the family gathered they would go around collecting money off the relatives in their little box.
Personally I think it is called this 'cos all you want to do is thump all your idiot relatives when they turn up and make a mess and drink all your booze!

[Craig.]

We also have it on the 26th in the UK H
I know that the historical reason for it is that on Christmas day night children used to make a small box out of wood and then on Boxing day when the family gathered they would go around collecting money off the relatives in their little box.
Personally I think it is called this 'cos all you want to do is thump all your idiot relatives when they turn up and make a mess and drink all your booze!

personally I have always heard, it was called that because it was the day the masters of a house would give their servents the day after christmas off as a holiday, and would give them small gifts in the boxes from the previous day.

[H]

Explains it to a, howbeit slightly confusing, degree.  In the latter explanation (Craig's), I still think it should be called "Reboxing" Day.

[Hagar]

personally I have always heard, it was called that because it was the day the masters of a house would give their servents the day after christmas off as a holiday, and would give them small gifts in the boxes from the previous day.

Right. I've always believed much the same. http://www.pauldenton.co.uk/Boxingday.htm

Boxing Day originated in England in the middle of the nineteenth century under Queen Victoria. December 26th, or Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated in Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and other Commonwealth countries. It is spent with family and friends at open gatherings with lots of food, fun, friendship and love. Boxing Day is so called because it was the custom on that day for tradesmen to collect their Christmas boxes or gifts in return for good and reliable service throughout the year.

[Mehdi]

I remember once when I was 6, we were going through some national holidays in school when my mate said Boxing Day... naturally, I was confused so I put my hand up and got a good telling off for being silly by saying 'Karate Day'...

[SilverFox441]

I don't know the origin of Boxing Day...but here in Canada I do know what it means.

Deep discounts on Christmas stock in the stores! Anything that didn't sell either has to be inventoried or sold off, selling it a discount makes for an easier time and for some really great sales. In Canada, Boxing Day has some of the best deals you will see all year.

[Hagar]

In Canada, Boxing Day has some of the best deals you will see all year.

Consumers in the UK have finally realised this, forcing many stores to hold their sales before Christmas instead of starting them the day afterwards. The fact that so many were prepared to pay extortionate prices knowing full well they could get the same goods much cheaper a couple of days later always seemed odd me.

[SilverFox441]

Pretty much the same here...Boxing Day sales start before Christmas.

Not this year though. Christams Eve being a Saturday it will be a madhouse in the stores and they don't need to drive extra traffic or to give a break to those who haven't got their shopping done.

Of course we have holiday shopping here so come Monday watch out!

I still haven't figured out what I want to splurge on this year...might have to go for one of the standbys like electronics or DVDs.

I've seen prices as much as 80% off during the Boxing Day sales...makes you wonder about the profit margin during Christmas doesn't it?

[H]

I don't know the origin of Boxing Day...but here in Canada I do know what it means. Deep discounts...

Consumers in the UK have finally realised this, forcing many stores to hold their sales before Christmas instead of starting them the day afterwards. The fact that so many were prepared to pay extortionate prices knowing full well they could get the same goods much cheaper a couple of days later always seemed odd me.

Merchants are merchants... even in the U.S. which never instituted Boxing Day (or most other holidays, including Christmas, until well into the 19th century).
Anyway, thanks for the information.