Why is the day after Christmas called Boxing Day? | Why Guy

The true story of Boxing Day involves the British Commonwealth, circa 1663.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Boxing Day snuck up on us quick this year, didn’t it?

This overshadowed observance is the day after Christmas and the Why Guy has been asked frequently through the years as to why this day always falls on December 26.

What isn’t Boxing Day? Let’s start with that.

Well, it’s not a bunch of old timers starting an eggnog fueled fight in the midst of a holiday beef.

It’s also not about returning unwanted boxes of presents to the mall or department store and trashing the boxes after. Take them to the recycle bins if you do, please.

The true story of Boxing Day involves the British Commonwealth, circa 1663.

Wealthy Lords of the British Manor gave out boxes of gifts and money the day after Christmas to the staff who worked on the holiday as sort of a bonus. There’s one other well held theory that boxes were left in churches to collect money to give to the poor on December 26, which is the feast of St. Stephen.

So, we can confirm that the true meaning of Boxing Day isn’t officially about heading to the store to return gifts.

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