While December 26th is widely observed as Boxing Day in Commonwealth countries, it doesn't hold the same level of significance in many other parts of the world. However, there are some exceptions and variations in how December 26th is recognized in different countries:
United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Kenya, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and South Africa
December 26th is known as Boxing Day. Though its origins are not officially known, theories vary about Boxing Day suggesting that it began in the 17th century when employers would give their servants a day off to visit their families. They would also provide them with a box containing gifts, money, and leftover food as a token of appreciation. Another theory connects the term “boxing” to the tradition of collecting donations in boxes at churches during the Christmas season, which were later distributed to the poor. Over time, Boxing Day has evolved into a day of relaxation, shopping, and sports. Many people use the day to recover from the festivities of Christmas Day, spending time with family, and enjoying various activities. In recent years, it has also become a major shopping day, with retailers offering significant discounts and promotions.
Germany and Netherlands
In Germany and the Netherlands, December 26th is known as "Second Christmas Day" or "Second Christmas Holiday." It is a public holiday, and people often use the day for family gatherings and relaxation and shopping (similar to the British Boxing Day).
Ireland
Similar to Commonwealth countries, Ireland also observes St. Stephen's Day on December 26th. It is a public holiday, and traditions include parades, traditional music, and, in some areas, "Wren Boys" processions where people wear straw hats, dress up in old clothes, paint their faces, and go door to door singing, dancing and playing traditional music.
Italy
In Italy, December 26th is known as "il giorno di Santo Stefano," which is the Italian equivalent of St. Stephen's Day. It is a public holiday of celebration where people visit local churches to see different nativity scenes and also spend time with family and friends.
United States
In the United States, December 26th is not widely celebrated as Boxing Day. Instead, it is more commonly associated with post-Christmas sales and returns, as well as the beginning of the after-Christmas shopping season.
Czech Republic
December 26th is celebrated as the "Second Christmas Day" in the Czech Republic, similar to Germany and the Netherlands. It is a public holiday, and people often spend time with family with shops being closed for the day.
Jamaica, Belize, The Bahamas
Junkanoo festival where parades of dancing, drumming, and masquerade take place. This can also happen around New Year's Day and Easter as well as December 26. Belize also has musical competitions that take place during the festival celebrations.
Poland
In Poland, December 26th is known as "Second Christmas Day," "St. Stephen's Day," and "Boxing Day" (depending on what part of the country you are in. It is a public holiday, where many churches have a special Boxing Day service and extended families meet up and spend time together.
Other European Countries
In most European countries December 26 is celebrated as "St. Stephen's Day" where celebrating and spending time with family is the main focus.
Latin America
Many Latin countries have parades and street parties that take place the end of December (following Christmas) and into January. There are many different ethnic groups within these countries, which means there are many different traditions that happen on and around Christmas.
While December 26th may primarily be celebrated within Europe and the Americas, other countries may recognize and celebrate this day with other traditions specific to their cultures and context.
What traditions do you have on December 26th?
Traver Butcher
CEO/All Shores Consulting
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