Countries all around the world celebrate Boxing Day on 26 December. In Australia, Boxing Day is usually spent eating Christmas Day leftovers and spending big at the Boxing Day sales.
Let’s take you through the stories behind Boxing Day’s name and, of course, how Aussies across the country celebrate this day.
Why is it called Boxing Day?
The meaning behind Boxing Day’s name is up for debate. One theory is that the name came from Britain in the 1830s, with the name signifying the first date that postal services could resume following the public holiday of Christmas Day.
Another popular theory is that the name refers to charity collections that took place in Britain, with charitable donations being collected in a box. This is similar to another theory that points to a British custom in which tradespeople would collect Christmas boxes as a special thanks for their services after 25 December.
Finally, another notable theory is that the name comes from a tradition of wealthy European families giving their staff Christmas boxes on the day after Christmas.
Boxing Day in Australia
While the Boxing Day roots may be British, Australians have taken Boxing Day and made it their own, creating their own, unique traditions for the day.
In Australia, Boxing Day generally revolves around:
- The Boxing Day sales (which are similar to Black Friday sales)
- Attending or watching the Boxing Day Test cricket match
- Attending or watching the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race
- Boxing Day cinema-going
- Barbeques with family and friends
Boxing Day sales
Australians spend a massive $2.4 million each year at the Boxing Day sales! This amount of spending is helped by the fact that Boxing Day is a public holiday in Australia, so many go out to enjoy a day off and splurge on exclusive discounts.
Shops often open early, so customers can get in before the crowd and grab the best deals for themselves. While physical shopping is still popular, there has been a growing trend towards online deals – so don’t feel compelled to head into your local department store to grab the best deal this Boxing Day!
Boxing Day Test cricket
While not for everyone, Boxing Day is a massive day for cricket fans. On almost every Boxing Day, the cricket test match is held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground between the Australian team and a touring national team.
Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race
In a similar sporting vein, the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is another annual Boxing Day tradition. This race covers a distance of 630 nautical miles between Sydney Harbour and Hobart.
Going to the movies
Boxing Day is a big day for movies in Australia. Many blockbuster films are released on 26 December, so crowds rush to the cinema to catch hotly anticipated movies. In 2021, Boxing Day movies in Australia include West Side Story, The Matrix Resurrections, Licorice Pizza and Sing 2.
Barbeque time!
If you don’t want to attend a big event or spend money at the Boxing Day sales, you’re not alone. Many people in Australia choose to stay home on Boxing Day and invite their friends over for a Boxing Day barbeque. Encourage guests to bring their Christmas Day leftovers for you all to share.
So, what will you be doing this Boxing Day?
