Boxing Day is primarily a British tradition, but it has spread to Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. In recent years, the day is also dedicated to shopping and sporting events. In the past, it was a time when servants of the rich were given time off and given presents for the day. In Victorian times, churches would display donation boxes on the windows. The Victorians celebrated by giving away presents to people in need.
Historically, this holiday has many traditions, including the hunting of the wren, which was a tradition that began in the 16th century. Young boys would tie a dead wren to a pole decorated with ribbons and holly sprigs. They would then go door-to-door, singing for coins and gifts. Each person who gave money or gift received a feather from the wren. The money was then used to host a village dance to celebrate the New Year.
Boxing Day is the day after Christmas. In the United States, this holiday is not widely celebrated, and many people return to work the day after Christmas. In Ireland, Boxing Day is a public holiday on 26 December, which is also called St Stephen’s Day. Most places are open for business on Boxing, and many attractions will have special events for the holiday. Some attractions, however, will be closed on this occasion, including the Natural History Museum’s intimate ice rink.