History of Boxing Day

Boxing Day is a federal statutory holiday in Canada. Government offices, banks, and postal services are closed. Most stores are also closed, but what is the history behind Boxing Day?

It originated as a holiday to give gifts to those less fortunate people.

In Britain, it was customary for the servants of wealthy people to visit their families since they would have had to serve their masters on Christmas Day. The employers would give each servant a box to take home containing gifts, bonuses, and sometimes leftover food.

Today, Boxing Day forms part of Christmas celebrations, with many people taking advantage of Boxing Day sales.