Boxing Day is a national holiday well known to Australians. For many, the 26th of December offers a chance to slow down after the busyness of Christmas Day and the year as a whole. It’s often spent at the beach, with umbrellas set up and an esky packed for the day. For others, particularly those who enjoy tradition, the day is accompanied by Australia’s national sport playing in the background. While most of us know how to enjoy Boxing Day, far fewer understand what the day actually is or what it represents.
What is Boxing Day and how did it get its name?
Naturally, there's more than one theory about how the day came to be – three to be exact. The first, suggests that the day was coined back in Britain during the 1830s; signifying the first weekday after Christmas that postal services could resume including the arrival of packages in boxes.
The second, most commonly shared theory is that following the festive celebrations the day before, churches and charities would collect money and gifts to distribute to lower socio-economic communities in an effort to share Christmas cheer. And finally, following on from the second theory, some believe the day originated as a celebration for public servants who worked on Christmas Day to thank them for their service.
Is Boxing Day a public holiday in all Australian states?
Yes, Boxing Day is a national holiday celebrated all across Australia. However, depending on when the day falls, it can determine when we actually celebrate the public holiday. If Boxing Day falls on a weekday, then the public holiday is celebrated on that day. But, if it happens to fall on a weekend, Australians will receive the following Monday off, which becomes the official holiday.
In 2025, Boxing Day will fall on a Friday, which means we will celebrate the holiday on that same day.
Why do people shop on Boxing Day?
No one actually knows how Boxing Day became a day of shopping, but it's no secret that it's one of the biggest sales days of the year. Of course, the tradition originated as an in-store event, but thanks to the internet, we can now fill our carts from the comfort of our own home. Though we don't like to promote an approach of overindulgence, Boxing Day sales can be a great way to save on things you need for the year ahead. So, be smart and considerate about your shopping habits, and check out our Boxing Day sales guide for all the best deals.
Is Boxing Day a bigger shopping day than Black Friday?
Each year, Black Friday shopping deals continue to grow, but that doesn't mean that you won't find an amazing deal during the Boxing Day sales. It's a great time to maximise on post-holiday stock discounts and treat yourself by splurging on something you normally wouldn't.
What do people do on Boxing Day that isn't shopping the sales?
While we all love a holiday sale, most people will be spending Boxing Day relaxing and celebrating with friends and family. It's a great day to recoup after the chaos of end of year and Christmas Day, and to enjoy leftovers from the day before. If the weather permits, you'll find most Australians at their local beach or by the pool – likely with either the Boxing Day Test or the Sydney to Hobart race playing on screens or radios in the background.
Image: IMDb
