9 Things to know about Boxing Day

OROLANDO, Fla. — · Boxing Day traditionally lands on Dec. 26 each year.

· It’s a day for giving, especially to the less fortunate. The name derives from a time when wealthier people boxed up presents as offerings for poor people.

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· Boxing Day is celebrated all over the world. This day is a holiday in the United Kingdom and most other areas that were settled by the English except the United States. Other countries that celebrate the holiday include: Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Greenland, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Kenya, New Zealand, Norway, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland.

· In South Africa, Boxing Day is known as the “Day of Goodwill.” This day is about giving to the less fortunate. In Ireland, Boxing Day is known as Saint Stephen’s Day or “the feast of Saint Stephen.” It’s one of nine official public holidays in Ireland. In other continental European countries, it is known as “Christmas II” or “Second Christmas Day.”

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· In many countries Boxing Day has become a large shopping day. Just like Black Friday after Thanksgiving, Boxing Day is a day of big markdowns on products that stores were not able to sell in time for Christmas.

· Other ways people celebrate include traditional hunts, family reunions and sporting events such as football.

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· In 1833, Boxing Day was first published in the Oxford English Dictionary.

· Boxing Day has been a bank holiday in the United Kingdom since 1871. If Boxing Day falls on a weekend then Monday is a bank holiday.

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· There is no boxing involved in Boxing Day.

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