What is boxing day - a post-Christmas British holiday, the best deal for sale?

After a memorable Christmas night, we often wake up on the morning of December 26 to find that The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year is over. In order to make our annual holiday more meaningful, we’re bringing the focus to a tradition from across the pond: Boxing Day. So what is it? What is the best deal for sale on that day?

Boxing Day sale. Photo: iphoneincanada

What is Boxing Day?

Boxing Day is a holiday observed on December 26 by “Commonwealth” nations like Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Nigeria, Trinidad and Tobago, South Africa, and others. (In Ireland, it’s called St. Stephen’s Day.) According to the spruce.com, while African nations that were once under British rule (Ghana, Uganda, Malawi, Zambia, and Tanzania) do mark the day with actual boxing matches, it’s more common for observing countries to host sporting events like football (Great Britain) and cricket (Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa).

Why Is It Called Boxing Day?

The term "Boxing Day" was first recorded in 1833, but the official origin of the name has never been determined. There are, however, plenty of theories, as listed in refinary29.com, which include:

The name is a reference to holiday gifts. A "Christmas Box" in Britain is a name for a Christmas present. Boxing Day was traditionally a day off for servants and the day when they received a gift from their employer. The servants would also go home on Boxing Day to give gifts to their families.

The name is a reference to charity drives. A box to collect money for the poor traditionally and placed in Churches on Christmas day and opened the next day, or Boxing Day.

The name refers to a nautical tradition. When setting sail, ships would carry a sealed box containing money for good luck. If the voyage was a success, the box was given to a priest, opened at Christmas, and the contents then given to the poor.

Popular Boxing Day Activities

For some people, Boxing Day is a time to spend with family or friends, particularly those not seen on Christmas Day itself. Many people will gather for meals, spend time outside, or simply relax at home and enjoy the day off. Traditional Boxing Day food includes baked ham, pease pudding, and mince pies with brandy butter, along with a slice of Christmas cake or another dessert.

Photo: mirror.co.uk

To some extent, Boxing Day is considered a shopping holiday, with stores offering reduced prices for Boxing Day sales, similar to Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving in the United States. However, the number of people who shopped on Boxing Day has declined.

Additionally, Boxing Day has recently become synonymous with watching sports. A number of leagues in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland hold a football and rugby matches, while Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa are known for cricket matches on Boxing Day. Other sports that typically occur on Boxing Day include horse racing and ice hockey. Fox hunts are traditionally a part of Boxing Day activities; however, fox hunting with dogs was banned in the UK in 2004. Hunters still gather, dressed resplendently in red hunting coats to the sound of the hunting horn but now follow artificially laid trails.

What is the best deal for sale on Boxing Day?

Most UK retailers take part in the annual Boxing Day sales in some way or another, from small discounts for 10% off to some shops giving customers up to a whopping 70% off selected items, as collected by the finder.com

To get an idea of what to expect from Boxing Day 2020, you can see what discounts some of our favourite retailers offered last year:

Currys: Offered customers £500 off 4K TVs and 40% off electrical products including gaming and kitchen appliances.

Amazon: On Boxing Day 2019 Amazon gave shoppers 50% off Amazon devices, plus big savings of up to 60% across almost every category.

ASOS: The internet’s favourite fashion retailer game shoppers an extra 10% off sale items on Boxing Day 2019.

Photo: T3.com

John Lewis: This high street giant gave online shoppers 50% off fashion, TVs, and furniture last year.

Very: Shoppers at Very last Boxing Day enjoyed 50% off fashion, home, electricals and toys.

Argos: In past years Argos have had discounts off headphones, clothing, toys, gym equipment and more.

Debenhams: This department store retailer is sadly going out of business, but that does mean we expect some pretty huge deals on Boxing Day. Debs is already offering up to 50% off all categories, including a 15% off beauty and fragrance.

Nike: This popular sports apparel and footwear designer has been known to offer big deals on its most popular styles on Boxing Day.

Reiss: Reiss’ high-quality items are usually accompanied by a high price tag, but not on Boxing Day! Expect up to 60% off tons of lines.

Sports Direct: Looking for the motivation you need to get into shape in the New Year? The Sports Direct Boxing Day sales might be it! Shop big-name sports brands for as much as 90%, (yes 90%) off!

boohoo: Everyone’s favourite fast-fashion retailer won’t be short of deals this Boxing Day. We predict up to 80% off dresses, jackets, shoes, accessories and more.

eBay: Never thought of shopping eBay on Boxing Day? You should! Browse thousands of eBay verified sellers, including popular high street names, with up to 60% off big-ticket items like fridges, freezers, washing machines, games consoles and more.

Boots: Makeup bag running low? We expect Boots to have some killer discounts off gift sets (always a good way to try new products for low cost) plus discounts off popular beauty brands this Boxing Day.

Superdry: Get through a cold January in style when you shop the Superdry Boxing Day sales! We expect this retailer to offer discounts of up to 20% off coats, jackets and other apparel.

After reading this article, don't forget to visit some of the mentioned brands to buy your favourite items!