Boxing Day (St Stephen's Day)

Culture of origin: Christian · Cultural

Holiday sources: Australia (national) · Canada (federal) · Christianity · France · Germany (nationwide) · United Kingdom (England and Wales) · United States (federal)

Boxing Day began in Britain as the day when tradespeople and servants received a "Christmas box" of money or gifts from customers and employers; the Oxford English Dictionary first records the name in 1743. It falls on the feast of St Stephen, and across much of Europe 26 December is kept as the second day of Christmas. In Australia the Boxing Day Test cricket match and the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race begin that day.