PhrasesHub

Boxing Day

    Definitions

      • holiday
        Referring to the day after Christmas, which is a bank or public holiday in many countries and traditionally associated with giving gifts and boxes to servants and tradespeople

      • leftovers
        Describing the remains of Christmas meals that are enjoyed on this day, often in the form of cold cuts or reheated dishes

      • sales
        Indicating the start of post-Christmas sales in many countries, with retailers offering discounts and promotions to entice shoppers

    Examples of Boxing Day

    • After the festivities of Christmas Day, they spent Boxing Day relaxing and catching up on missed sleep.

      Boxing Day, which falls on 26th December, is a public holiday celebrated in several countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The term "Boxing Day" originated in the UK and stems from the time when charities would collect money in decorative boxes and then distribute the contents to the poor on the 26th of December. Today, Boxing Day is often spent recovering from the excesses of Christmas Day and enjoying further festivities with family and friends.

    • Since she's worked hard all year, I've decided to treat her to a special day out on Boxing Day as a way to say thank you.

      In this example, the phrase "Boxing Day" is being used as an adjective to describe a specific day, in this case, December 26th. By using this idiom, the writer is highlighting the fact that Boxing Day is a significant holiday that is worthy of acknowledgment and celebration.

    • I don't need any gifts for Christmas or Boxing Day - just the company of my loved ones is enough to make me happy.

      In this example, the writer is using the idiom "Boxing Day" in a comparative context to describe a specific holiday. By putting Boxing Day alongside Christmas, the writer is indicating that both holidays are highly celebrated and cherished occasions in their life.

    • As she didn't receive the gift she wanted on Christmas Day, she's holding out hope that her partner will surprise her on Boxing Day.

      This example is using Boxing Day in a contrasting context to describe a specific day that follows Christmas Day. By setting Boxing Day apart from Christmas Day, the writer is implying that there are additional festivities or gifts that may be given on this day, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement.

    • On Boxing Day, many shops offer huge discounts to attract customers. As a shopaholic, Jane has been eagerly waiting for this day to buy some expensive gifts for her family.

      Boxing Day refers to the day after Christmas, which falls on the 26th of December. This tradition originated in the UK where it was a custom for churches to collect money in small fabric boxes (called as "Christmas boxes") and distribute them as gifts to the poor on this day. However, in modern times, Boxing Day has become a popular shopping day in many countries because most stores open early and offer discounts on products.

    • After a tiring day of holiday feasting, it's time to unwind in front of the TV and enjoy some festive movies on Boxing Day. Since there's nothing better than spending quality time with your loved ones, Tony and his family have planned a movie marathon right after their Christmas lunch.

      A movie marathon refers to watching several movies consecutively. On Boxing Day, many popular movies are aired on television, especially Christmas classics like "It's a Wonderful Life," "A Christmas Carol," and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." Hence, many people prefer staying indoors and enjoying these movies with their families instead of facing the Boxing Day crowds at the malls.

    • The crowded malls lining the streets on Boxing Day looked like a warzone! I was shocked to see the level of chaos and commotion as people fought over discounted products. However, I knew that my family and I didn't need any more material possessions, so we decided to spend a peaceful day at home reading books and playing board games.

      This metaphorical expression is used to describe an extremely busy or chaotic place. It's like a warzone because the environment is filled with tension, people are rushing past each other, and there's potential for conflict. In this context, the writer is complaining about the overwhelming crowds on Boxing Day and is relieved to have found a calmer alternative for celebrating the festive season.

    • After a relaxing Boxing Day, we decided to hit the beach for some sun, sea, and sand. The crystal-clear water and golden sand beckoned us to take a refreshing dip, and we splashed around in the waves, letting the warm sun dry us off.

      This example showcases a different side of Boxing Day celebrations - one that involves relaxation, leisure, and enjoying the outdoors. Boxing Day is a national holiday in many countries, and people often use this break to indulge in some recreational activities like playing beach volleyball, surfing, or sunbathing. In this case, the writer and his family have chosen to spend their Boxing Day rejuvenating themselves by the beach.


    Conclusion

    In conclusion, the idiom "Boxing Day" has multiple meanings that all revolve around the day after Christmas. It can refer to the holiday itself, the leftovers from Christmas meals, or the start of sales and promotions in many countries.

    This idiom is widely used in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where it is a public holiday. In these countries, Boxing Day is often celebrated with family gatherings and sports events.

    In terms of its origins, the exact etymology of the term "Boxing Day" is unclear. Some believe it originated from the tradition of giving gifts to servants and tradespeople on the day after Christmas, while others suggest it may have come from the practice of churches collecting donations in boxes for the poor. Regardless of its origin, the term has been used since the 19th century and is still commonly used today.

    Origin of "Boxing Day"

    The origin of the term "Boxing Day" has been debated for centuries. One theory suggests that it originated from the tradition of giving boxes of gifts to servants and tradespeople on the day after Christmas as a form of appreciation for their work throughout the year. This practice was common among the upper class in Britain during the 19th century.

    Another theory suggests that the term "Boxing Day" comes from the practice of churches collecting donations in boxes for the poor on the day after Christmas. This tradition was also common in Britain during the 19th century.

    Regardless of its exact origin, the term "Boxing Day" has been used since the 19th century and has become a widely recognized holiday in many countries around the world. Its various meanings all revolve around the day after Christmas, and it continues to be a popular term used in festive celebrations and shopping events.