Why is it called Boxing Day? The traditions behind the name of December 26 explained

dailyrecord.co.uk:

So, the festive season is behind us, the turkey has been devoured, and you're either braving the sales or lounging on the sofa...

but why? What exactly is Boxing Day, and how did it get its name and why do we go to sales on it.Contrary to what you might think, it has nothing to do with the sport of boxing.

Instead, it's a day steeped in a variety of traditions - from stoning to gift boxes and sailor superstitions. Here's everything you need to know about this peculiarly UK holiday. What is Boxing Day? Boxing Day falls on December 26th, the day after Christmas, and is a public holiday in the UK.

It's an extra day off before we all trudge back to work.But there's more to it than just a bonus day off. Boxing Day is a National Bank Holiday, a chance to munch on your leftovers and binge-watch TV, but its actual traditions go back much further and are deeply rooted in history. Why is it called Boxing Day? There are numerous theories behind the name, so we've broken them down for you. Giving to the poor Some believe that Boxing Day began with churches collecting alms boxes of parishioners' donated money, according to Britannica.