Learn about Boxing Day in the United Kingdom
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| Hi everyone, I'm Gina. |
| A lot of countries celebrate Christmas Day on the 25th of December, but did you know that in the UK there is another public holiday on the 26th of December called Boxing Day? |
| In this lesson, you're going to learn about Boxing Day and why it is a special day. |
| The 26th of December is better known in many countries as a saint's day. What is the name of the saint? |
| We’ll show you the answer at the end of this video. |
| The origin of the name Boxing Day is not fully known and there are many theories. Some say it is because the poor boxes in church were opened on the 26th of December. Another theory is that it is because tradesmen would collect their Christmas box of presents and gifts from their customers on the day after Christmas. |
| Boxing Day has become one of the busiest shopping days of the year, as it is the day when the big post-Christmas sales start. Eager shoppers start queuing from the early hours of the morning to grab bargains. The sale at the department store Harrods is particularly famous as it will sell unique, one-off items for huge discounts. For these items, it is first come, first served! |
| Boxing Day is also a day for sport. Traditionally, it was a day for fox hunting but this practice was banned in 2004. Some hunts still go ahead despite the ban, but others are artificial hunts where no foxes are chased or harmed. It is also a day for football fans as a full programme of football fixtures are held on Boxing Day. Many people go to football games or watch the matches from home. |
| With so much food prepared for Christmas Day, it is inevitable that some will be left over. So, Boxing Day is for eating leftovers! Turkey sandwiches, turkey salad... Anything that is left over gets eaten on Boxing Day. |
| And now I'll give you the answer to the earlier quiz. |
| The 26th of December is better known in many countries as a saint's day. What is the name of the saint? |
| The 26th of December is also St. Stephen's Day, although within the UK it is almost exclusively known as Boxing Day. |
| How was this lesson? Did you learn something interesting? |
| Do you remember the theories as to why it is called Boxing Day? |
| Leave us a comment at EnglishClass101.com. And we'll see you in the next lesson! |
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