Boxing Day, or St. Stephen’s Day to our Irish cousins, might not be familiar to Americans as it isn’t a public holiday. In case you weren’t sure, it’s the day after Christmas, and it’s a holiday in Canada, Australia, most European countries, and various others. Why it’s called Boxing Day is subject to some debate, but most agree it originated centuries ago when boxes of leftover food and gifts were given out to the poor. It definitely has nothing to do with the sport of boxing, but it does have something to do with store discounts.
What Happens on Boxing Day?
It depends on the family really, but it’s a national holiday, and everyone takes advantage. For many it’s a bit like a second Christmas Day. You don’t have the gifts, but you spend time together as a family, go for a walk, play board games, eat a special meal (Turkey curry with the leftovers, anyone?). Some families split up a bit on Boxing Day– teens often like their parents to leave them alone so they can lock themselves in their rooms and play with all their new stuff, or head out to meet friends and play with all their new stuff. For young adults, this is a time to be in the bar with their buddies.
Boxing Day has for many – and bizarrely to some – become a time to go shopping. Retailers have to shift all the extra stock they didn’t sell, most people will have spent a lot on shopping over the previous month, so they give people extra discounts as encouragement. In lots of countries, the biggest discounts over the whole year happen on Boxing Day.
When Did Boxing Day Become a Day for Shopping?
You didn’t use to be able to go shopping on public holidays, but a few decades ago laws were relaxed, and retailers saw an opportunity. Everyone was off work, and while some customers were hard up after Christmas, others had received Christmas bonuses from work, money or vouchers as gifts from friends and family, or they’d made plenty of money from their own business over Christmas.
So shopping was encouraged, and discounts were pushed, and since the turn of the century, Boxing Day has become one of the busiest days of the year for retailers. Covid got more people shopping online as standard, especially in winter when not leaving the house is so appealing, but one way or the other, lots of shopping gets done on the 26th.
Why Is It So Popular?
Boxing Day shopping is quite a divisive issue. Some people have other Boxing Day traditions to make the most of having all of their loved ones around and of all the new gifts. For others, shopping has become the Boxing Day tradition, and they can’t imagine doing anything else. These people mostly fit into two groups– those who can’t resist a good bargain, and those who just need to escape.
The Compulsive
Some people just find low prices irresistible. Often this is for practical reasons– if you’re struggling to make ends meet then you can’t really turn down the chance to save an extra 10% on your shopping. Some people just love shopping, and great bargains are an excuse to do some more. The Christmas period is about doing what you love, and if shopping is what you love, then why not use one of your free days to indulge?
The Overwhelmed
For others, Christmas can just all be a bit much. It starts earlier each year, and there are already Christmas ads in early October. By Christmas Day you’ve probably heard All I Want for Christmas is You 50 times, and (while it’s a great song) there’s only so much you can take. Some people also don’t have the most harmonious family environments, and what is a lovely occasion for some, can be tense and descend into bickering for others. These people may be desperate to escape the festivities and return to a bit of normality come Boxing Day, so they jump at the chance to go get some shopping done.
Finding the Balance
Boxing Day has evolved from its charitable roots into a multifaceted holiday with something for everyone. Whether you’re a compulsive deal-seeker or someone seeking solace from the holiday chaos, Boxing Day shopping doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing affair. It’s about balance– plan out the day based on what you want from December 26th.
You could hit the shops early, snag those deals you’ve been eyeing, and still make it home in time for leftovers and a family board game. With online shopping, you can even take advantage of all the discounts without leaving the sofa! Or, if shopping isn’t your thing, embrace the quieter traditions: a long walk, a cozy movie, or getting stuck into that monster Lego set someone gave you. Boxing Day is your opportunity to enjoy the post-Christmas calm your way– retail therapy optional.
At Wordans, you always get Boxing Day pricing, but we do offer even bigger discounts over the holidays. So visit our website for all your apparel & accessory needs, along with many more products– all at amazing prices. Our Instagram @wearewordans has more ideas for you if you’d like.
