Boxing Day
| Boxing Day | |
|---|---|
Boxing Day crowds shopping at Toronto Eaton Centre | |
| Also called | Offering Day |
| Observed by | Commonwealth nations |
| Type | Bank holiday, public holiday |
| Date | 26 December |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Related to |
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Boxing Day, also called as Offering Day is a holiday celebrated after Christmas Day, occurring on the second day of Christmastide (26 December). Boxing Day was once a day to donate gifts to those in need, but it has evolved to become a part of Christmas festivities, with many people choosing to shop for deals on Boxing Day. It originated in the United Kingdom and is celebrated in several Commonwealth nations. The attached bank holiday or public holiday may take place on 27 or 28 December if necessary to ensure it falls on a weekday. Boxing Day is also concurrent with the Christian festival Saint Stephen's Day.
In parts of Europe, such as east Spain, (Catalonia,Valencia and the Balearic Islands), the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Netherlands, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, Romania, Sweden, Belgium, Norway, Latvia and the Republic of Ireland, 26 December is Saint Stephen's Day, which is considered the second day of Christmas.