Boxing Day Holiday

Boxing Day Holiday Quick Facts

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Boxing Day Holiday (WA)

Boxing Day Holiday (WA) in 2024
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Boxing Day Holiday is a public holiday celebrated as an extension of the Christmas festivities. It is focused on spending time with family and friends while enjoying the warm summer climate. Many Australians look forward to this day as an opportunity to unwind after the excitement of Christmas, partaking in leisure activities, and shopping for post-Christmas sales.

The origins of Boxing Day can be traced back to the United Kingdom, where traditionally, servants and tradesmen would receive a 'Christmas box' from their employers or customers as a show of appreciation. This custom dates back to the Middle Ages, when alms boxes were used to collect donations for the poor. Over time, the holiday has evolved and is now celebrated in several countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. In Western Australia, Boxing Day has been observed for many years and continues to be an important extension of the Christmas season.

On Boxing Day, various activities are held, such as sports events, picnics, and beach outings. One of the highlights of the day is the Boxing Day Test match, a popular cricket event, which captivates the nation's attention. Many people also take advantage of Boxing Day sales, with major retailers offering significant discounts on various products. Boxing Day Holiday (WA) is observed on the 26th of December, or the following weekday if the 26th falls on a weekend.

Top facts & quotes about Boxing Day Holiday

  • In the late 18th century, Lords and Ladies of large estates would practice Boxing Day. They would do this by boxing up leftover food, clothing and other household items. These items would be distributed amongst their tenants and workers the day after Christmas.
  • For Boxing Day, many charitable organizations practice a form of giving boxes to the poor. Operation Christmas Child is one such organization.
  • December 26th is also St. Stephen's Day for the Western Church. The Feast of St. Stephen honours the first Christian martyr. Stephen was stoned to death outside the walls of Jerusalem, shortly after the Crucifixion.
  • Samuel Pepys, an English Member of Parliament, first mentioned Boxing Day in his diary entry from 19 December 1663 when he referred to giving something to the boy's box against Christmas.
  • Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. -Steve Jobs

Top things to do for Boxing Day Holiday

  • Visit your relatives. Take advantage of the extra day off to see relatives that you did not have the opportunity to see on Christmas Day.
  • Continue the tradition of giving gifts and donate some essentials to a charity. Homeless shelters would appreciate things like toiletries and food donations that can then be distributed to those most in need.
  • Prepare a traditional Box. Include non-perishable items and gifts for children in need. Drop your box off at a local organisation or mail it to an international organisation that delivers them to children around the world.
  • Spread awareness for the day on social media by posting pictures of your Christmas day and adding hashtags #boxingday, #26Dec and #dayafterChristmas.
  • Get ready for New Years. Spend the day off preparing your home and cleaning up for the New Year.

References

www.commerce.wa.gov.au: Holidays in WA
www.pepysdiary.com: Pepys Diary
www.qld.gov.au: Queensland Holidays

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