Boxing Day

Meaning

Noun

• The day after Christmas; the 26th of December.

Origin

• Perhaps because of boxes that were placed outside churches to collect special offerings tied to St. Stephen's Day; or because of the old British custom of tradesmen collecting “Christmas boxes” of money or presents on the first weekday after Christmas as thanks for good service, mentioned by the English diarist Samuel Pepys (1633–1703)., M.A., Late Fellow and President of the College, with Lord Braybrooke's Notes|edition=St. Olave|location=New York, N.Y.|publisher=George E. Croscup|date=19 December 1663|year_published=1893|volume=VI (July 6, 1663 – Dec. 31, 1663)