The Catholic Origins of Boxing Day

Boxing Day, observed on December 26th, is a holiday celebrated in several countries that were historically part of the British Empire, such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. While Boxing Day is now better known as a shopping holiday, it has long-standing origins in the Catholic Church.

Alms for the Poor
During the Middle Ages in Europe, it was customary for many Catholic churches to open up alms boxes on the day after Christmas to collect money for distribution to the poor. Some churches would also distribute “Christmas boxes,” which were boxes filled with practical items such as food, cloth, and fuel for families in need. The tradition was inspired by the Bible passage in Matthew describing the Magi bringing boxes of gifts for the infant Jesus. The boxes were an attempt to help the poor in honor of Christ’s own humble birth.

St. Stephen’s Day
December 26th is also the Feast of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr recorded in the New Testament. A servant of the early Christian community, St. Stephen was stoned to death for blasphemy. In honor of his sacrifice, alms collected in church boxes were called “Stephen’s money.” Eventually, December 26th became widely known as St. Stephen’s Day.

Carrying on the Tradition
Even as church attendance declined in Europe over time, the tradition of Boxing Day carried on. Many employers would give boxes of gifts, bonuses, or leftover food to their servants and employees the day after Christmas. The name “Boxing Day” comes from these holiday boxes and gifts. Though it is no longer a formal religious observance, the name and roots of Boxing Day are tied to early Catholic traditions honoring St. Stephen and giving to the poor.

So while Boxing Day is now associated more with shopping sales and sporting events, its long history is steeped in the Catholic Church’s mission to aid those in need. The spirit of charity behind Boxing Day reflects the compassion at the core of Christmas and the teachings of Jesus Christ.