BOXING DAY VOCABULARY (ESL)

level: Beginner/Intermediate (A2/B1)

Boxing Day is a public holiday celebrated on December 26th in the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other Commonwealth countries. This exercise covers the vocabulary associated with Boxing Day and its customs.

READY TO PRACTICE? LET’S GO!

1. Boxing Day is on the day after Christmas.

2. The holiday is celebrated in Great Britain (where it ), as well as in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and other Commonwealth countries. In these countries, it is a public holiday, so most offices are .

3. Contrary to what some people might think, Boxing Day has nothing to do with the of boxing. Many etymologists believe that the "boxing" refers to "Christmas boxes", which were presents that were once given to workers on the first weekday after Christmas as thanks for their throughout the year.

4. Some etymologists think the name "Boxing Day" comes from an even earlier tradition -- from the "boxes" that churches used to money that would later be donated to poor people.

5. These days Boxing Day has become with big sales. Shopping on Boxing Day is a very popular modern tradition.

6. Many countries celebrate what is known as "St. Stephen's Day" ( = in conjunction with) Boxing Day on December 26th.

7. There are no traditional meals associated with the holiday. Most people just eat ( = food that remains) from Christmas.

Boxing Day Conversation Questions 1. Had you heard of Boxing Day before? Is it celebrated in your country?
2. What traditions does your country have in the days after a major holiday like Christmas?
3. Do you enjoy post-holiday sales? Do you ever go shopping on Boxing Day or Black Friday?
4. What do you think is a meaningful way to give back to others during the holiday season?
5. How do people in your country typically spend December 26th?
6. What is your favourite part of the holiday season, and why?

Did you know? The origin of the name Boxing Day is debated. The most widely accepted explanation is that it comes from the tradition of giving "Christmas boxes" — gifts of money or goods — to servants, tradespeople, and the poor on the day after Christmas. These boxes were often given in pottery or metal containers that had to be broken open to access the contents.

Today, Boxing Day is associated with sporting events (especially football in the UK), shopping sales, and time with family. In countries like Australia and the Caribbean, it is also strongly associated with cricket — the Boxing Day Test match in Melbourne is one of the most prestigious events in the cricket calendar.