5 Things To Know About Day After Christmas

The day after Christmas, also known as December 26th, is a significant day for many people around the world. While it's not an official holiday in many countries, it's a day of celebration, relaxation, and reflection for many. Here are five things to know about the day after Christmas:

1. Boxing Day

In several countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, December 26th is known as Boxing Day. The origins of this name are unclear, but it's believed to date back to the Middle Ages. One theory is that it was a day when servants and tradesmen would receive gifts, known as "Christmas boxes," from their employers. Another theory suggests that it was a day when churches would open their alms boxes and distribute the contents to the poor.

Regardless of its origins, Boxing Day has become a public holiday in many countries, and is often celebrated with sports events, shopping, and spending time with family and friends.

How to Celebrate Boxing Day

If you're interested in celebrating Boxing Day, here are a few ideas:

• Watch a sports event, such as a football or rugby match
• Go shopping and take advantage of post-Christmas sales
• Spend time with family and friends, perhaps by hosting a dinner party or game night
• Take part in a local event or festival
• Give back to your community by volunteering at a local charity or organization

2. Kwanzaa

In the United States and other countries, December 26th marks the beginning of Kwanzaa, a week-long celebration honoring African American culture and heritage. Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, an African American scholar and activist, and is based on traditional African harvest festivals.

Kwanzaa is centered around seven principles known as the Nguzo Saba, which are values of African culture. These principles are:

• Umoja (unity)
• Kujichagulia (self-determination)
• Ujima (collective work and responsibility)
• Ujamaa (cooperative economics)
• Nia (purpose)
• Kuumba (creativity)
• Imani (faith)

During Kwanzaa, families and communities come together to celebrate with feasts, music, dance, and other festivities.

How to Celebrate Kwanzaa

If you're interested in celebrating Kwanzaa, here are a few ideas:

• Learn about the seven principles of Kwanzaa and how to incorporate them into your daily life
• Attend a Kwanzaa celebration or event in your community
• Cook traditional African dishes, such as jollof rice or fufu
• Create traditional African crafts, such as kente cloth or wood carvings
• Give gifts to family and friends, with a focus on handmade or meaningful items

3. Saint Stephen's Day

In Ireland and other countries, December 26th is known as Saint Stephen's Day, a public holiday that commemorates the life and legacy of Saint Stephen, one of the first Christian martyrs.

According to tradition, Saint Stephen was a deacon in the early Christian church who was stoned to death for his faith. He is often depicted in art as a young man holding a palm branch, which is a symbol of martyrdom.

In Ireland, Saint Stephen's Day is celebrated with music, dance, and storytelling, as well as traditional foods such as stews and soups.

How to Celebrate Saint Stephen's Day

If you're interested in celebrating Saint Stephen's Day, here are a few ideas:

• Attend a traditional Irish music or dance performance
• Cook traditional Irish foods, such as stews or soups
• Learn about the life and legacy of Saint Stephen
• Take part in a charity event or volunteer at a local organization
• Spend time with family and friends, perhaps by hosting a dinner party or game night

4. Day of Goodwill

In South Africa and other countries, December 26th is known as the Day of Goodwill, a public holiday that encourages people to come together and do good deeds for others.

The Day of Goodwill has its roots in the country's apartheid past, when it was known as Boxing Day. However, in 1994, the newly democratic government renamed the holiday and refocused it on themes of reconciliation and goodwill.

Today, the Day of Goodwill is celebrated with community events, charity drives, and volunteer work.

How to Celebrate the Day of Goodwill

If you're interested in celebrating the Day of Goodwill, here are a few ideas:

• Volunteer at a local charity or organization
• Take part in a community event or project
• Donate to a good cause or charity
• Spend time with family and friends, perhaps by hosting a dinner party or game night
• Reflect on the importance of goodwill and kindness in your daily life

5. A Day of Relaxation

Finally, the day after Christmas is often a day of relaxation and rejuvenation, a chance to unwind and recharge after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

Whether you're celebrating one of the above holidays or simply taking a day to yourself, the day after Christmas is a great opportunity to slow down, reflect on the past year, and look forward to the new one.

How to Celebrate a Day of Relaxation

If you're interested in celebrating a day of relaxation, here are a few ideas:

• Take a nap or sleep in late
• Read a book or watch a movie
• Take a relaxing bath or spa treatment
• Practice yoga or meditation
• Spend time in nature, perhaps by going for a walk or hike

Gallery of Holiday Fun

The day after Christmas is a time for relaxation, reflection, and celebration. Whether you're observing one of the above holidays or simply taking a day to yourself, we hope you have a wonderful time. Check out our gallery of holiday fun for more ideas and inspiration!

Gallery of 5 Things To Know About Day After Christmas