British people: What are traditional activities for Boxing Day?

Question

We don't have that here in the U.S., so I'm curious.

Answer 1

Tradition is really down to each family. Many people choose to go to the Boxing day sales, but none of my family does, or my partner's family does and neither do any of my friends and their families.





Tradition is basically either go shopping in the sales or stay in.



Everyone is different and many people do their own family traditions!



I could ask the same for the USA, after thanksgiving! I'm sure not ALL families in the entire US go to Black Friday do they? Some families may do other things.





Don't forget we also have a very Multi cultural country, so for many families it's a normal working day!

Answer 2

There is no set tradition.



Some say Boxing Day gets it's name from getting rid of the boxes that contained the presents.



Some people go to the winter sales in the shops to hunt for bargains.



Others laze around to recover from over-eating on Christmas Day.



Children play with their new toys.



Families go for a walk in the country.

Answer 3

Traditionally it's a day when people ' let their hair down', doing what they love best - sport fixtures like premier football and horse- racing are extremely popular. Upper- class people often go fox- hunting, in their ' pink' riding coats ( red too anybody who ain't colour- blind, lol ), with packs of specially- bred hounds.

Parties, get- togethers, drinking sessions, theatre, pantomimes, long walks in the country, pool games, etc etc , whatever people enjoy.

In the old days when they all went to church on Christmas Day, having a massive dinner afterwards, followed by a nap and a sing- song, people looked forward to the carefree atmosphere of Boxing Day.

You might already know that its name originated because trademen like the milkman, newsagent, etc used to call on that day for their seasonal ' tips' or Christmas Boxes....

Answer 4

Today is my sister's birthday, and she likes to make a big fuss of it, so our Boxing Day tends to revolve around that.



Generally, people are hungover, tired and a bit sick of being with each other. Nowhere is open, so normally we have a 'birthday tea' which involves lots of snacky foods like biscuits, pineapple and cheese, mini pizzas, crisps etc. Then we sit in front of the TV, with the fire on, and finish the alcohol and cheese from Christmas.

Answer 5

Eat left over food from Christmas. Chuck out all the boxes from the presents.

Answer 6

People usually go to watch football (soccer) on Boxing day over here.

Answer 7

I go hiking in the countryside and so do many others. Boxing day is also a popular day for pheasant shooting

Answer 8

i live in the countryside and we have a boxing day fox hunt, where loads of hunters wear fancy clothes and ride horses with a pack of dogs and go a destroy a fox or two :)

Answer 9

Just boring things like watching TV or going to the sales.

Answer 10

Down the pub , get Pissed , sleep it off on the sofa.

Answer 11

my family just have relaxing day and generally do nothing

Answer 12

My family eats ham, fried egg and chips for lunch on boxing day. Dunno if anyone else does.