Boxing Day, celebrated every year, on December 26, is a day steeped in history and tradition, evolving from its humble origins into a global phenomenon of reflection, charity, and post-Christmas festivity. It is a day that bridges the gap between the joy of Christmas and the promise of a new year, with a celebration of giving, community, and gratitude. Whether it’s through charitable acts, enjoying the simple pleasures of food and family, or partaking in cultural traditions. ALSO READ: Charity takes centre stage as Rwandans celebrate holidays It is considered as honouring the spirit of the day by giving back, spending time with loved ones, or simply reflecting on the blessings of the season. Boxing Day may have evolved over centuries, but its core message of generosity and togetherness remains timeless. In countries like the United Kingdoms and Australia, it is a vibrant sporting culture day, while in the United States of America, boxing day is a shopper’s paradise with synonymous sales and discounts. ALSO READ: Believers urged not to miss the real purpose of Christmas The origin The origins of Boxing Day lie in its historical roots in the United Kingdom, with its legacy spreading across Commonwealth nations like Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. The term Boxing Day first appeared in print in 1833 and gained wider recognition during the Victorian Era under the reign of Queen Victoria. The day historically served as a time for the wealthy to acknowledge and reward the efforts of their household staff and tradespeople. It was a day when aristocrats would distribute Christmas boxes filled with gifts, money, and leftovers from Christmas feasts. ALSO READ: Boxing Day: A bonus holiday? In Victorian Britain, these boxes would be filled with small gifts, leftover food from festive feasts, and sometimes money. The day provided an opportunity for the working class, who often spent Christmas Day serving their employers, to enjoy a well-deserved holiday with their families. The name likely comes from the practice of distributing “Christmas boxes,” which were essentially tokens of appreciation. These boxes were given by the wealthy to their servants and tradespeople. Churches also played a significant role. During the advent season, alms boxes were placed in churches to collect donations. On December 26—coinciding with the Feast of Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr—these donations were distributed to the poor, embodying the spirit of charity and generosity. Samuel Pepys, a 17th-century English parliamentarian, recorded one of the earliest mentions of this custom in his diary in 1663, where he noted sending funds and gifts to his tradesmen. The day also allowed servants, who had worked tirelessly on Christmas Day, to visit their families and share in the festive spirit. The way Boxing Day is celebrated has changed over time, the holiday transitioned from being purely about charity to one of communal enjoyment and leisure. Today, Boxing Day is a public holiday in many countries, celebrated in ways that reflect the cultural nuances of each nation. In Rwanda, like in many parts of the world, Boxing Day is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed. Emmanuel Mugisha, a resident of Kigali, explained that while the day is recognized, it is not widely celebrated. He attributed this to the fact that Rwandans have not yet fully embraced the culture of giving and receiving gift boxes. It is part of the festive season, and people are still in the mood for Christmas celebrations, Mugisha said. In countries where it is a tradition, people exchange gifts and open their gift boxes on Boxing Day, but in Rwanda, most people are not conscious of it and rarely wish each other a happy Boxing Day. Mugisha observed that the day is often treated as an extension of the holiday period, especially since it falls during the time when many people are still on holiday. Hope Kushaba, a resident of Kimironko Sector, in Kigali, said: I just found out today from a friend about its significance.” I was told it is a day to thank your servants who worked on Christmas Day by giving them gifts. But I always thought it had to do with actual boxing, as a way to unwind after the busy activities of Christmas, Kushaba said. Felix Mihigo admitted that he rarely observes it. He also noted that the holiday does not carry the same weight as Christmas because it is not rooted in biblical tradition. Boxing Day, with its Santa Claus and decorated trees, is an addition from Western countries. It hasn’t been widely adopted here yet, he added. For Mihigo, the day is more of a time for rest and reflection, rather than for opening gifts. Others, like Benjamin Ndayambaje view the day differently. For him, December 26 serves as an opportunity to reflect on the spiritual meaning of Christmas. I see it as a day to digest the true significance of Christ's birth and what it means for us as Christians, rather than a day for Boxing Day celebrations, he explained. Yet, signs of change are emerging. Clarisse Uwamahoro, an employee of Ubudasa Fashion House in Kigali, observed a gradual shift toward the tradition of exchanging gifts. This Christmas, I packaged over 50 gifts, which is an increase compared to previous years. Normally, we only pack gifts for weddings or one or two during a typical week, she said. Uwamahoro believes this trend signals growing interest in gift-giving, though she noted that women are more likely than men to embrace the practice. Men do not tend to honour the gift culture as much, she added.
