This archive report was first published on 26 December 2019.
December 26, a day known as Boxing Day, has a rich history that predates its modern-day associations with sports and shopping. According to historians, the holiday originated in the 19th century in the United Kingdom as a day for tradesmen to collect 'Christmas boxes' from their customers as a token of appreciation for good service throughout the year.
On this day, servants would also receive special Christmas boxes from their masters, allowing them to return home and share with their families. This tradition was a small gesture of charity and generosity, reflecting the Christian values of the time, where it was considered a duty to help the less fortunate in society.
Over time, the practice of almsgiving has evolved, but the name 'Boxing Day' has endured. Today, the holiday is celebrated in many countries, including Kenya, where the Cabinet has recently approved the renaming of Boxing Day to Utamaduni Day, a day to celebrate the country's rich cultural diversity and heritage.
While the origins of the holiday name are unclear, it is believed that the day was also a time for servants to receive gifts and for the poor to be given alms in honor of St. Stephen. In some European countries, the day is still celebrated as a second Christmas Day, while in others, it has become a day for sports, shopping, and other leisure activities.
