As we enjoy the Boxing Day public holiday, for many it’s time to spend with families and friends at the beach or park.

But have you ever wondered what the festival is about?

Well, Boxing Day according many history researchers, is a national Bank Holiday – now what is a bank holiday you ask?

Bank Holiday is simply a day where banks are not operational, allowing families to spend time together.

The bank holiday is derived from the United Kingdom in the early 80’s and followed in many Common Wealth countries.

So why is it named Boxing Day? That depends on where you live!

According to the Spruce Blog, in Britain – A ‘Christmas Box’ is a name for a Christmas present.

Boxing Day was traditionally a day off for servants, where they received a ‘Christmas Box’ from the master. The servants would go home on to give ‘Christmas Boxes’ to their families.

Today’s holiday is also called Boxing Day because it’s a time for charity and to give back.

Traditionally after the collections made in churches during Christmas Day through the ‘box’ which is placed at the altar – the box is opened and the money is distributed to the poor.

Now fast forward to the 2000’s Boxing Day has become about shopping as many malls around the world go on massive sales.

But back home, Boxing Day has always been about family. Whether it’s a day at the beach or the park, eating up all the leftover lovo from Christmas or just spending the day at home.