Festivals Boxing Day
1 Think of a festival from anywhere in the world that you would like to take part in. What is it? What appeals to you about it?
Wednesday, December 26th
What a fun day I’ve had! Boxing Day is great! I’m
staying with a friend and her family in their house in
Newmarket, in the UK. We woke up early this morning
and went shopping. We had to queue outside the
shops for ages before we could get in because it was so
crowded. It was crazy! It took ages to buy anything. But
I bought some new jeans, a pair of boots and a cardigan.
Then in the afternoon we watched an exciting football
match on the TV with her family. Of course, Boxing Day
isn’t only about shopping and watching TV. Let me tell
you more.
I was reading a little bit about the history of Boxing
Day before I came. I learnt that it started in the 19th
century and it’s always the day after Christmas Day. It
was traditionally the day when employers used to give
money, food and materials or other valuable goods to
their employees. You also traditionally give money to
charities or poor people.
2 Read the text and answer the questions.
1 What is the history of Boxing Day?
2 In which countries do they celebrate Boxing Day?
3 What are some traditional Boxing Day activities?
4 How is Boxing Day celebrated today?
Photocopiable © Richmond Publishing S.A. de C.V., 2015
In some places this tradition still continues today. People
often give small gifts or money to tradespeople who
regularly visit their house, like the postman.
Boxing Day is a public holiday in the UK and is a popular
holiday in other countries like Hong Kong, Australia, New
Zealand and Canada. It’s a day when families get together,
play games, watch sport or go for long walks in the
countryside. I enjoyed the Boxing Day lunch. It includes
leftover turkey and tasty food from Christmas. Yum!
I also learnt that it’s only been in recent years that
Boxing Day has become popular with shoppers. It’s
the start of the New Year sales and a time when shops
have huge price discounts. You can find 50% and even
75% off clothes, shoes, accessories and electrical goods.
But not everyone chooses to go shopping, as some still
believe it should be a day of relaxation and a day to
spend with the family.
3 What does your family usually do during the days
after Christmas? What types of celebrations do you
have? Discuss with a partner.
FESTIVALS: BOXING DAY 71