What is Boxing Day? How it became a tradition in English Premier League

Boxing Day is the most important date on the English football calendar

All sports around the world have designated days when they are more widely celebrated than usual. It may occasionally be the culmination of a large tournament or only a festival.

“Boxing Day” is a unique day in the football calendar that is observed in all sports, particularly in football.

One of the most enduring competitive traditions in the United Kingdom, Boxing Day football has been a highlight of the English football calendar for decades.

Football typically took place on Christmas Day since it was one of the working people’s few days off and a time for celebration, sports, and fun. This custom dates back to the heyday of the sport in England at the start of the 20th century and continued into the 1950s.

The day after Christmas became the natural choice and a fitting replacement for the storied fixtures as the sport got professionalized and Christmas became a family holiday.

You may be wondering why PL on Boxing Day has become such a big tradition… pic.twitter.com/rAUolNLCZ1

— Premier League USA (@PLinUSA) December 23, 2024

What is Boxing Day and why is it important in English football?

The matches that take place or start on December 26 are referred to be “Boxing Day” matches each year. Around the world, it is the first game played during the holiday season, which starts with Christmas and finishes with New Year’s festivities.

In England especially in the Premier League, Boxing Day was first observed as a holiday in 1871 and is customarily observed as a day on which employers present gifts to their staff. In order to honour the employees who worked during the holidays, this was done.

Even now, the majority of international charity work and family and friend buying starts on December 26. Nowadays, nevertheless, the phrase is more frequently connected to sports alone.

As a bank holiday, the day is set aside for workers from all walks of life to relax and spend time alongside their families, whether it be shopping or watching sports.

Fans who are still enjoying the holiday mood add to the excitement of Boxing Day fixtures, which are known for their electrifying atmosphere and packed stadiums. The Premier League capitalizes on the crowded holiday schedule, with Boxing Day games emerging as a season highlight, in contrast to the majority of European leagues that take a winter break.

In 1888, Bolton Wanderers played West Bromwich Albion in England’s inaugural Boxing Day match. West Brom have played more games on December 26 than any other English football team, with 105 games played to date.

With 10 goals Harry Kane holds the record for the most goals on Boxing Day. What is your favourite Boxing Day memory of all time? Do let us know in the comments section.

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