boxing-day
Noun: "boxing-day" (also written as "Boxing Day") refers to the day after Christmas Day, December 26th, observed as a public holiday in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and several other Commonwealth countries. Traditionally, it was a day when employers gave gifts (called "Christmas boxes") to their servants, employees, postal workers, and tradespeople as a token of appreciation for their service during the year.
- (The holiday on December 26th.)
- (The day is known for shopping discounts.)
- (The day is associated with sports traditions.)
"boxing-day shopping": the tradition of post-Christmas sales, where retailers offer deep discounts.
- She woke up early to get the best deals during boxing-day shopping. (Participating in sales on December 26th.)
"boxing-day test": a cricket match traditionally played on Boxing Day in Australia and New Zealand.
- The boxing-day test match is a highlight of the summer cricket season. (An annual sporting event.)
Boxing Day (proper noun): the standard capitalized spelling of the holiday.
- Boxing Day is a public holiday in Canada. (The official name of the day.)
Christmas box (noun): a gift given on Boxing Day, historically to service workers.
- The postman received a Christmas box from the family. (A traditional present.)
Boxing Day sales (noun phrase): the post-Christmas shopping event.
- The Boxing Day sales attract bargain hunters. (The discount period.)
- St. Stephen's Day: the name for December 26th in some Christian traditions, especially in Ireland and parts of Europe.
- Second Christmas Day: used in some European countries to refer to December 26th as a continuation of Christmas celebrations.
"Boxing Day": the day itself is often used idiomatically to refer to post-holiday activities.
- "I'll deal with it on Boxing Day." (I'll handle it after Christmas.)
"To give a Christmas box": to give a gift or tip to service workers around the Christmas season.
- The family gave a Christmas box to their cleaner. (A traditional act of appreciation.)