What is Premier League Boxing Day? Understand - News Room USA

The day after Christmas, December 26th, is the famous Boxing Day in the United Kingdom. For sports fans, one of the most notable traditions of the date is the round of games in Premier Leaguethe first division of the English Championship. But what does the term mean, what is the real meaning of the holiday and where did the custom of taking to the field right after Christmas come from?

O The Sporting News explains the details of this date that combines charity, history and sporting passion.

MORE: The greatest scorers in Premier League history

What is Boxing Day and why is it celebrated?

Although many today associate it with winter sales and football, Boxing Day’s origins go back to centuries of social history and religious charity. Officially established as a bank holiday (bank holiday) em 1871it occurs as an extension of Christmas festivities, but with a different purpose.

While the 25th of December is focused on family and spirituality, the 26th has established itself as a moment focused on the community, sports leisure and, in recent decades, the strengthening of global trade.

The origin of the name ‘Boxing Day’: Between kings and alms boxes

There are two main currents that explain the etymology of the term “Boxing” (which, in this context, does not refer to boxing, but to “boxes”).

The first of them refers to the 10th centurywith the figure of King Wenceslas of Bohemia. According to legend, upon observing a peasant in difficulty during a blizzard on December 26, the monarch gave him food and wine to alleviate his suffering. This act inspired the Anglican Church to create the tradition of “alms boxes”, where donations collected during Advent were distributed to the poor precisely on Saint Stephen’s Day (December 26).

The second explanation, dated medieval and Victorian erarefers to the Christmas Boxes. Back then, domestic workers served their masters all Christmas Day. As a reward, they received the next day off and received boxes containing cash bonuses and leftovers from supper to take home to their families.

The Impact on Football: Why is it played on the 26th?

The symbiosis between football and Boxing Day is unique and even preceded the creation of the official holiday. In 1860the historic confrontation between Sheffield FC e Hallam FCconsidered the first competitive game between different clubs in the history of the sport.

This tradition evolved into the current Premier League format as a practical matter of logistics. In the past, with limited transport, it was common for teams to play “round-trip” matches on December 25th and 26th against local rivals, avoiding long journeys. Over time, Christmas games were abolished to preserve athletes’ rest, and Boxing Day became the most anticipated round of the season, famous for packed stadiums and a unique festive atmosphere.

Holidays around the world and the Current Calendar

British influence took Boxing Day to several nations in the Commonwealthwhere the date gained new colors:

Australia: The highlight is the Boxing Day Testone of the most important cricket matches in the world.
Canada and New Zealand: The date serves as the peak of retail, attracting crowds in search of post-Christmas discounts.
Ireland and Northern Ireland: The day maintains a strong religious character in honor of Saint Stephen.

It is worth remembering that Boxing Day follows the rule of substitute day. If December 26th falls on a weekend, the official holiday is transferred to the following Monday, ensuring that the recess and sporting traditions that generate billions in the economy continue to be preserved.

Boxing Day em 2025

As Boxing Day falls on a Friday this year, the Premier League will have a significant adjustment and only one game will be played: Manchester United x Newcastle, at 5pm (Brasília time), at Old Trafford. The remaining clashes in the 18th round were scheduled for the weekend. Check out the list of games after Christmas: