Contrary Life

Contrary Life is a website covering quirky events across the UK.

  • Home
  • About
  • Events by region
    • North East
    • North West
    • Yorkshire
    • East Midlands
    • West Midlands
    • East
    • London
    • South East
    • South West
    • Scotland
    • Northern Ireland
    • Wales
Home > Curiosity of the week > Boxing Day

Boxing Day

By Caroline King - December 25, 2017Posted in : Curiosity of the week

Display of Christmas gifts - Visit Britain

Display of traditional Christmas gifts (Photo: Visit Britain)

It’s Christmas, so what would be more appropriate for our Curiosity of the Week than the tradition of Boxing Day itself?

Strangely enough, the exact origin of Boxing Day is unknown.  But the earliest mentions of the day point to it being a time when servants and tradesmen would traditionally receive a Christmas box of food and gifts from their employer or from grateful customers.

On Christmas Day many servants would be working, so the following day would be their opportunity to celebrate, or at least have a rare day off.  The boxes would be filled by employers with leftover food, money and even small gifts.

Boxing Day is also known for its high-profile sporting fixtures, but here at Contrary Life, the day is most famous for its wealth of quirky customs and daft sporting challenges which take place every year, rain, shine or snow.

If you have an idea for Curiosity of the Week then please do get in touch, we welcome suggestions from everyone. You can contact us by emailing info@contrarylife.com or send us a message via Facebook.

We are always on the lookout for interesting customs, hidden places and unique buildings to share with our readers.

Tagged With: Boxing Day events, Curiosity of the week

Curiosity of the Week

Woodhenge, Stonehenge’s lesser-known neighbour
Woodhenge - ©English Heritage, Historic England Photo Library

You have heard of Stonehenge in Wiltshire, but have you heard of its lesser known neighbour, Woodhenge? Find out more in our latest Curiosity of the Week…

Top Story

HandleBards hit the pedals again to bring you a summer of outdoor theatre
HandleBards A Midsummer Night's Dream ©Rah Petherbridge Photography

The HandleBards are a Shakespearean troupe who tour by bike. And to celebrate their 10th anniversary, they’re climbing back into the saddle…

What are you looking for today?

  • Alternative Sport
  • Art
  • Cabaret and Circus
  • Cinema
  • Classes, Workshops & Talks
  • Club Night
  • Comedy
  • Dance
  • Exhibitions and Installations
  • Fairs and Markets
  • Festival
  • Food & Drink
  • Heritage and History
  • Interview
  • Literature
  • Museum
  • Music
  • Nature and Outdoors
  • Review
  • Science and Technology
  • Theatre
  • Walks and Tours

Sign up to our Newsletter

Copyright © 2023 · Contrary Life