Across all of the United Kingdom, Boxing Day is an annual tradition rich in history.
Boxing Day itself dates back to 1871 when it became a formal holiday but historically the tradition has been a holiday staple in the U.K. for hundreds of years. The holiday originated when the wealthy would give their servants the day after Christmas off to visit families after a year of loyal work. They would also send gift boxes to staff, hence the term Boxing Day.
Across all of the United Kingdom, Boxing Day is an annual tradition rich in history.
Boxing Day itself dates back to 1871 when it became a formal holiday but historically the tradition has been a holiday staple in the U.K. for hundreds of years. The holiday originated when the wealthy would give their servants the day after Christmas off to visit families after a year of loyal work. They would also send gift boxes to staff, hence the term Boxing Day.
Forbes noted in an article earlier this month that according to 11v11.com, there have been 3,720 Boxing Day fixtures since the inaugural year of the league in 1888. However, the first Boxing Day match itself was played way back in 1860 between Hallam FC and Sheffield FC.
Forbes noted in an article earlier this month that according to 11v11.com, there have been 3,720 Boxing Day fixtures since the inaugural year of the league in 1888. However, the first Boxing Day match itself was played way back in 1860 between Hallam FC and Sheffield FC.
Like the National Football League on Thanksgiving Day or the National Basketball League on Christmas Day, the beautiful game on Boxing Day is a celebrated occasion and one best enjoyed surrounded by family and friends.
Across the Irish Sea in Ireland, Saint Stephen’s Day is celebrated and observed with a full slate of soccer as well. While St. Stephen’s Day has a religious-based history that recognizes St. Stephen who was the first Christian martyr remembered for his selfless service to those in poverty. It’s also a day where friends and families come together to enjoy each other’s company and watch an entire day’s worth of soccer fixtures.
With the U.K. increasing restrictions on gathering due to the pandemic, this year will be unlike any other as supporters will be forced to watch their clubs on television instead of singing them on to victory from the stands. As of Wednesday, just Liverpool and Everton were the lone EPL clubs permitted to allow limited fans at the match.
Like the National Football League on Thanksgiving Day or the National Basketball League on Christmas Day, the beautiful game on Boxing Day is a celebrated occasion and one best enjoyed surrounded by family and friends.
Across the Irish Sea in Ireland, Saint Stephen’s Day is celebrated and observed with a full slate of soccer as well. While St. Stephen’s Day has a religious-based history that recognizes St. Stephen who was the first Christian martyr remembered for his selfless service to those in poverty. It’s also a day where friends and families come together to enjoy each other’s company and watch an entire day’s worth of soccer fixtures.
With the U.K. increasing restrictions on gathering due to the pandemic, this year will be unlike any other as supporters will be forced to watch their clubs on television instead of singing them on to victory from the stands. As of Wednesday, just Liverpool and Everton were the lone EPL clubs permitted to allow limited fans at the match.
Just because fans will not be in attendance does not mean there will be a shortage of crucial contests on the schedule. The 2020 holiday season showcases a slew of massive matchups headlined by a heavyweight bout to kickoff Boxing Day in the Barclay’s Premier League when second-place Leicester City host third-place Manchester United.
Just because fans will not be in attendance does not mean there will be a shortage of crucial contests on the schedule. The 2020 holiday season showcases a slew of massive matchups headlined by a heavyweight bout to kickoff Boxing Day in the Barclay’s Premier League when second-place Leicester City host third-place Manchester United.
Hours later, two titans clash in heated London derby when Arsenal look to get its season back on track when USMNT standout Cristian Pulisic’s Chelsea visit the Emirates.
But of all the Boxing Day matches ever played over the years – both new and old – nothing compares to the legend of the famous ‘Christmas Truce’ in 1914. Soldiers of the British and German armies allegedly laid down their arms for a soccer match in the no-man’s land area of a World War I battlefield. Some historians have their doubts, while former soldiers have been quoted recalling the infamous friendly fixture.
England’s Football Association even paid a 100-year tribute to the event when soldiers from Germany and Great Britain competed in the ‘Game of Truce’ in December 2014.
Boxing Day is a staple in British culture and it’s a day circled on soccer supporters’ calendars from the moment the league’s schedule is announced. The stadiums might not have fans in them this year, but that won’t take away from our special the annual tradition is that is celebrated by all across the pond.
Hours later, two titans clash in heated London derby when Arsenal look to get its season back on track when USMNT standout Cristian Pulisic’s Chelsea visit the Emirates.
But of all the Boxing Day matches ever played over the years – both new and old – nothing compares to the legend of the famous ‘Christmas Truce’ in 1914. Soldiers of the British and German armies allegedly laid down their arms for a soccer match in the no-man’s land area of a World War I battlefield. Some historians have their doubts, while former soldiers have been quoted recalling the infamous friendly fixture.
England’s Football Association even paid a 100-year tribute to the event when soldiers from Germany and Great Britain competed in the ‘Game of Truce’ in December 2014.
Boxing Day is a staple in British culture and it’s a day circled on soccer supporters’ calendars from the moment the league’s schedule is announced. The stadiums might not have fans in them this year, but that won’t take away from our special the annual tradition is that is celebrated by all across the pond.
