Across all of the United Kingdom, and some other parts of the world, Boxing Day is an annual tradition rich in history. As a reward for another year of loyal work, the wealthy would give their servants a day off following Christmas to visit with their families. As an additional token of their gratitude, they would also pack boxes with gifts, food, and money to give to their workers.
Today, Boxing Day is recognized in many countries as a day to shop, eat, and spend time with family and friends. In addition to the U.K., Boxing Day is celebrated in Ireland and Spain, where it is recognized as Saint Stephens Day, while other countries recognize it as a second Christmas or celebrate nationwide festivals. However, since the 1950’s, football and other sports have dominated celebrations of Boxing Day. Many take the opportunity to catch the action on the pitch alongside their friends and family, or if you’re in Australia or New Zealand, take in a rugby or cricket match.
This year, the U.K.’s top flight leagues will feature full slates of matches for all to watch the day after Christmas. 18 of the Premier League’s 20 teams will see action across nine fixtures, and all squads of the Welsh Cymru Premier and the Scottish Premiership are set to compete as well. This year’s Boxing Day will obviously come with more of a special sentiment, as fans weren’t allowed at matches in 2020 as a result of health and safety protocols.
In the Premier League, the all-day slate starts with Liverpool v Leeds and Wolves v Watford in the early slot. West Ham v Southampton, Tottenham v Crystal Palace, Norwich City v Arsenal, Manchester City v Lecister, and Burnley v Everton make up the bulk of the schedule during the day. Aston Villa will welcome Chelsea before the festivities come to a close in Brighton and Hove, with the Seagulls set to battle with Brentford. It’ll surely be a day to watch – with every club in action, the table is sure to see some movement as clubs look to improve their positioning heading into the New Year. The full schedule can be found here.
Checking out the action from Wales and Scotland surely won’t disappoint either, especially as Welsh clubs get ready for the final push to make the Championship Conference. All but one side has a clear path to the top six for a chance to win the title in May, making positive Boxing Day showings important to every team.
This season’s contests are sure to bring crowds ready to cheer loudly and proudly, no matter who they’ll be rooting for. It is after all, a day those who celebrate keep an eye on from afar, ready to shop, sing, and cheer for their club when the time finally arrives.
