Fans around the globe have been spoiled this fall, with the World Cup providing action every day at all hours for nearly a month. But after a week to recover and enjoy the holidays, club competitions around the world kick back up on a special day – Boxing Day – traditionally celebrated the day after Christmas with food, family, shopping, and football around the world.
Boxing Day traces its origins to the 17th century, when servants in the United Kingdom would be awarded a day off after Christmas as a token of gratitude. Employers would also gift their workers “boxes” with all kinds of items ranging from food to excess goods, gifts, money and much more, giving the storied day its long-held name. The gift giving has never stopped, and since, modern Boxing Day celebrations have been treated as an extension of Christmas, most importantly capped off by taking in a match with friends and family.
The centuries-old tradition has long been one of the top days on the world football calendar – historically serving as the stage for the biggest rivalry matches. Today, a win on Boxing Day is a celebrated occasion, with the eyes of more fans than ever on every match. This year is no different – fans in nations around the globe will be plenty entertained as their clubs return to action from World Cup.
After nearly two months without clubs in action to align with FIFA’s World Cup timeline, fans will be itching to see their favorite sides back in action. Most notably, the English Premier League returns with six fixtures. Current table leader Arsenal will take on West Ham in a London derby, Everton will face Wolves in a fight to stave off relegation positioning, and the season’s surprise squad in Newcastle will look to climb a spot with Manchester City out of action until later in the week. But for those whose main squads aren’t in action – every other English league has close to a full slate, meaning there’s a game to watch no matter who they support.
Fans of other leagues won’t have trouble finding a game to watch either. All 12 Welsh Premier League sides, and teams in Northern Ireland, Italy, France and Belgium will see the pitch. Other sports around the world, including rugby and cricket, and even horse racing, will take part in the festivities as well, featuring the year’s most anticipated matches and contests.
