St. Stephen's Day
December twenty-sixth
St.
Stephen's Day is December 26, the day after Christmas, observed as a feast day honoring the first Christian martyr.
In Ireland and parts of Britain, it's also called Boxing Day.
Traditional celebrations vary by region—in Ireland, groups go "hunting the wren," while in much of the Commonwealth it's associated with giving gifts to servants and tradespeople.
December 26th Commonwealth holiday
- almsgivingGiving to the needy
- donationVoluntary charitable gift
- generosityReadiness to give freely
- gift boxesDecorated containers for presents
servants · tips · charity boxes · tradesmen · benevolence · giving · aid · relief
Scheduled national day off
- public holidayOfficial day of rest
- observanceKeeping of customs
- celebrationFestive event marking occasion
- festivityCelebratory occasion or mood
tradition · saint's day · religious holiday · Christianity · family gatherings · day off · annual event · national holiday
Directly between residences
- mummersCostumed folk play performers
- processionFormal moving line
- drummingPercussive rhythm-making
- polesLong sticks or extremities
feathers · folklore · ritual · Ireland · parade · songs · dances · ceremony
Uneaten food kept afterward
- turkeyWattled North American fowl
- glazed hamCoated baked pork roast
- roast beefOven-cooked beef cut
- stuffingSeasoned mixture for cavities
mince pies · mulled wine · cold cuts · platter · cranberry sauce · Christmas pudding · eggnog · sandwiches
Obstacle course race
- puntersPeople who bet
- meetingsOrganized group assemblies
- thoroughbredOf pure ancestral line
- jockeysProfessional horse racers
Boxing Day
December 26th Commonwealth holiday
- almsgivingGiving to the needy
- donationVoluntary charitable gift
- generosityReadiness to give freely
gift boxes · servants · tips · charity boxes · tradesmen · benevolence · giving · aid · relief · philanthropy
bank holiday
Scheduled national day off
- public holidayOfficial day of rest
- observanceKeeping of customs
- celebrationFestive event marking occasion
festivity · tradition · saint's day · religious holiday · Christianity · family gatherings · day off · annual event · national holiday · yuletide
door-to-door
Directly between residences
- mummersCostumed folk play performers
- processionFormal moving line
- drummingPercussive rhythm-making
poles · feathers · folklore · ritual · Ireland · parade · songs · dances · ceremony · music
leftovers
Uneaten food kept afterward
- turkeyWattled North American fowl
- glazed hamCoated baked pork roast
- roast beefOven-cooked beef cut
stuffing · mince pies · mulled wine · cold cuts · platter · cranberry sauce · Christmas pudding · eggnog · sandwiches · pickles
steeplechase
Obstacle course race
- puntersPeople who bet
- meetingsOrganized group assemblies
- thoroughbredOf pure ancestral line
December
Year's final month
cold · fireplace · hearth · ice · scarves · mittens · overcoat · fir · pine · blanket
St. Stephen's DayChristmas Eve
December 24th observance
St. Stephen's DayGood Friday
Crucifixion memorial day
Ash Wednesday · Lent · Holy Saturday · Maundy Thursday · All Souls' Day