If your religion is shopping and your god is the credit card, then you may decide to skip Christmas entirely and spend the cash you put aside for gifts at the sensational sales in one of several countries that celebrates Boxing Day.
You may be asking yourself, what is Boxing Day?
Boxing Day is the largest retail shopping sales day of the year in most countries with British heritage. These include the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, Hong Kong and even Caribbean islands like Barbados. Historically the term goes back to the medieval period as the day that was set aside so that servants could take a holiday after working on Christmas Day. Employers gave each servant a box containing gifts and bonuses. In addition, it was traditional that on December 26, churches would open their alms boxes and distribute the contents to the poor.
Today, December 26 is revered as the shopping day to end all shopping days. Braving the Boxing Day sales is not for the faint of heart -- it is an endurance sport, much like the US's Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) but on a much larger scale, as most stores will shed stock at up to 70% off. You will have to wake up early, possibly line up (or should I say queue?) and deal with massive crowds but the rewards could certainly make it worthwhile. For those nursing a post-Christmas hangover after overindulgence in eggnog, this could be a perfect solution. The sales that begin on Boxing Day will often extend up to New Year, although the best bargains will always be found on the 26th. In British Commonwealth countries, Boxing Day is always a public holiday and if it falls on a weekend, as it does in 2004, the following Monday is often given as a day off in lieu.
For those not compelled to shop till exhaustion, Boxing Day has also become a traditional sports -watching day. On the religious calendar it is recognized as St Stephens Day, and as the patron saint of horses, naturally horseracing is a popular event. Some of the international sporting events that take place annually of this hallowed day include:
Melbourne, Australia: The Boxing Day Cricket Test Match is famous throughout the cricket following world. Played at the MCG (hallowed ground for devotees of the sport), this year, the test match is between Australia and Pakistan. If you've never experienced cricket, this may be an ideal opportunity to enjoy the game in its natural habitat on a warm summer's day down under. For more information about the event and to purchase tickets visit www.mcg.org.au.
Durban, South Africa: Determined not to be outdone by Melbourne, South Africa's Boxing Day Test match between South Africa and England is also a spectacle of cricketing prowess. Played at Kingsmead Cricket Ground, if it gets too hot, you can always cool down with a dip in the Indian Ocean, only a few minutes walk away from the stadium.
Sydney, Australia: The start of the country's biggest and most grueling yachting event, the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. The start is a spectacular sight along Sydney's famous harbor with the Sydney Harbor Bridge and Opera House as a unique backdrop. Thousands of escort boats and well-wishers encircle the route and provide a regal send off for those brave sailors who will navigate a treacherous path over the following three days down to the island state of Tasmania. Visit www.rolexsydneyhobart.com for further details.
London, England: The famous King George IV Steeple Chase horserace at Kempton racecourse is held on Boxing Day each year. Kempton is easily accessible from London via the Shepperton line train from Waterloo, with the journey taking approximately 30-minutes. For further information visit thejockeyclub.co.uk/kempton.
England, Scotland and Wales: Although I feel quite loathed mentioning this particular "sport," Boxing Day is also a traditional foxhunting day throughout the UK. This year in particular will be historic as it should be the final year of legal hunting in UK after the British parliament effectively banned its practice as of February 2005. If tracking down and killing defenseless furry creatures is your idea of a great day out, dozens of hunt clubs throughout rural UK will be hosting this historic last bloodbath. Visit www.countryside-alliance.org/our_news/hunting_news/Happy_Hunting_on_Boxing_Day.html.
Auckland, New Zealand: Derby Day, one of New Zealand's most prestigious horseracing event days takes place on Boxing Day at Ellerslie racecourse. Event highlights include Fashions on the Field, and a day of races and family activities. See www.ellerslie.co.nz for details.
Barbados: The International Triple Crown Horseracing event at Garrison Savannah, less than two miles outside of Bridgetown takes place. Visit www.barbadosturfclub.com.
Belize: This English-speaking Central-American nation celebrates Boxing Day with a combination of sporting events (horseracing) and cultural and community events including Garifuna (Black Carib) dance demonstrations, parties and markets. It is also the day of the Jonkonnu Festival, a dancing parade that combines ancient African rituals with a Mardi Gras style. It begins in the predawn hours and lasts until sunrise. Visit www.belizeanjourneys.com/features/bzxmas/newsletter.html for festivity locations.
Tortola, Nevis, St. Croix and St. Thomas: Look for a variety of horseracing events to take place. If you are planning to be in any of these destinations on December 26, you really should try to indulge in some local shopping or sporting and cultural traditions. If you want to escape the whole Christmas thing, consider flying on Christmas Day, as this can often ensure seat availability and even cheaper fares as most people avoid flying on December 25.