As the Christmas crackers are pulled and the last of the turkey is packed away, a beloved British tradition emerges: the Boxing Day quiz. This annual test of festive knowledge challenges Brits on everything from the origins of the bank holiday to classic film moments and sporting fixtures.
The History and Origins of Boxing Day
Many enjoy the 26th of December as a day of relaxation and sales, but its history is rich and varied. The quiz probes this directly, asking in which year Boxing Day was first officially recognised as a bank holiday in the UK. The correct answer is 1871, following the Bank Holidays Act. Before Christmas Day took centre stage, the 26th of December was often the date for celebrating the major Christian festival of St. Stephen's Day.
Historical culinary habits are also explored. Before the turkey became the centrepiece of the British Christmas table, another bird was commonly served: the goose. This tidbit offers a glimpse into the evolving nature of our festive celebrations.
Global Traditions and Festive Pop Culture
Boxing Day is not just a British affair, and the quiz highlights its international connections. The famous 'Boxing Day Test Match' in cricket is traditionally hosted by Australia. Meanwhile, in a unique twist on Christmas dinner, the country of Japan famously turns to KFC for its festive meal.
Pop culture plays a huge part in the festive period. The quiz asks about the classic animated short film first aired in 1982 featuring the song "Walking in the Air" – which is, of course, The Snowman. It also tests knowledge of the devilish European folklore figure who accompanies Saint Nicholas: Krampus. Film buffs are challenged with questions about Home Alone (the family was going to Paris) and It's a Wonderful Life (every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings).
Trivia, Sports and Curious Customs
The questions delve into fascinating specifics. The English mathematician born on 26th December, credited with conceiving the first automatic digital computer, was Charles Babbage. In How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the three words used to describe him are "Stink, Stank, Stunk".
Sporting traditions are also covered. If the 26th falls on a Sunday, the substitute public holiday moves to Monday. A once-popular Irish Boxing Day custom involved hunting a fake wren. The quiz also notes that the oldest organised Boxing Day swim, known for fancy dress, takes place in Tenby, Pembrokeshire, and started in 1970.
Other notable questions include the year foxhunting with packs became unlawful in England and Wales (2005), and the European country where bandy (a sport similar to ice hockey) is often played on Boxing Day: Sweden. For music historians, the two Beatles singles released in the USA on Boxing Day 1963, sparking Beatlemania, were "I Want to Hold Your Hand" and "I Saw Her Standing There".
Finally, the quiz reveals that Boxing Day is called the "Day of Goodwill" in South Africa, and those born on 26th December have the star sign Capricorn. Looking far ahead, 26th December 2031 will fall on a Friday.
