The day after non-Orthodox Christmas (December 25) is the Catholic Feast of St. Stephen, or St. Stephen's Day. This date is called 'Boxing Day' in the United Kingdom and former British colonies also called 'proclamation Day' in S. Australia. Both observances are public holidays centered on themes of charity toward the less fortunate. It is not an official holiday in the United States.
For those who adhere to this date as a holiday, the main personal value revolves around charity and making donations to the less fortunate, which corresponds to the values promoted during the Christmas holiday season in the United States.
Boxing Day, or St. Stephen's Day, is not an official U.S. holiday. Though it may hold meaning for Catholic employees, British nationals, and immigrants from England or former British colonies, it does not have the same significance for these celebrants in the United States. Employees do not generally expect to have this day off, unless it is already a company vacation day.
This is an official holiday in a number of countries with well-represented or majority-Catholic populations; and in Britain and former British colonies and territories. Government offices, banks and schools are closed, though some stores begin post-Christmas sales on Boxing Day. In countries that observe St. Stephen's Day, everything is closed as families attend church services and remain home. Travel services run limited schedules, which includes metro, bus, train and air travel. Traffic tends to be light. Hotel and restaurant accommodations are generally available, as this is a family-oriented holiday and people tend to stay home. It not advisable to schedule business meetings or conferences, as many services are closed and employees are on vacation. In some countries, the official observance is restricted to certain regions: it is a public holiday confined to Antwerp in Belgium and Northern, not Southern, Ireland. In countries whose largest populations are non-Christian, such as Pakistan, this is a public holiday for Christians only.
In the United Kingdom, and territories formerly linked to the British Empire, Boxing Day is a public holiday with government offices, banks and small businesses closed. Families and friends gather, and a spirit of generosity prevails. Many people donate time at food banks, or otherwise make it a point to help those in need. The day is also a vacation day featuring such outdoor activities as horse racing and hunting, and performances of traditional British 'Morris Dancing.'
In Ireland, Italy, and other countries where Catholicism is heavily represented, this day is called the 'Feast of St. Stephen,' or 'St. Stephen's Day,' and commemorates the martyrdom of one of seven deacons appointed by the apostles of Jesus to minister to the poor. St. Stephen's Day includes folk costumes and traditional music, as well as the newly-revived 'Going on the Wren,' a mock hunt and killing of the bird said to have exposed Saint Stephen's hiding place with its chatter. This practice died out around the turn of the century, but has been revived in some parts of Ireland.
