Boxing Day, also known as the Day of Goodwill, is a national holiday on the South African calendar, and it is celebrated annually on December 26, the day after Christmas.

The day is celebrated as a time of love and peace for everyone in the country, but did you know the following:

1. In 1994, the name of the holiday was changed to Day of Goodwill as a sign of severance from the region’s colonial past

2. No one knows the real origin of the name Boxing Day; however, two theories exist. It is believed to have originated from the church practice of opening alms boxes on the day after Christmas and distributing money to the poor. Another theory suggests that it came from the tradition of employers giving gifts to their servants on December 26

3. This day is also known for big shopping sales, where retailers offer significant discounts on various products

4. In other countries, Boxing Day celebrations are more literal. Some nations in Africa and the Caribbean that used to be British colonies celebrate the holiday with prize-fighting events.

5. If Boxing Day falls on a weekend, then all is not lost. We get a public holiday on the Monday after to make up for it. An extra day to eat leftovers and play with your Christmas presents