Speaking calendar/Boxing Day
December 26th · Tradition & Consumerism

Boxing Day

Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated the day after Christmas Day, occurring on 26 December. Today, we debate the transition from its historical roots as a day for charity (giving boxes to the poor) to its modern status as a major shopping event with massive sales. What are the pros and cons of the post-Christmas culture, and how has the holiday evolved in your part of the world? Is Boxing Day still about giving, or is it all about getting?

SPEAKING LESSONB1 / B2Discussion · Vocabulary · Activities
01 / LET’S TALK

Speaking Discussion

  1. Do you celebrate Boxing Day (or a similar holiday on December 26th)? What are your typical traditions?
  2. In your opinion, what is the biggest reason for the shift from charity to consumerism on this specific day?
  3. How much of a role do sales and discounts play in your decision to shop on Boxing Day? Do you often find good deals?
  4. What do you think about the tradition of returning unwanted Christmas gifts on Boxing Day? Is it practical or impolite?
  5. How can we bring back the original spirit of charity and giving to the post-Christmas season?
  6. If you had to spend Boxing Day doing something completely unrelated to shopping or gifts, what would it be?
02 / PUT IT INTO PRACTICE

Activity 1: The charity box Pitch

The Task: You are a Community Leader. You need to persuade your neighbours to fill a boxing day charity box for a local food bank.

What are the three most important things people should include, and why?

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Sentences

Complete the sentence and justify it in 20 seconds.

  • "The best part of Boxing Day is..."
  • "I think sales psychology is..."
  • "In my opinion, the spirit of giving is..."