Why is 26 December called `Boxing Day’?

The word `boxing’ has nothing to do with the sport; it has to do with boxes in which you put things. During the Christmas season a lot of people attend church and while they are there, they donate money and other goodies to the poor. The money and gifts are put in a box, and this is called a Christmas box. The boxes are opened by a priest the day after Christmas, and he in turn distributes the contents to the needy. This is why 26 December is called Boxing Day.

Source: The Hindu ‘Know Your English’ Series, December 26, 2005