Boxing Day is a day for leftover turkey, telly and bargains, but its traditions go back much further and are steeped in history

Boxing Day has become a favoured festive tradition in the UK as people spend time with the families, shop in the sales or watch some football - but where did the name come from?

Boxing Day was once a day to donate gifts to those in need, but it has evolved to become a part of the Christmas celebration.

Boxing Day, a widely celebrated public holiday in Ireland, the United Kingdom and various Commonwealth nations, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, has a rich history and

The most miserable day of the year has to be the day after Christmas. You spend the previous 48 hours having a blast with your family. You're wrapping and exchanging gifts, eating food, watching sports and just generally having a grand old time.

It is said that the first Boxing Day match was played between Sheffield and Hallam in 1860, but it was not before the 1888-89 season that the tradition began to take shape with a game between Preston North End and West Bromwich Albion.

Boxing Day has made a significant place in the sporting calendar with several top-flight cricket and football matches happening on December 26 every year.