Ah, Boxing Day in the 90s—a day that felt like a cool-down lap after the festive sprint that was Christmas. Though the holiday has roots in British traditions, in the United States, Boxing Day wasn’t an official holiday. But that didn’t stop it from becoming a day of laid-back lounging, family traditions, and (if you were lucky) snagging some post-holiday deals. For many of us, it was the unofficial holiday of leftovers, lazy mornings, and enjoying new gifts.
The Morning After: Pajamas and Present Play
Waking up on Boxing Day in the 90s was its own kind of magic. The chaos of Christmas morning was over, and the house still had that festive glow from twinkling lights and scattered tinsel. Kids would dive straight back into their new treasures—whether it was setting high scores on the Super Nintendo, figuring out how to assemble the latest LEGO set, or mastering the art of a new Tamagotchi.
For adults, it was a time to relax, savoring coffee while flipping through the holiday cards that had arrived in the mail. Maybe you’d take some time to write thank-you notes or call relatives you didn’t get to see on Christmas Day. It was the calm after the storm, with everyone enjoying a slower pace.
Leftovers and Family Fun
Boxing Day in the U.S. didn’t come with the same historical traditions as in other countries, but one thing was universal: leftovers. Turkey sandwiches, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and endless slices of pie dominated the day. It was a time for casual grazing, often in the company of extended family.
Board games often came out on Boxing Day in the 90s—classics like Monopoly, Clue, and Trivial Pursuit. And for kids, it was a chance to show off their new toys or trade their Christmas haul with siblings or cousins. The day had a uniquely American flavor: no strict rules, just family, food, and fun.
Shopping Sprees: America’s Version of Boxing Day
While Boxing Day sales were a huge deal in other countries, in the U.S., this day became a precursor to the massive post-holiday clearance events we now associate with Black Friday. In the 90s, malls were the social hubs of American life, and December 26th was the perfect excuse to head back out.
Teenagers would take their holiday cash to places like Sam Goody for CDs, Claire’s for accessories, or department stores for the newest fashions. Parents might shop for marked-down decorations for next year or exchange those duplicate gifts. The buzz of commerce gave the day a lively, distinctly American twist.
College Football Bowl Games
For sports fans, Boxing Day in the U.S. was synonymous with college football bowl games. In the 90s, teams from around the country competed in post-season matchups, and families would gather around the TV for an afternoon of cheering, friendly rivalries, and snacks. From the Cotton Bowl to the Holiday Bowl, these games were a holiday staple for many households.
Movies and Marathons
Boxing Day often meant a trip to the theater to catch one of the big holiday blockbusters. The 90s gave us hits like Home Alone 2, Jumanji, and The Santa Clause. For those staying home, TV marathons were a must. You might find holiday specials, reruns of Full House or Friends, or even some classic cartoons to keep the kids entertained while parents relaxed.
Boxing Day in Sweden
In Sweden, where our TVDO host & blogger Sharon lives, Boxing Day, or Annandag Jul, is a quieter affair focused on rest and reflection after the festivities of Christmas Eve, the main holiday celebration in Swedish tradition. In the 90s, many Swedes spent the day with family or outdoors, enjoying winter activities like skiing or ice skating. For those who preferred staying in, it was a time for fika (coffee and pastries) and perhaps watching classic films or indulging in leftover julbord (Christmas buffet). Churches often held special services, and the day carried a calm, peaceful atmosphere, marking the end of the Christmas season’s most festive days.
The Music of the Moment
Boxing Day came with its own soundtrack, too. In the 90s, it was likely a mix of Mariah Carey’s Merry Christmas album, NSYNC’s holiday singles, or even some Garth Brooks if you leaned more country. If you were lucky enough to unwrap a new Walkman or Discman, you probably spent the day replaying your favorite album or a custom mixtape made by a friend.
A Uniquely American Boxing Day
While the origins of Boxing Day didn’t quite translate to the U.S., the 90s saw Americans put their own spin on December 26th. It was a day to relax, connect with loved ones, and stretch out the holiday cheer just a little longer. Whether it was family football games in the backyard, curling up on the couch for a movie, or hitting the malls for some retail therapy, Boxing Day in the U.S. was a sweet and simple extension of the holiday spirit.