Boxing Day, which falls on December 26th, is not a traditional holiday in Estonia but has gained some recognition due to globalization and the influx of international culture. It is a day traditionally celebrated in the United Kingdom and other countries that were British colonies. While Boxing Day is not a public holiday in Estonia, it has become more familiar to people due to its prevalence in English-speaking cultures. Commercial influence also plays a part, with many shops offering Boxing Day sales, mimicking practices from Western countries.
As far as Estonian traditions go, there is no specific celebration or customs attached to Boxing Day. However, taking the wider interpretation of the holiday, the spirit of goodwill, charity, and sharing that is often associated with Boxing Day has found its own expression in Estonia. Much like in other countries, the holiday season is a time when people are generally more open to helping others, and it's not uncommon for charitable activities to be carried out during this period, which aligns with the spirit of Boxing Day.
Regardless of the lack of traditional Boxing Day customs, Estonia celebrates the holiday season with fervor. From Christmas markets to New Year's festivities, the winter holiday season in this Baltic country is a time of joy for families and communities. While Boxing Day might not be an official holiday nor a well-established tradition, the core values it represents are not out of place in Estonia's festive season, and people get to enjoy post-Christmas sales, increased charitable activities, and simply spend more cosy winter time together with their loved ones.