Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26th, while not an officially recognized holiday in Greece, is still acknowledged and observed particularly by the expatriate and foreign communities resident in the country. Unlike many other European countries, where it is traditionally a day dedicated for charity and giving, in Greece, it is simply treated as a regular day. However, it is not uncommon for locals to also engage in some Boxing Day festivities, primarily due to the influence of British culture and tradition.
Typically, Greece embarks on a festive period of food, family, and fun during the Christmas season. Thus, the somewhat quiet observance of Boxing Day is more of a continuation of these festivities, rather than a standalone celebration. The day sees many people meeting with friends, dining on leftover Christmas food, indeed whiling the day away in a relaxed, post-Christmas stupor. Occasionally, parties and gatherings are organized in cities catering to the expats and tourists celebrating the holiday, thereby providing a taste of their home traditions.
Boxing Day also often coincides with Synaxis of the Mother of God in the Greek Orthodox Church, which observes the role of Mary in the nativity of Jesus. However, the spiritual reflection associated with the latter does not have the commercial and charitable associations of Boxing Day in the British culture. All in all, while not officially celebrated, Boxing Day is subtly recognized in Greece, primarily being a day marked for relaxation and extending the joy of the festive season.