Boxing Day in Iceland, also known as Annar í jólum, is a public holiday celebrated on December 26th and is part of the extended Christmas festivities. It is an occasion for people to continue celebrating and to spend more time with family and friends after the bustling activities of Christmas Day. Furthermore, this day may also include various fun activities such as festive meals and outdoor games in the snowy landscape, along with the exchange of leftover gifts.
Historically, Boxing Day carries a lot of cultural and traditional significance. In Iceland, it is known much more as a religious occasion, with Icelanders heading to church for communal prayers and ceremonies. It provides a pause for spiritual reflection and rest amidst the ongoing festive celebrations. This sacred reverence is a crucial element of the Boxing Day observance in Icelandic culture.
Today, Boxing Day also carries a generous manifestation. Some Icelanders make use of this day to donate to charities, carrying on the ancient British tradition which Boxing Day is thought to have originated from, where servants received gifts from their masters in 'Christmas Boxes'. In a nutshell, whether it is a day of rest, a day of continued celebrations, or a day of charity, Boxing Day in Iceland is a key aspect of the Christmas holidays in this picturesque Nordic island country.