First there’s the Boxing Day Test Match.

This year holds particular significance because it’s also the Ashes.

Cricket fanatics from all corners of the country – whether it’s yourself, a friend, or a friend of a friend – are heading to the game if they can.

And any other cricket die-hard who can’t get to it is watching it on TV, most likely on the couch in the comfort of air-conditioning, with a beer in hand.

While we’re on the topic of cricket, it’s not just the Test Match that’s synonymous with Boxing Day. 

There are plenty of backyard or neighborhood street games that are also played on Boxing Day in Australia.

There always seems to be a few revenge wickets to level the score from the Christmas game the day before.

One of the newer Boxing Day traditions in our regions is the shopping. 

Boxing Day sales in Tamworth has only been around for about three years, but this year’s was the biggest yet.

It seemed like people were still getting used to the idea for the first two years. It’s a trend that dominates many metro calendars, but one that is relatively new in the country.

But many Tamworth retailers told The Leader that it was a growing trend and well worth opening their doors.

It’s not just Tamworth that experienced bumper Boxing Day sales. 

The National Retail Association (NRA) is forecasting nation-wide retail sales to hit a record-breaking $2.36 billion.

Boxing Day is the biggest event on the retail calendar with Australians stampeding to the shops to cash in on post-Christmas sales.

NRA CEO Dominique Lamb said shoppers are on track to smash the previous spending record, with a 3 per cent increase on the 2016 Boxing Day sales.

The NRA is forecasting a rise in Boxing Day sales across every single state and territory. The biggest spend will occur in New South Wales at more than $770 million.

Other Boxing Day traditions include race meets in small country towns like Quirindi. 

But arguably the best part about Boxing Day is the leftovers. It’s picking at the ham from the day before, stuffing yourself with what’s left of the turkey, and washing it all down with dessert.