Boxing Day tradition celebrated in Fullerton with soccer, beer

FULLERTON, Calif. (KABC) -- While lots of people woke up early to hit the after-Christmas sales on Friday, a group of men in Fullerton woke up early for a soccer game.

It's their way of celebrating Boxing Day, a national holiday for several countries that began in the United Kingdom.

"We love playing, and to get up on boxing day and to be out here with your friends again, and have a bit of competition, and get in there and really get dirty," said James Maynard.

In the U.K., the day after Christmas is a time to celebrate, box up goods, and give back.

"The rich would box up their leftover toys and food and give it to the more needy, but as times have gone on, we seem to use it as an extra day off," said Maynard.

After the game, the players headed to The Olde Ship, an English pub in Fullerton where many of them work or have close ties.

Simon Collier owns the business. Though they weren't in boxes, he gave out gifts in the form of free food and beer to the people who work for him.

"It's all about giving back and being thankful for the year and everything that's happened throughout the year. It's really Christmas for us, is the Brits' version of Thanksgiving," said Collier.

Since many can't be with their families across the pond during the holidays, Collier says it's important to give them a taste of home right here.

"This is a little bit of Britain here in Orange County. So you step through the doors and it's like going over to London. That's the whole idea," said Collier.

Collier says this is the 21st year The Olde Ship has thrown a Boxing Day celebration.