While millions of Britons take advantage of the extra day off over Christmas to head out to the shops - that's not a luxury enjoyed by the staff serving them.
But there's been a growing trend to give workers that little bit of extra time to relax with their families, see friends or watch the football.
That means this year more and more major chains have decided they will stay shut on Boxing Day as well as a on Christmas Day.
Paddy Lillis, general secretary of shop workers' union Usdaw, said: “The trend for more stores to open longer over the festive period inevitably has a big impact on shopworkers’ Christmas Day celebrations.
“Finishing late on Christmas Eve and then getting straight back to work on Boxing Day means that Christmas Day is not a proper break.
“So Usdaw welcomes those retailers not opening on Boxing Day and we urge others to follow their example.”
Here are the biggest chains that have decided to keep doors closed on December 26th:
John Lewis
John Lewis has a long tradition of staying closed on Boxing Day, perhaps unsurprising given the store is actually owned by its staff.
Shops will reopen on Friday, December 27, if you're looking to take advantage of the chain however. You can find your nearest John Lewis store here.
But if you really can't wait, the sales have begun online.
Homebase
Homebase is the latest retailer to confirm its stores will be closed this Boxing Day.
Its decision follows research carried out by the retailer which showed 92% of UK consumers supported retailers who chose to keep their doors closed on Boxing Day.
Aldi
Aldi has confirmed its stores will be closed this Boxing Day to allow staff to spend time with their families.
It's not the first time Aldi has made the decision to close stores on Boxing Day, as it has done so for several years now.
Home Bargains
Discount retailer Home Bargains will be closed on Boxing Day , extending the Christmas cheer for its thousands of staff. It's also planning to be shut on New Year's Day to let staff recover from celebrations.
In a post on Instagram , Home Bargains said: “To all our staff: Thank you for all your hard work once again this year.
“All our stores will be closed on Boxing Day to ensure you are able to spend time with your friends and family.”
And shoppers were quick to share their support, with one customer writing "all shops should do this" and another saying "that's how it should be".
Normal service is resuming on December 27 when the sales will kick off.
Marks & Spencer
Only selected Marks & Spencer stores will be open on Boxing Day this year, with most staff given the chance to take some extra time for themselves.
That said, many of the biggest, city-centre stores will be joining in the sales madness, with the retailer even going as far as producing a list of which shops will be open the day after Christmas .
Waitrose
As part of the John Lewis group (and frequently housed in the same building) most Waitrose stores will be closed on Boxing Day.
But not quite all of them - if there's a particular product you absolutely Must Have - some ]Waitrose's Welcome Break motorway service station stores and Shell Forecourt branches will still be open.
Wickes
Wickes will also be shut on Boxing Day.
The retailer, which has 230 branches, posted the announcement on social media - in a move that has since been praised by shoppers.
One said: “Well done Wickes! All stores should be closed on Boxing Day!”
Another customer said: “Back to the old days where everyone could enjoy a well-deserved break.”
A Wickes spokesperson said: "This Christmas we are thanking our colleagues for their continued hard work by closing our stores nationwide on Boxing Day, giving them a well-earned festive break.
"We hope this extra day off ensures our colleagues are able to fully enjoy the Christmas period and spend valuable time with their friends and family."
