Football in America is more than just a sport; it’s a cultural phenomenon that intertwines with holidays, creating unique traditions like the NFL games on Christmas Day. For those in the USA and fans worldwide, understanding this tradition involves delving into history, economics, fan culture, and the logistics of modern sports scheduling. Here’s a comprehensive look at why NFL games are played on Christmas Day:
Historical Background of playing NFL on Christmas Day
The First Christmas Games: The NFL’s first venture into playing on Christmas was in 1971 when two playoff games were scheduled due to the day falling on a Saturday. This was a rare occurrence since the NFL typically avoids scheduling games on major holidays to respect family time and holiday traditions. However, these games, including the legendary double-overtime match between the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins, marked the beginning of a sporadic but growing tradition.
Avoidance and Return: After the 1971 games, backlash from fans who wanted to celebrate Christmas without the interference of football led the NFL to avoid Christmas Day games for 18 years. It wasn’t until 1989 that the NFL tried again with a regular season game, and since then, the frequency has increased, especially in the last decade.
Fan Culture and Demand
A New Holiday Tradition: Football has become an integral part of American culture, where watching sports is often a family activity. With Christmas often coinciding with the tail end of the NFL regular season, games on this day have provided a new way for families to celebrate the holiday together, merging the excitement of the game with holiday festivities.
Viewership: The NFL has found that Christmas Day games attract high viewership numbers. Fans, often with time off work, have more leisure time to watch games, boosting ratings significantly. For instance, in recent years, games on Christmas have drawn some of the highest viewerships of the regular season, showcasing the public’s interest in this unique holiday programming.
Economic Incentives
Television Revenue: There’s a clear financial incentive for the NFL to play on Christmas. Networks pay premium for exclusive rights to broadcast these games, understanding that the holiday’s viewership can be lucrative. With families gathered around screens, advertising slots during Christmas games are highly sought after by companies looking to capitalize on holiday shopping.
Merchandise and Engagement: The NFL also sees an uptick in merchandise sales and fan engagement on these special days. Themed merchandise, increased social media interaction, and special promotions around the games contribute significantly to the league’s revenue.
Scheduling Dynamics
Day of the Week: One of the primary logistical considerations for Christmas games is the day of the week on which Christmas falls. Since Thanksgiving is always on Thursday, it naturally fits into the NFL’s schedule, but Christmas varies. The NFL has historically scheduled games if Christmas falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or Monday, days when games are traditionally played. However, since 2020, the league has made a concerted effort to play games on Christmas every year, regardless of the day, recognizing the demand and potential for high viewership.
Flexibility and Experimentation: The NFL has shown flexibility in scheduling, including moving games from Sunday to Saturday when Christmas falls on a Sunday to accommodate a Christmas Day game. This experimentation with the schedule demonstrates the league’s willingness to adapt to capitalize on special occasions.
Impact on Other Sports
NBA and NFL Rivalry: Traditionally, the NBA has owned Christmas Day, with a full slate of games that have become a holiday staple. However, the NFL’s decision to schedule games on the same day has added a layer of competition, with football now vying for attention alongside basketball. This has created a unique sports holiday where fans can enjoy both sports back-to-back or simultaneously, depending on their preferences.
Player and Team Perspectives
Player Experience: Playing on Christmas Day can be a mixed bag for players. On one hand, it’s an honor to play on such a high-profile day; on the other, it means being away from family during the holiday. Teams often compensate by making the day special for players and their families, sometimes allowing family members to join them at the stadium.
Rest and Recovery: When Christmas games are scheduled, especially on days like Wednesday (as in 2024), careful consideration is given to player rest and recovery. Teams playing on Christmas might have played on the previous Saturday to ensure adequate rest, maintaining competitive equity.
Cultural Significance
American Identity: Football, especially the NFL, has become synonymous with American identity during holidays. The presence of NFL games on Christmas Day not only reflects this cultural integration but also exports this aspect of American holiday culture globally, where international fans can partake in this tradition.
Global Appeal: The NFL’s games on Christmas Day have also helped in expanding the league’s global footprint. With international broadcasts, fans around the world get a taste of how Americans celebrate Christmas, further globalizing the NFL brand.
