Is There Any Football Games On Christmas Day
Christmas Day. A time for family, presents, and… football? You might be surprised to learn that the NFL and Christmas have a bit of a checkered past.
A History of Gridiron on December 25th
Believe it or not, Christmas Day football games aren't a brand new thing. In fact, way back when, they were somewhat common!
The NFL, in its early years, wasn't afraid to schedule games on December 25th. Imagine the scene: Santa, turkey, and then... tackles?
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The Early Years: A Different Kind of Holiday Cheer
The first official NFL Christmas game happened in 1920. Back then, the league was still finding its footing, trying anything to get attention.
These early games were more about survival than tradition. Think muddy fields and players bundled up in whatever they could find.
It was a far cry from the perfectly manicured fields and high-tech gear we see today. More like a group of friends playing in the backyard... if your friends were professional athletes.
The Long Hiatus and the Return
For a long time, NFL Christmas games were as rare as finding a fruitcake someone actually enjoys. From 1971 until 1989, there were none.
The NFL seemed to realize that maybe, just maybe, people wanted to spend the holiday focused on other things. Hard to blame them, right?
But then, the siren call of TV ratings became too strong to resist. Slowly, Christmas Day football began to creep back into the schedule.
The Modern Christmas Game: A Holiday Tradition (of Sorts)
Now, you're more likely to see a game or two on Christmas. The NFL, ever the entertainment machine, sees it as a chance to grab a huge audience.
Sometimes, it's a gift. Sometimes, it's a lump of coal. It all depends on the matchup and how well your team is playing, of course.
Player Perspectives: Bah Humbug or Holiday Hustle?
What do the players think about working on Christmas? It's a mixed bag.
Some embrace it, viewing it as another opportunity to compete on a national stage. For others, it means being away from their families during a special time.
Imagine trying to explain to your kids why Santa had to bring their presents early because Dad has to go tackle someone on TV. Tough gig.
Teams often try to make it easier on the players, allowing them to celebrate with their families before or after the game.
So, Will There Be Football This Christmas?
The short answer is: probably! Check your local listings (or, you know, just ask your smart device).
The NFL loves to capitalize on holidays, and Christmas is no exception.
Whether you love it or hate it, Christmas Day football is a reality. So grab your eggnog, settle onto the couch, and prepare for some unexpected holiday action.
Just try not to spill your cocoa when your team makes an amazing play... or a terrible fumble. It's all part of the fun (or the frustration) of football on Christmas!
