Football and Christmas didn't always go together. Actually, for a long time, the NFL stayed away from December 25th like it was a bad penalty. They didn't want to mess with family time, or maybe they just didn't think anyone would watch. Fast forward to now? It’s basically mandatory. If you aren't sitting on the couch with a plate of leftovers watching a football game for Christmas, are you even celebrating?
It’s a massive shift in American culture. We used to have the NBA own the day. Now, the shield is everywhere.
The league realized something pretty simple: people are home, they’re bored after the presents are unwrapped, and they have huge TVs. In 2023, the Raiders and Chiefs game pulled in insane numbers, proving that even a "grinch" like Maxx Crosby could draw a crowd. We're talking 29 million viewers. That’s not just a game; that’s a national event.
How the NFL Stole Christmas from the NBA
The NBA used to own this real estate. Since 1947, basketball has been the Christmas staple. But the NFL is a different beast entirely. It’s the king of American broadcasting. When the NFL decided to schedule a triple-header, the ratings gap became a chasm.
Honestly, it’s about the scarcity. An NFL game feels like an event because there are so few of them. An NBA regular-season game in December? It’s one of 82. But a football game for Christmas usually has massive playoff implications. It’s high stakes. It’s cold. It’s loud.
Take the 2024 season, for example. The NFL put games on a Wednesday. A Wednesday! That tells you everything you need to know about their confidence. They know we’ll tune in regardless of what day of the week it is. Netflix even jumped in on the action, snagging the streaming rights for Christmas games through 2026. This isn't just about cable TV anymore; it's about the total domination of the holiday media cycle.
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The Logistics of a Holiday Kickoff
You ever think about the players? It’s not all candy canes for them. Imagine having to fly to a different city on Christmas Eve while your kids are waiting for Santa.
- Travel schedules are brutal.
- Practice happens in the morning before flights.
- Hotel rooms replace living rooms.
Some players love the spotlight. Others, like former Eagles center Jason Kelce, have been vocal about how tough it is to be away from family. But the money is too big to ignore. The TV revenue from these specific windows funds a huge chunk of the salary cap.
The Weird History of December 25th Kickoffs
The first time the NFL tried this was in 1971. It was a disaster. Not because of the football—the Divisional Playoff between the Dolphins and Chiefs was actually the longest game in NFL history—but because of the backlash.
People complained. Loudly.
They felt the game intruded on the sanctity of the holiday. The league actually got so much heat that they didn't schedule another Christmas game for 17 years. Think about that. Seventeen years of avoiding a goldmine because they were worried about public perception.
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Things changed in the late 80s and 90s. Society shifted. We became more "screen-oriented." Now, if there wasn't a game, people would probably complain even more. We’ve traded the traditional caroling for fantasy football updates and prop bets.
Why the Ratings Keep Smashing Records
It’s not just about the sport. It’s about the "second screen" experience.
Most people are on their phones while the game is on. They’re texting the family group chat about a bad call or checking how many points their quarterback just got them. The NFL has mastered the art of being "background noise" that demands your attention every few minutes.
The 2023 matchup between the Ravens and 49ers was a perfect example. Two titans. Possible Super Bowl preview. The league doesn't just put "any" team on Christmas. They want the stars. They want Lamar Jackson. They want Patrick Mahomes. They want the storylines that keep even your Aunt who doesn't like sports engaged.
What to Expect Moving Forward
Netflix's involvement is the real "game changer" here. By paying roughly $75 million per game, they are signaling that Christmas is the new Super Bowl Lite.
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We’re going to see more exclusive streaming deals. You’ll probably need three different apps just to see the full holiday slate by 2027. It’s annoying, sure, but the demand is there. If we didn't watch, they wouldn't build it.
Planning Your Christmas Football Experience
If you're hosting this year, you need a strategy. You can't just wing a football game for Christmas.
- Check the Kickoff Times Early: The NFL usually does a 1:00 PM, 4:30 PM, and 8:00 PM (ET) split. Plan dinner for the halftime of the second game. That’s the "sweet spot."
- Bandwidth is Key: If you’re streaming on Netflix or Prime, make sure the kids aren't downloading 50GB updates on their new PlayStations in the other room. Buffering during a touchdown pass is a holiday ruin-er.
- Food Portability: This is a "plate on the lap" kind of day. Skip the formal dining table. Go for sliders, wings, or things that can be eaten with one hand while the other hand gestures wildly at a missed holding call.
Actually, the best part of the whole thing is the shared experience. In a world where everyone watches different shows on their own devices, the Christmas NFL slate is one of the few things left that everyone watches at the exact same time. It's the modern version of the Yule Log, just with more tackling and light beer commercials.
The "traditional" Christmas is evolving. It's less about quiet reflection and more about the roar of the crowd. Whether that's a good thing is up to you, but the numbers don't lie. We want football. We want it on the 25th. And the NFL is more than happy to give it to us.
To get the most out of the upcoming holiday schedule, verify your streaming subscriptions at least a week in advance. Check for "multiview" features on platforms like YouTube TV or Netflix to keep track of multiple games, and set your fantasy lineups before the early kickoff to avoid the holiday-morning rush. Map out your meal prep around the game breaks to ensure you don't miss a single snap of the action.