Christmas Day always brings with it a plethora of excitement and anticipation for football fans around the world. This is especially true for fans of the National Football League (NFL), who look forward to an exciting Sunday filled with holiday-favorite games. Growing up, I can remember spending my mornings baking cookies and my evenings glued to the TV, just hoping for my favorite team to make the playoffs that year.
There’s something about NFL football on Christmas that gives you a unique sort of thrill. Maybe it’s watching your favorite team live on national television or maybe it’s the nostalgia that comes from having spent so many Christmases watching and loving the game. Whatever it is, there’s just something special about it.
The NFL love for God’s own country seems to be at an all-time high, with games being played on Christmas Day more often than ever before. It can be a great opportunity to bring the family together to watch a sport they all have a passion for. Whether it be the Cowboys traveling to the Steelers or the Vikings facing off against the Packers, it doesn’t matter as long as everyone is there to cheer on their team and enjoy each other’s company when the clock runs out.
When I think of what makes NFL football so special on Christmas Day, it strikes me that it’s just a special type of entertainment. It takes us away for a few hours from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, giving us a break from our worries and giving us time to simply enjoy the game. It’s a time to block out all the negative, just sit back and watch some of the best athletes in the world do what they do best.
As the clock on the field marks the end of the game that Christmas Day, no matter who wins or loses, it’s time to bask in the beauty of it all and count this Christmas amongst the rest, as a successful one.
Another exciting part of NFL football on Christmas Day is the added emphasis on team spirit. Families come together in front of the televisions, wearing their team colors, and chanting their team’s name, proudly displaying their support for whatever team they’re rooting for. Whether it’s a Super Bowl contending team, or a team that’s struggling to find its place in the standings, the holiday spirit brings out the best in all of us.
I love the way that NFL football on Christmas Day underscores the significance of family. Each ribbon-laden gift we give and cookie we bake is shared with those we love and, at the end of it all, we still have our favorite teams to bring us all together to relish in the glory of the sport. It’s a beautiful reminder that winning isn’t just about what score shows on the board. It’s about coming together to share something special and really “win” the day.
Further, Christmas day games are often a huge success for the NFL. Aside from the raucous celebration and tailgating of fans, Christmas bowls often bring ratings that the average day of the week just can’t match. With the perfect blend of holiday cheer and family gathering, it’s no wonder why people seem willing to sit down and watch football all day on Christmas.
But there’s nothing like watching the games on site in the stadiums. Particularly when the games are chilly, it’s highly unlikely you’ll get a better atmosphere in any other place. Especially when going to one of the deep southern stadiums for an NFL game. Even if you have a cold or a chill in the air, it’s likely that the Christmas Day games will be rife with action and the would be gridiron violence we know and love.
When I watch football games on Christmas day, I’m reminded of the sheer joy that comes with the sport. Despite all the crazy plays, the egos, the sponsorship deals, fundraising, two-point conversions and the politics, it still has a great atmosphere that captures a feeling of fun and entertainment.
Leading up to kick off of a Christmas Day game, the fans lay silent in anticipation, their roar filling the stadium, followed by an eruption of excitement when the team takes the field. It’s moments like this that really capture the spirit of the holiday season. And, to me, there’s nothing quite like it.
The NFL finds a great way to combine the holiday spirit of Christmas with the intensity of a great football game. On Christmas Day, teams are playing for more than just playoff positions but for the joy and cheer of family and friends; the Christmas spirit. It truly is a great time to be a fan.