As many of you will receive this publication the day before Christmas, it is appropriate to reflect upon the famous Clement C. Moore poem, A Visit from St. Nicholas. Telling about the visit from the jolly one, Moore’s poem concludes with the one-line message, “Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night!”
Christmas Eve traditions abound as each family has their own way of marking the most special evening leading up to the excitement of the big day to follow. For the little ones, the lyrics of Nat King Cole’s The Christmas Song ring especially true: “Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow, will find it hard to sleep tonight.”
For Christians, Christmas holds meaningful significance. A welcoming sign outside our church greets visitors with the message, “Jesus is the reason for the season.”
As much as I enjoy watching football, for the past several years, the National Football League might as well have posted a sign proclaiming, ‘Yes, but it’s still football season.’ For the fourth consecutive year, the money lords have scheduled their product to be interspersed with family gatherings and celebrations.
The NFL first played games on Christmas in 1971, when two playoff games were slated. The league received many complaints, including some lawmakers proposing legislation banning NFL games on Christmas. The league took note and avoided games on Christmas Day for the next 18 years.
But for the NFL, the lure of the greenbacks became more important than the green-decorated trees present in viewers’ homes. Mike North, the NFL vice president of broadcasting, put forth a simple explanation: “Christmas, when it falls on an NFL game day, we’ve had a lot of success there.” Mr. North may have a point, but since when has Wednesday been an NFL game day?
Since 2024 is the correct answer. This year the NFL has required four of its teams to suit up and play on Christmas. The Kansas City Chiefs will travel to Pittsburgh to play the Steelers at 1:00 p.m. followed by the Baltimore Ravens taking on the Texans in Houston at 4:30 p.m.
For the Chiefs, the schedule requires them to play three games in 11 calendar days after playing Cleveland on December 15 and Houston on December 21 prior to their date with the Steelers. NFL players having to give up Christmas with their families aren’t happy, including Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
“It’s not a good feeling. You never want to play this amount of games in this short of time. It’s not great for your body. But, at the end of the day, it’s your job, your profession. You have to come to work and do it. I’ve never had to play three games in such a short span.
“My Christian faith plays a role in everything that I do but this is the second year in a row our family will not be able to spend Christmas at home.”
Google News reported NFL fan samplings were not surprised after Christmas Day games have drawn massive ratings. Reactions included:
“We really need to grow a backbone and stop watching this produce outside of Sunday and Monday night. This is getting absurd.”
“NFL players continue to get the short end of the stick. Having to play on Wednesday after a game on Sunday is insane.”
“Had to know this was coming. Way too many people sitting around watching TV on Christmas for the NFL to stay away.”
Unlike the NFL and NBA, the National Hockey League has long avoided games on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The NHL’s decision is rooted in the values of family, rest, and community, and it allows players and staff to spend the holiday with their families.
After expanding in the 1970s, the NHL became increasingly commercialized and decided to observe the Christmas break. Recognizing, “The NHL season is notoriously grueling, and the move aligns with the broader societal values of family togetherness and holiday celebrations demonstrating respect for players’ personal lives and creating goodwill with fans.”
This special Christmas time gives all the chance to think back to the magic moments gleaned from the eyes of a child. Take the time to share those memories with loved ones and continue storied traditions.
Each year, the first decoration placed on our Christmas tree is a five-inch hollow snowman with a removable base that, as a ten-year-old boy, contained a gift of the first $100 bill I ever saw. I have always remembered that special time, even with the knowledge that the snowman’s offering would have to be $1,081 this year to achieve the same purchasing power!
Whatever your Christmas plans may include, please keep in mind that it’s not about gifts or football but about the sign outside the church door: “Jesus is the reason for the season.”
