Football is one of the most popular sports in America. And Christmas is one of the most celebrated holidays. So, it should not come as a surprise that these two have been combined to create memorable moments for many. But that was not the case always. So how did the NFL games become a Christmas tradition?

Unlike Thanksgiving Day games which happen every year, since it is always on a Thursday. Christmas Day games have been played only a mere 21 times, with a total slot of 27 games. So how is it that Christmas Day games have become a tradition in themselves?

The NFL comes bearing gifts on Christmas

Usually, the NBA is considered the sport for Christmas Day. That was always the case, but when it’s the weekends, the NFL comes along. Every year when the NFL plays on Christmas Day, it eats up the viewership of the NBA. The last time it happened, the NBA averaged a viewership of 4.31 million while the NFL averaged 21.9 million viewers.

The Christmas Day games became a part of football ever since the merger. The first game was played back in 1971. But football is more than just a sport in America. It is a cultural phenomenon that transcends all the boundaries.

READ MORE: Questions Rise Over NFL’s Player Safety Policy as Michael Pittman Thanks God Post ‘Illegal Hit’

The Christmas Day games are a rare and exciting opportunity to watch some of the best players. And it is that rarity that has propelled it to be such a success. Also, some of the best games of football have been played on this very day.

Great games created a great tradition

The first Christmas Day games played in 1971 had an everlasting memory. Though the first game played that day was the Dallas Cowboys vs the Minnesota Vikings, it is the second one that is special. Dubbed by the fans ‘The Longest Game’.

On 25th December 1971, the Miami Dolphins and the Kansas City Chiefs locked horns on this first-ever Christmas Day game. This epic game lasted an astonishing 82 minutes and 40 seconds of game time, that went twice into the OT. The Dolphins did come away with the win by 27-24, but this game started a tradition of families gathered around watching a game of football, which has been going on for more than 50 years.

What are some of your football and Christmas Day traditions? Let us know in the comments.

Watch This Story: 5 Movie Franchises That Should Be Adapted to Games