I understand your point but football is routinely played on Christmas.

Actually, the league does make some allowances.

It depends on the year. For instance, in 2005 Christmas was on a Sunday, but they played the games on a Saturday.

And I vaguely recall that in 2011, Christmas was on a Sunday and they played most or all games the prior day.

Some years they've had a Christmas night game.

But I don't think they do it routinely, at least not any more.

I believe there might be a league rule (or understanding) that from now on, no NFL games from 8 PM EST on Christmas Eve to 5 PM EST Christmas Day.