>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.

You are correct. This a fairly new thing.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Football_League_Christmas_games

Key phrase: There is currently a window, from 8 P.M. Eastern Time Christmas Eve to 5 P.M. Eastern Time Christmas Day, where no games are played.

I have good memories of being in Madison for a Christmas night game between the Bears and Packers with my GF at the time. Like all Wisconsinites, she was and remains an ardent Packers fan. Unfortunately the Packers got lucky that night. (Obvious punch line omitted).