The festive season is upon us and while many are getting excited about the idea of presents, games and spending time with their families, football fans know that Christmas, as much as any time of the year, is about football.
Indeed, we’re treated to a feast of the beautiful game at this time of year in England as the Premier League and EFL fixture lists become incredibly crowded.
Every English supporter knows that Boxing Day is historically the busiest day in the festive footballing calendar, but why is there always football on that day specifically? Let’s take a look.
Why is there always football on Boxing Day?
The answer to this question is actually quite simple.
Quite simply, it’s meant to be a form of entertainment for working-class people to enjoy when they a day off of work on Boxing Day.
For a similar reason, Good Friday is a designated day for football as well.
Football isn’t the only sport that has taken this approach either, Horse racing meets are also a highlight of Boxing Day. The King George VI Chase is the showcase event and a part of the Stayers Chase Triple Crown alongside the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Betfair Chase.
The football actually used to sometimes take place on Christmas Day, but that tradition ended in 1965 as fans were, perhaps begrudgingly, forced to prioritise the usual Christmas traditions rather than heading off to the match.
Of course, people’s family traditions also have to be taken into account at this time of year, and for that reason, the Premier League try their best to make sure that away fans don’t have to travel too far for these games.
That’s why we will see three London derbies this Boxing Day, while Southampton vs Brighton will be a south-coast affair.
It can’t always work out so easily for every club, but you won’t see any cross-country treks at this time of year.
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