The role of sports during the holidays

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 24, 2024) — For most Americans, the holidays are all about celebrating and saying goodbye to another year. It’s a time when families and friends get together to look ahead and get excited about what 2025 might bring. During all the celebrations, many people return to old family traditions that have been part of American culture for years. One of the most popular traditions for many families is watching the annual NBA or NFL games or a college bowl game during the holidays. 

Jen Smith, an assistant professor in the University of Kentucky College of Communication and Information, spoke with UKNOW about how sports have shaped holiday traditions. As a professional in the sports journalism industry, Smith has experienced the ups and downs of covering sporting events during the holidays. Reflecting on her experiences, she shared how these traditions have grown over time and what they mean to communities across the country. 

While talking about the early days of the sporting tradition, Smith said, “The idea of a Thanksgiving football game didn't receive that much recognition until 1880, where the game became not just a sporting event, but also a social one,” where people were able to gather around and enjoy the game as a community.  

Smith emphasized the importance of sports during the holidays, explaining how they have become a key part of American celebrations. She noted that these traditions not only bring excitement to the season but also help strengthen family bonds by creating shared moments of connection. 

“Having these big events that lots of people from different generations can be connected to is part of the reason that it works so well,” she said, “At a Thanksgiving table or a Christmas table, there are so many topics that families feel uncomfortable talking with each other about, but sports creates a space where everyone feels safe engaging.”  

Moreover, sports can help those who want to find community and identity during the holidays.  

 “With social media, one of the things that drives platforms that are big for the sports industry — like X — is connectivity,” said Smith. “If I am a fan of the Detroit Lions, but I’m currently located in Arizona, I can still connect with the community from my team through the media.” 

While some individuals may find themselves celebrating the holidays alone, sports can create a sense of connection and belonging. 

“Even people who are by themselves during the holidays feel less alone because of the communal experience that brings people together no matter where they are in the world,” Smith says. 

While sports bring people together during the holidays, some must stay apart from their own families to ensure others can enjoy these traditions. Athletes, staff, media and crew members work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the games and celebrations running smoothly. 

Smith reflected on her experience working in the media to cover these major holiday events, explaining the adjustments often made by those in the industry.  

“Families work around the work schedule and decide to celebrate a day after the actual holiday,” she said, describing how loved ones adapt to the demands of the job. “They get used to knowing that you are not going to be there because that’s a workday, but the media and athletes make it work.” 

Her insight highlights the dedication of those who help keep these traditions alive for families watching at home and reflects on the importance of athletes, staff and media crew to these important traditions.  

Holiday sports traditions go beyond the games themselves — they represent a celebration of connection, community and shared experiences. Whether it’s families gathering around to cheer for their favorite teams, or fans finding ways to connect through social media, these traditions have become a cherished part of the season and continue to be a part of American history. 

Smith invites students interested in exploring the social and community impacts of sports, along with the challenges faced by sports media professionals, to consider enrolling in two courses: Issues in 21st Century Sports Journalism and Sports Reporting and Editing. Both classes are part of the new Certificate in Sport Communication, Media and Promotion the college is offering.