For The First Time In Many Years Boston Celtics Absent From NBA Christmas Day Schedule Ending A Long Standing Holiday Basketball Tradition
For the first time in many years, the Boston Celtics will not be taking the court on NBA Christmas Day, a tradition that fans had come to anticipate almost as much as the holiday itself. The announcement from the league came as a surprise to many, given Boston’s status as one of the NBA’s most storied franchises and a perennial contender in recent seasons. Christmas Day games have long been a showcase for the league’s brightest stars and biggest matchups, and for over a decade, Boston was almost always a part of that high-profile lineup. The absence of the Celtics this year not only marks a shift in the league’s scheduling priorities but also invites reflection on what those holiday games have meant to the team, its players, and its fanbase.
Over the past 15 years, the Celtics have built a reputation as one of the league’s marquee teams, and Christmas Day often served as a stage to display their talents to a global audience. Whether it was the “Big Three” era of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen, the Isaiah Thomas years, the rise of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, or last season’s Finals-winning roster, Boston has consistently been in the national spotlight. Playing on Christmas was more than just a scheduling quirk—it was an acknowledgment of the team’s relevance in the NBA landscape. Their absence this season feels strange, like a missing ornament on a well-decorated tree.
The NBA Christmas Day schedule is traditionally built around matchups that promise drama, star power, and ratings appeal. These games are broadcast to millions worldwide, making them one of the league’s premier marketing tools. The Celtics have been involved in some unforgettable holiday clashes—hard-fought battles with the Lakers, thrilling finishes against the Bucks, and statement wins over Eastern Conference rivals. For players, these games bring a heightened sense of competition, knowing they’re performing under the brightest lights outside of the playoffs. For fans, it’s a chance to watch their team while gathered with family, blending the joy of basketball with the warmth of the season.
So why the change this year? There’s no official statement explaining Boston’s omission, but several factors could have played a role. The NBA may have opted to spotlight other rising teams or emerging rivalries, shifting the focus toward markets and matchups they believe will generate fresh excitement. It’s also possible that the league is looking to balance exposure, giving other franchises a chance to shine on Christmas Day. After all, the Celtics have had plenty of time in the holiday spotlight; their absence could be the league’s way of rotating the opportunity.
For the players, missing the Christmas game might be a mixed blessing. While many enjoy the prestige of the event, there’s also the reality that it’s a working holiday. Playing on December 25 means spending part of the day away from family, friends, and personal celebrations. For veterans who have experienced the Christmas grind year after year, a rare day off might be welcomed. It offers a chance to rest, recharge, and perhaps enjoy the holiday from a different perspective—watching other games as fans rather than competitors.
Still, the cultural impact of Boston’s absence is undeniable. The Celtics are one of the NBA’s flagship franchises, with a history and fanbase that stretches far beyond Massachusetts. Their green and white uniforms have been as much a part of the Christmas Day aesthetic as the red and gold graphics that frame the broadcast. To not see them on the court feels almost like skipping a classic holiday song—it may not ruin the season, but it changes the rhythm.
Historically, the Celtics have delivered some memorable performances on Christmas. One of the most iconic came in 2008, when they faced the Lakers in a Finals rematch just months after winning their 17th championship. That game carried the kind of intensity usually reserved for June, with star players trading big shots and fans on the edge of their seats. More recently, the 2022 Christmas game against the Milwaukee Bucks showcased Boston’s dominance, as they dismantled a top contender in front of a roaring TD Garden crowd. These moments have become part of the team’s legacy, highlights that live on in both team history and NBA holiday montages.
The loss of a Christmas game also changes the rhythm of the Celtics’ season. Playing on December 25 has often been a benchmark, a midseason measuring stick for where the team stands against elite competition. It has provided a natural narrative for the first half of the season and often set the tone for the months to come. Without that game, the team’s holiday period might feel a bit less intense, more like any other stretch of the schedule.
From a fan’s perspective, the news is bittersweet. Celtics supporters are used to planning their holiday gatherings around tip-off, building traditions that intertwine basketball and family. Some families have made it a yearly ritual to don their green jerseys, enjoy a festive meal, and then settle in to watch the game together. This year, those fans may still watch the NBA’s Christmas lineup, but the emotional investment will be different without their team on the screen.
The league’s decision does open up new possibilities for Boston, though. Without the Christmas spotlight, the Celtics may find themselves featured more heavily in other marquee slots—New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, or Sunday primetime games on national television. These opportunities can still bring national attention while allowing the team a break from the holiday spotlight. And given their status as reigning champions and perennial contenders, Boston will undoubtedly have no shortage of high-profile matchups throughout the season.
In the locker room, players may use the change as motivation. Being left off the Christmas schedule could be perceived as a slight, a subtle signal from the league that other teams are currently more marketable. For a competitive group like the Celtics, this could serve as extra fuel to prove that they belong in the league’s most prominent showcases. Athletes at the highest level often thrive on perceived disrespect, and Boston’s veterans are no strangers to turning doubt into dominance.
The absence might also prompt reflection among fans and the organization about the nature of holiday games themselves. While they’re a treat for viewers, the demands they place on players and staff are significant. Travel schedules, time away from loved ones, and the mental toll of performing in a high-pressure environment during what’s supposed to be a time of rest all add up. The NBA, like any entertainment business, has to balance tradition with the well-being of its participants. Perhaps this year’s Celtics-free Christmas is a small step toward giving more players the chance to spend the holiday at home.
Looking back, the Celtics’ Christmas Day history is rich, but it’s also cyclical. There have been stretches in the past when they weren’t part of the holiday schedule, usually tied to dips in competitiveness or shifts in league marketing priorities. The current gap might be brief—if Boston continues its winning ways, it’s hard to imagine the NBA leaving them out for long. Their star power, fan engagement, and global brand make them a natural fit for the spotlight, and the league knows that marquee matchups involving the Celtics drive interest.
In the meantime, Boston’s absence from Christmas Day will create space for new storylines. Other teams will get their chance to deliver memorable holiday moments, and fans may discover fresh rivalries or players they wouldn’t have otherwise watched closely. While it’s disappointing for Celtics Nation, it’s also an opportunity to step back and enjoy the broader NBA landscape, appreciating the depth of talent and competition across the league.
When the Celtics return to action after the holiday break, they’ll do so with a clear runway to focus on the season’s bigger goals. With no Christmas game to prepare for, they’ll have had more rest, more time to practice, and more opportunity to fine-tune their strategies for the months ahead. For a team with championship aspirations, that extra preparation time could be a subtle but meaningful advantage.
Ultimately, while the Celtics’ absence from the Christmas Day schedule feels strange now, it’s unlikely to diminish their standing in the league or their pursuit of another title. Fans may miss the holiday tradition, but they’ll still have plenty of opportunities to see their team in action, both on national television and at the Garden. And if history is any guide, it won’t be long before Boston is back where they belong—center stage on one of basketball’s biggest days.
For now, the green-and-white faithful will have to find new ways to blend their love of basketball with the spirit of the season. Maybe they’ll rewatch classic Celtics Christmas games, swap stories about favorite moments, or simply enjoy the holiday with an eye toward the future. Because in Boston, the hunger for basketball never really takes a holiday—it just waits for the next big game, the next rivalry clash, the next chance to remind the world why the Celtics remain one of the NBA’s true giants.
