For the first time in recent memory, the Premier League is experiencing a radically different festive schedule. The 2025 season sees a dramatic reduction in the traditional Boxing Day football frenzy, with just one top-flight fixture scheduled for the day after Christmas.
A Festive Fixture List Turned Upside Down
This year's calendar marks a significant departure from the norm, where fans are accustomed to a full slate of matches on 26 December. The change offers an unprecedented opportunity for players, coaches, match officials, and club staff to enjoy a proper Christmas at home with their families, rather than preparing for or travelling to a major game.
The altered schedule prompts questions about how those within the football industry will spend their newfound free time. Will managers finally get to carve the turkey? Can star strikers relax without thinking about their next training session? This rare break provides a glimpse into the personal lives of professionals usually in the spotlight during the holiday season.
David Squires' Cartoon Commentary
The unique situation has been captured by renowned cartoonist David Squires in his latest illustrated piece for The Guardian. Squires, known for his sharp and witty observations on football culture, envisions the various ways the football community might utilise this rare Christmas respite.
His work often highlights the absurdities and human moments within the sport, and this scenario provides rich material. From managers attempting to assemble complex children's toys to referees enjoying a dispute-free family dinner, the cartoon offers a humorous take on this atypical break.
A Look Back and Forward
The piece coincides with the promotion of Squires' favourite cartoons from 2025 and his latest book, Chaos in the Box. This collection continues his tradition of dissecting football's most memorable and chaotic moments through illustration.
While fans may miss the traditional Boxing Day spectacle, the shift allows for reflection on the demanding nature of the football calendar. It highlights the personal sacrifices usually made by those working in the sport during a period meant for family and rest. This single fixture year may well be remembered as an anomalous but telling chapter in Premier League history.
