Sports Teams as Christmas Movies: The Ultimate Holiday Matchup!
It’s Christmas Eve! The holiday spirit is in the air, with excited toddlers baking homemade sugar cookies for Santa and millennials unwrapping brand-new pajamas on this cozy night. Among all the traditions, my favorite is binge-watching my go-to movie every year, even though I already know the ending. This got me thinking: which of my favorite athletes would fit perfectly into my favorite sports movies? In true Sportsish fashion, we’re taking your beloved Christmas movies and reimagining them through the lens of iconic teams and legendary athletes. It’s a mashup you didn’t know you needed!
The New York Yankees as Home Alone
The New York Yankees and the holiday classic Home Alone seem like a perfect match in my mind. Kevin McCallister, left to defend his home against the Wet Bandits, perfectly embodies the Yankee spirit of never backing down! The Yankees, in their prime, thrive on strategy and sheer grit. Let's not forget Kevin's booby traps, which are crafted with precision, just like a well-executed double play. Kevin has that "never give up" attitude synonymous with the Bronx Bombers.
LeBron James as The Grinch Who Stole Christmas
LeBron James, the King himself, would be the perfect Grinch. The Grinch and LeBron are both misunderstood characters. For years, the Grinch was a villain to the Whos in Whoville, only to reveal he’s got a heart three sizes too big once he realizes the true meaning of Christmas.
Similarly, Lebron has been seen as a villain and hero in his career, depending on who you ask. From his numerous moves around the league to getting to share the court with Bronny, his 21 years in the league have been under a magnifying glass. To us, he is a champion—not only on the basketball court but a champion of change.
Chicago Bears as A Christmas Story
The Chicago Bears are A Christmas Story, and here’s why. Ralphie Parker wants nothing more than a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas, but his parents and everyone else say, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” Meanwhile, the Bears have been waiting for another Super Bowl victory (since 1985, if we’re being honest). It’s the same thing every year: “This is the year the Bears are going all the way!” The Bears seem to always fall short, just like Ralphie’s endless battles to convince his family he won’t hurt himself.
Just like Ralphie, one day, the Bears will get their Red Ryder BB gun, and for fans, it will be even better than Christmas morning.
Tom Brady as It’s a Wonderful Life
Tom Brady might as well be George Bailey from It's a Wonderful Life all day long. Just think about it! Brady's career mirrors George Bailey's life's emotional ups and downs in Bedford Falls. They both have had numerous obstacles to overcome, but they are both devoted to the things most important to them.
Like George, Brady is the kind of guy who never seems to know just how much he means to the people around him until he's given the chance to reflect. It's a Wonderful Life is about realizing the value of your legacy, and Tom Brady, no matter what will be remembered as one of the NFL's greatest. Just like George's life, Tom's Career was nothing short of wonderful.
Golden State Warriors as Elf
The Golden State Warriors capture the quirky charm of the movie Elf. Like Buddy the Elf, who is tall, full of energetic surprises, and pure joy, the Warriors bring excitement to the game. They could just as easily be called "The Elf Brothers" because they shoot three-pointers with the same ease and enthusiasm that Buddy uses to transform a plain department store into a winter wonderland. Both perform their craft effortlessly.
Buddy and the Warriors remind us that being the best isn't just about size-- it's about heart, passion, and pure love of the game. Buddy's team spirit lights up the room just like Steph Curry's shimmy electrifies a home crowd during a close game.
Dallas Cowboys as National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
The Cowboys are America's Team—and just like Clark Griswold, they're a team with big dreams, even bigger expectations, and a habit of falling short (especially when it matters most). There's always something big planned—whether it's a Super Bowl victory or a holiday feast—and somehow, every year, it turns into a wild, chaotic, but the most heartwarming ride. From failed playoff runs to holiday lights, both have had some disastrous times, but it's absolutely magical when things do work out. So, don't write off the Cowboys yet. Maybe next season, like Clark's tree, they'll finally give fans what they've been hoping for!
Merry Christmas to our favorite people in the entire world- our Sportsish family. Here’s to hoping this season is full of sports, stars, and all the Christmas magic you can handle!