THE SUPER BOWL: SECOND ONLY TO CHRISTMAS?

I've always felt that an accurate way to define American society was through the celebration of holidays.  We can learn so much about religion, economy, tradition, entertainment, values, and other sociological identifiers by stepping back, observing, and comparing holidays over time.  It is my contention that Super Bowl Sunday has turned into perhaps the second most popular holiday in America, trailing only Christmas. 
If we look at the sheer amount of human beings that somehow celebrate the Super Bowl (and by celebrating, all I mean is being aware and contributing to the event-which in this case involves turning on your television and acknowledging the festivities), the volume that contributes to this day on an American, and even global scale, beats out holidays like Easter, Independence Day, New Year's Eve, and other lesser recognized holidays easily.  You're questioning Easter?  Well, if you don't have children under age 9 the Bunny doesn't apply to you.  And oh by the way if you aren't very religious and/or you don't have a lot of family, then Easter Sunday becomes just another day. 
This brings us to Thanksgiving.  If you look at the factors that make up the magnitude of a big holiday, several apply to Turkey Day.  First, religion doesn't limit the number of folks who celebrate Thanksgiving.  Next we look at economy.  It can be argued that between the jam packed grocery stores leading up to Thanksgiving AND the ultra-famous Black Friday combined allow this holiday to rival Christmas in terms of spending.  Here's where Thanksgiving takes a hit:  it is strictly an American holiday.  Even those in Canada don't technically celebrate it.  So while Thanksgiving probably slightly overpowers the Super Bowl in our country, on a global level it's not even close.  You want proof?  check out how many countries broadcast the Super Bowl.  The worldwide television ratings alone show us that the Super Bowl impacts more people than Thanksgiving.  It's not even close from this aspect.
Admittedly, Christmas is King.  Yes, it is predominantly a Christian holiday.  But the gift giving, the Santa Claus, the songs, the LEGNTH of the season, and the collective world wide celebration in one way or another is untouchable.  So let's not even go here.
This brings us to the Super Bowl again.  Let's look at our major factors:  Religion does not apply so it doesn't limit any particular participant.  The economy is hugely impacted.  Food, liquor, Vegas, the COMMERCIALS, and other spending is off the charts.  Tradition definitely applies.  Yes it has evolved into so much more than a game, but the tradition of football, Sunday, et cetera has not changed.  I can't see a lot in the way of values.  Maybe some people watch it with family I guess, but other holidays trump the Super Bowl here. 
My point here is this:  The popularity of the NFL is at an all time high.  The impact on our American society/economy alone is beyond enormous.  And the Super Bowl, an unofficial holiday, has turned itself into something second only to the birth of Jesus Christ.  And there might not be a season next year due to a labor dispute between owners and players.  Billionaires versus millionaires.  Our struggling economy would take a hit that it cannot withstand right now.  Middle to lower class America needs the NFL and its grand finale-Super Bowl Sunday.
Here's hoping that if Arlen Specter (a senior senator from Pennsylvania in the Federal Government) can get involved for "Spygate", I hope that the most powerful country in the world can step up and make sure we have football next year too.