to dread the prospect of the World Cup colliding with the run up to Christmas

[chocciechip]

"The Fifa task force looking into dates for the Qatar World Cup has recommended a shorter tournament to be staged in November and December 2022, the head of the Asian Football Confederation has confirmed, while unconfirmed reports have suggested that the final will be held the day before Christmas Eve."

www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/24/fifa-world-cup-2022-qatar-november-december-task-force

I can just picture DH's glazed over face gawping at TV all day while we need to do last minute shopping, wrapping, etc or I need help with the DCs. Or the constant irritation of trying to communicate with him at this time with his head plugged into earphones listening to matches on the radio. Or our family conversation in our infrequent extended family get togethers competing with a loud TV on in the corner of the room.

And I wonder (given that domestic abuse is said to accompany football) how many women and their children will have utterly crap Christmases.

Lots martin but as a grown up, football isn't one of them

You're worried about something that might, if it even happens, slightly affect your christmas in SEVEN YEARS? And even then you;d only have a problem if your DH is a bit of a twat?

Wow. You really need a hobby.

I'm hoping DS1 will be involved by then and scoring the winning penalty.

It needs to be relocated now while there is time.

It was a disaster waiting to happen, the only people who didn't seem to get that were the Qataris and FIFA.

My feelings on this are not particularly Christmas related though - I think of it as a glorified roast dinner really!

Costacoffeeplease do you see sport as something that's only for children?

I'm hoping ds1 is on the Scotland squad by then and we'll be there with the rest of the tartan army cheering him on.

I am, of course, utterly delusional.

It is 7 years away. My life has TOTALLY changed in the last 7 years. Something as trivial as a football match or Christmas certainly wouldn't be on my radar...even if it was this year.

Costacoffee do you find it difficult to imagine that otehr people could actually like and enjoy something completely different from you?

OP its 7 years away. That is all!

What Costa and Sangria said.

Having your life revolve around grown men kicking a football around if you're an adult is just tragic. But that's only my opinion.

And mega heh at the possibility of England actually still being in the competition by Christmas eve.

On the plus side, maybe the roads/shops will be quieter in the run up to that Christmas

Having your life revolve around grown men kicking a football around if you're an adult is just tragic

Absolutely

And there was me feeling organised because I've worked out what's for tea tonight .

I really can't be concerned about something 7 whole days years away. Literally anything could happen between now & then.

DD hasn't even started Reception class yet - by the time this World Cup happens she'll be at secondary school!

Actually, I think the OP has a point.

Pissed up arseholes around the world cup are a nightmare. Pissed up arseholes around Xmas are a nightmare. Put the two together and it will be mayhem.

And yy to the issue of domestic violence which worsens over Xmas and during World Cup, nice.

But I agree that it wont just be agreed. Taking players out of the league matches for up to 2 months just wont happen.

Just seen your posts costacoffee, very extreme and sexist. It's just men who enjoy football.

and just because its 7 years away doesnt mean we shouldnt be talking about it!

not just men.....

I didn't say it was just men

How any grown adult would let football affect any other part of their life, I'll never know

Was my post - not a mention of men

Equally bad. Ageist then. Football is only to be watched if you are aged 12 or under.

To let it affect the rest of your life? Yes

Adults whose weekends are spoiled by the wrong score? Who plan their whole lives around fixtures and tv coverage? Pathetic

Let it affect the rest of your life! We're talking about a world cup 7 years away! I think you're sounding pathetic to worry about it this far in advance tbh. And rather extreme.

Do you not think having your life revolve around Christmas is a little bit tragic too?

particularly one that's seven years away?

I wonder if there would be as many snotty replies if it were tennis the OP was talking about?

It won't be an issue for England fans unless they make a spectacular improvement - 6 months of hype then out of the tournament in 3 matches
All done and dusted by Advent Sunday!

Costa - I share your disdain for people like that (but my reaction is mild irritation rather than contempt). It probably prompted my post. DH is nothing like that generally. If he was, how likely do you think it would be that I would find him an attractive life-partner?

World Cup is different though. Even the mildest supporters get sucked in. I do a bit too - but, not at Christmas please! Ugh!

Scots - you reckon Scotland will qualify? (Sorry, couldn't resist). Actually, that's another point, dealing with inevitable absurd despair at a team's performance. (My Scottish DH is usually in despair).

Yes, yes, yes it is seven years away but I already know what I will probably be doing. I travel back to Africa every year for Christmas to see my family, and have done for the last twenty years. Now we're taking grandchildren back. Pre-christmas prep is very hectic organising long-distance travel and gifts that slot into limited luggage allowance. And it's the one time of the year I see the rest of my family from all over the world and I really look forward to it (as in sure families gathering here do too).

My childhood featured every single bloody weekend being dominated by men (in my family it was exclusively men) yelling at a TV screen and its a clear indicator of what would come IF it happened. I bloody hope my DCs don't get sucked into that type of selfish crap.

• I live in Scotland and am married to a Scot.

I'd hope there's be plenty of snotty replies if the thread was about Wimbledon 2022.

Christmas 2022!! Maryz will be weeping that people are thinking about Christmas 2022 already.