In the mix of holiday decorations, food, family, and the like we must include football in our holiday cornucopia. From Christmas Eve on there is non-stop grid iron programming which will engage and distract your significant other during this time. How do you survive and prevent yourself from being a football widow?

1. First some quick terms so can carry on some basic conversations regarding the big games.
In football there are 4 quarters each lasting 15 min. In real life time each quarter lasts about 45 min. Do not be fooled as well when told there are only 3min left. This will most likely take 15 min!
For the most part in football you either score a touchdown or a field goal

Avoid the use of these terms:

Home Run

Goal
Basket

These are from other sports.

2. If you have a question or need some help with something try to time your request to half time. After the second quarter and before the beginning of the 3rd quarter there is a break called half-time. Most die hard football fans really don't pay too much attention to the television at half time, so here is your chance. You have about a 20 min window for gaining some attention from your football fan.

3. Before asking a question, ask your fan, how is the game going? Let your fan answer and give his in depth analysis of the game. Smile nod your head, listen to whether or not your fan is happy or sad and respond like this:
"The Packers are playing so awesome they are crushing them."
Answer: Wow really! I hope they score another touchdown they deserve to win big!
Wait for the happy surprised response. You will now have his attention and will be able to ask for what you need.

OR
"The Packers are playing like crap, I don't know what is wrong?
Answer: Wow Really! What can they do to win this game?
Wait for his in depth coaching response, and console him in his time of need and agree. Then ask him for what you need. You consolation will get him on your team!

4. Periodically through the game when you hear loud shouting, ask "What happened?" Your fan will then explain the replay of the play to you and will feel like you really care about what is happening.

5. Ask before hand, What are the big games you are going to watch. Find out when they are and plan around the timing of these games. Use the time to take care of what you need and want to do. You do not have to be a prisoner to a football game.

6 Give up on New Years Day. There is football all day and night on every major channel. There is no break and all the games are big games. Try not to get frustrated when you are thinking "since when is he interested in Arkansas?".

7. If you want to go above and beyond, try these two things. Go online and learn the basic rules of football. You will actually be surprised at how much easier it is to watch and you might even enjoy watching a good game. Also learning a few facts and tidbits about the star players will go a long way in having some conversation as opposed to the zombie viewing behavior you are used to.

Remember pick your moments, even a small bit of interest in the game will at least get a response and you might even be able to command some attention from you beloved fan even with the distractions surrounding the big games.

GOOD LUCK and tell me your tips on how to communicate with your football fan.
J