Christmas cross?

The NCAA just can't get enough of its "festival" concept, which they appear intent on saddling D2 schools with the honor. The next festival -- mark it on your calendars! -- is fall of 2010.

What's interesting is the festival will run from Nov. 30 through Dec. 4. That's a late date for nationals -- and a good week beyond DI's. So much for kicking back and pigging out at Thanksgiving.

Here's a list of my concerns:

• How will teams respond to such a late championship date, i.e. "peaking"?
  
• Will conference and regional championships be pushed back to accomodate this Jingle Bell special?
  
• How will this affect schools in the northern tier (read: snow belt) of the country? (Bring your crampons for regionals!)
  
• Whose idea was this?