Festivus is an obscure secular holiday that provides a non-commercial alternative to Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. During Festivus, celebrated on December 23rd, it's okay to be negative and "air grievances." The humorous holiday became part of pop-culture after the December 18, 1997 episode of Seinfeld, The Strike. Daniel O'Keefe, the father of one of the writers of Seinfeld, invented Festivus as a celebration of his first date with his wife.LJWorld.com: A Festivus for the Rest of Us
Festivus, or the "Festivus for the rest of us" is supposed to be a 'holiday' without pressures, like gift giving. During Festivus, celebrants set up a Festivus pole (which is just a plain aluminum pole). Families take part in the "Airing of the Grievances," where everyone gets a change to make their complaints known (opposite of traditional Thanksgiving traditions). The "Feats of Strength" marks the end of the Festivus celebration and follows Festivus dinner. This is when the head of the household challenges a family member or friend to a wrestling match. Festivus comes to an end when the head of the household loses the match.http://www.festivusweb.com/
Frank Costanza Festivus Quotes
"Many Christmases ago, I went to buy a doll for my son. I reached for the last one they had, but so did another man. As I rained blows upon him, I realized there had to be another way [...] out of that a new holiday was born: a Festivus for the rest of us!"YouTube Video: A Festivus For The Rest Of Us (Time: 1:17)
"And at the Festivus dinner, you gather your family around, and tell them all the ways they have disappointed you over the past year! I got a lot of problems with you people! And now, you're gonna hear about it. You, Kruger. My son tells me your company stinks!"YouTube Video: A Festivus For The Rest Of Us (Time: 1:17)
The Story of Festivus
This is the episode of Seinfeld where "Festivus" is introduced. The video starts with Frank Costanza explaining the origins of Festivus to Kramer. This is the episode where all of the Festivus traditions are explained, including the aluminum Festivus pole. At the end of this clip, the gang sits down for a Festivus dinner and the traditional "Airing of the Grievances." At the end, Mr. Costanza challenges Kramer to the "Feats of Strength," but he says he has somewhere to go. Frank then picks a reluctant George for the challenge. According to Festivus tradition, Festivus isn't over until the head of the household is pinned in a wrestling match.
Festivus Activities and Crafts
- It is easy to enjoy a secular, spiteful Festivus celebration. Here are some ideas for fun Festivus activities:
- The Airing of Grievances: Tell your friends and family all the ways in which they have disappointed you over the last year.
- Feats of Strength: If you are the head of your household and/or community center, select another attendee at your Festivus celebration and challenge him/her to a wrestling match. Festivus cannot end until the head of the household has been pinned to the floor.
- Reluctant Gift-Giving: Give someone something that you don't want that they likely do not want either. "Re-gift" if possible.
- Read Festivus Scripture: Read "The Strike" Episode of Seinfeld aloud to your celebratory committee.
- Charitable Festivus Donations: Make a donation to The Human Fund or a non-existent charity of your choosing.
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Celebrated annually on December 23
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''Seinfeld'' Episode
The Strike
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Original Date
February 1996
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Festivus Prophets
Daniel O'Keefe and Frank Costanza
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Decorations
Tall aluminum pole
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''Airing of Grievances''
During dinner, it consists of lashing out at others and the world over disappointments of the past year
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''Feats of Strength''
The head of the household challenges one person to a wrestling match. Festivus does not end until the head of the household is pinned.
