True Seinfeld followers know that December 23 marks a special holiday celebrated by anyone who desires to participate: Festivus.
The fictional holiday that debuted on a December 1997 episode of the hit TV show was created by Frank Costanza as the holiday ‘for the rest of us’. However, the holiday has taken hold since then and many continue to celebrate it nationwide. There are even events in major cities like New York and Washington, DC that bring Seinfeld fans and Festivus celebrants together.
In Seinfeld tradition, the holiday is about nothing, which allows it to become about anything a participant desires. There are a few standards to the holiday, but nothing is required to celebrate it.
A Festivus participant starts with a Festivus pole. Participants can make their own or purchase one that is available through an online supplier. Companies have jumped on the bandwagon to offer Festivus poles and Festivus kits. These poles replace the standard Christmas tree during the celebration.
Instead of giving gifts for this holiday celebrants gather around with friends and family and air grievances. This is a time to let it all out. Some choose to keep it lighthearted and fun while others go more in depth. It is up to the people celebrating how serious they want the airing of grievances to become.
Finally, there is a test of feats-of-strength. This will determine who is the strongest of the bunch. Some opt for arm wrestling, while others do a full wrestling match. The method used is up to those celebrating.
As unreal as the holiday seems, it actually has a foundation in reality. The Seinfeld version was based on a holiday tradition created by Seinfeld writer Dan O’Keefe’s father.
Happy Festivus!
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