December 23rd is Festivus, the secular holiday that’s become a growing tradition thanks to Seinfeld. It’s been a real family custom for writer Dan O’Keefe since 1966, and he was gracious enough to introduce it to the world via the classic Seinfeld episode “The Strike.” Festivus is a response to the commercialization of Christmas, a holiday for the rest of us. There’s no tree, just an unadorned aluminum pole instead. There’s a dinner or feast, followed the “Airing of Grievances,” where each person expresses their disappointment with everyone else. Festivus concludes with the “Feats of Strength.” The head of the household challenges somebody to a wrestling match, and the holiday is finally over when the head of the household gets pinned. In theory, Festivus could go on forever. It seems to be gaining in popularity every year. There are already Festivus poles popping up alongside nativity scenes in public places around the US. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s an actual, recognized holiday within the next hundred years.
Critically Rated at 14/17
Written, Rated, and Reviewed by Brendan H. Young
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