Festivus Pole For the Rest of Us: How One Seinfeld Episode Started a Holiday
Christmas Day always falls on Dec. 25, but did you know that another holiday is celebrated two days before? Popularized by 1990's comedy sensation Seinfeld, Festivus is a non-secular holiday that is observed every Dec. 23 and involves arguing rather than gifting. Festivus is a parody holiday and was borne out of the fact that Christmas has become overly commercialized. While Christmas day should really be about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, more and more people see it as a time to get gifts.
Part of the madness of Christmas is all the shopping that needs to take place just to appease in-laws and children. Black Friday marks the start of the busiest shopping month in America and people lose their minds over stupid things. Discounted towels and off-brand electronics turn civilized people into animals. Macy's Flagship Department Store in Manhattan, New York popularized this annual event way back in 1924 and it has grown every year since. Frank Costanza, the wise cracking, always-angry father of George on "Seinfeld" said he created the holiday after he went beserk.
"Many Christmases ago, I went to buy a doll for my son," Frank tells Kramer in the classic Seinfeld scene.
"I reached for the last one they had, but so did another man. As I rained blows upon him, I realised there had to be another way ... Out of that, a new holiday was born ... A Festivus for the rest of us!"
Of course the holiday is completely made up, but people actually celebrate the day. Seinfeld writer Dan O'Keefe is responsible for popularizing the fake holiday in an episode called "The Strike." O'Keefe's family started celebrating Festivus as early as 1966. Several notable traditions have become associated with the day including the Festivus dinner and pole. The Festivus pole is a substitute for the Christmas tree and is meant to stand completely unadorned. You are also supposed to air your grievances with family members so as to start the New Year off on a good foot. What was once a simple family tradition has now become an indelible part of American pop culture, all thanks to the "show about nothing."
Do you celebrate Festivus? If so what are your favorite things about it? Let us know in the comments section below.
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