Festivus is an annual holiday invented by Reader's Digest writer and editor Dan O'Keefe.^[1] It was introduced to popular culture by O'Keefe's son Daniel, a scriptwriter for the TV show Seinfeld, on December 18, 1997, in the episode "The Strike".^[2] (Season 9, Episode 10) The holiday is celebrated each year on December 23, but many people celebrate it at other times, often to avoid the Christmas rush.^[2] It includes novel practices such as the "Airing of Grievances", in which each person tells everyone else all the ways they've disappointed him/her over the past year, and after a Festivus dinner, the "Feats of Strength" are performed, involving wrestling the head of the household to the floor, thereby pinning him or her. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Frank Costanza (played by Jerry Stiller) is a fictional character on the US television sitcom Seinfeld (1989-1998). ... Jerry Stiller (born June 8, 1927) is an American comedian, actor, and father of Ben Stiller. ... For other persons named Michael Richards, see Michael Richards (disambiguation). ... Cosmo Kramer is a fictional character on the American television sitcom Seinfeld (1989–1998), played by Michael Richards. ... This article is about the comedian. ... George Louis Costanza is a fictional character in the United States-based television sitcom Seinfeld (1989–1998), played by Jason Alexander. ... Jason Alexander (born Jason Scott Greenspan on September 23, 1959) is a Jewish American television, cinema and musical theatre actor, best known for his role as George Costanza on the hit television series Seinfeld. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Seinfeld is an Emmy Award-winning American sitcom that originally aired on NBC from July 5, 1989 to May 14, 1998, running a total of 9 seasons. ... For more information on fans of football (soccer), see Football (soccer) culture. ... is the 357th day of the year (358th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For other uses, see Christmas (disambiguation). ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Popular culture, sometimes abbreviated to pop culture, consists of widespread cultural elements in any given society. ... Seinfeld is an Emmy Award-winning American sitcom that originally aired on NBC from July 5, 1989 to May 14, 1998, running a total of 9 seasons. ... is the 352nd day of the year (353rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the band, see 1997 (band). ... It has been suggested that The Human Fund be merged into this article or section. ... is the 357th day of the year (358th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Many people, influenced or inspired by Seinfeld, now celebrate the holiday, in varying degrees of seriousness; some carefully following rules from the TV show or books, others humorously inventing their own versions.

Festivus Rituals

Festivus is introduced in The Strike (Seinfeld episode), which revolves around Cosmo Kramer returning to work at H&H Bagels. He does so after learning that a 12-year strike in which he participated has ended (because the minimum wage has risen to the level of the wages demanded by the workers fifteen years earlier). It has been suggested that The Human Fund be merged into this article or section. ... Cosmo Kramer is a fictional character on the American television sitcom Seinfeld (1989–1998), played by Michael Richards. ... H&H Bagels is a popular bagel company in New York City, founded in 1972 by Helmer Toro. ...

Kramer becomes interested in resurrecting the holiday with Frank when at the bagel shop, Frank Costanza tells him how he created Festivus as an alternative holiday in response to the commercialization of Christmas: Frank Costanza (played by Jerry Stiller) is a fictional character on the US television sitcom Seinfeld (1989-1998). ... For other uses, see Christmas (disambiguation). ...

Frank Costanza: 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.

Cosmo Kramer: What happened to the doll?

Frank Costanza: It was destroyed. But out of that a new holiday was born: a Festivus for the rest of us!^[3]

Frank Costanza's son, George (Jason Alexander), creates donation cards for a fake charity called The Human Fund (with the slogan "Money for People") in lieu of having to give office Christmas presents. When his boss, Kruger (Daniel von Bargen), questions George about a $20,000 check he gave George to donate to the Human Fund as a corporate donation, George hastily concocts the excuse that he made up the Human Fund because he feared persecution for his beliefs, for not celebrating Christmas. Attempting to call his bluff, Kruger goes home with George to see Festivus in action. George Louis Costanza is a fictional character in the United States-based television sitcom Seinfeld (1989–1998), played by Jason Alexander. ... Jason Alexander (born Jason Scott Greenspan on September 23, 1959) is a Jewish American television, cinema and musical theatre actor, best known for his role as George Costanza on the hit television series Seinfeld. ... The tone or style of this article or section may not be appropriate for Wikipedia. ... Mr. ... Daniel von Bargen (born June 5, 1950 in Cincinnati, Ohio) is an American film and television actor. ...

Kramer eventually goes back on strike from his bagel-vendor job when his manager tells him he can't get time off for his new-found religious holiday. Kramer is then seen on the street with a sign reading "Festivus yes! Bagels no!", and chanting to anyone passing the store "Hey! No bagel, no bagel, no bagel..."^[3]

Finally at Frank's house in Queens, Jerry, Elaine, Kramer and George gather to celebrate Festivus. George brings Kruger to prove Festivus is real.

The Festivus Pole

In the episode, though not in the original O'Keefe Family celebration, the tradition of Festivus begins with an aluminum pole. During Festivus, the unadorned Festivus Pole is displayed. The pole was chosen apparently in opposition to the commercialization of highly decorated Christmas trees, because it is "very low-maintenance," and also because the holiday's patron, Frank Costanza, finds tinsel "distracting." The basics of the Festivus pole are explained by Frank in two separate situations. Aluminum is a soft and lightweight metal with a dull silvery appearance, due to a thin layer of oxidation that forms quickly when it is exposed to air. ... A Christmas tree in a German home One of the most popular traditions associated with the celebration of Christmas, the Christmas tree is normally an evergreen conifer tree that is brought in the house or used in the open, and is decorated with Christmas lights and colourful ornaments during the... Tinsel is a common Christmas decoration, popular because of its glittery appearance See [1] for some info Categories: Substubs ...

Cosmo Kramer: Is there a tree?

Frank Costanza: No, instead, there's a pole. It requires no decoration. I find tinsel distracting.

Frank Costanza: It's made from aluminum. Very high strength-to-weight ratio.

Mr. Kruger: I find your belief system fascinating.

Festivus Dinner

In "The Strike," a celebratory dinner is shown on the evening of Festivus prior to the Feats of Strength and during the Airing of Grievances. The on-air meal appeared to be meat loaf or spaghetti in a red sauce. In Festivus: The Holiday for the Rest of Us by Allen Salkin, drinking is encouraged with hearty beer, rum, bourbon, or wine. In the episode, no alcohol was served, but George Costanza's boss, Mr. Kruger, drank from a flask. For other uses, see Beer (disambiguation). ... This article is about the beverage. ... Bourbon bottle, 19th century Oak casks in ricks used store and age bourbon. ... For other uses, see Wine (disambiguation). ... George Louis Costanza is a fictional character in the United States-based television sitcom Seinfeld (1989–1998), played by Jason Alexander. ... Mr. ... Silver hip flask For the comic book character, see Hip Flask (comics) A hip flask is a thin flask for holding a distilled beverage; its size and shape are suited to a trouser pocket. ...

Airing of Grievances

Frank Costanza starts off the Festivus celebration with the Airing of Grievances.

The celebration of Festivus begins with the Airing of Grievances, which takes place immediately after the Festivus dinner has been served. It consists of lashing out at others and the world about how one has been disappointed in the past year. Every household has its own traditions; in one house, the Airing of Grievances consisted of writing the grievances on the fridge in marker.^[4] Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Frank Costanza (played by Jerry Stiller) is a fictional character on the US television sitcom Seinfeld (1989-1998). ...

Frank Costanza: And at the Festivus dinner, you gather your family around, and tell them all the ways they have disappointed you over the past year!

Frank Costanza: 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!

George Costanza: Oh, God.

Feats of Strength

The Feats of Strength is the final tradition observed in the celebration of Festivus. Traditionally, the head of the household selects one person at the Festivus celebration and challenges that person to a wrestling match.^[5] The person may decline if they have something else to do, such as pull a double shift at work. Tradition states that Festivus is not over until the head of the household is pinned in a wrestling match. The Feats of Strength are mentioned twice in the episode before it actually occurs. In both instances, no detail was given as to what had actually occurred, but in both instances, George Costanza ran out of the coffee shop in a mad panic, implying he had had bad experiences with the Feats of Strength in the past. George Louis Costanza is a fictional character in the United States-based television sitcom Seinfeld (1989–1998), played by Jason Alexander. ... Coffee Shop is a song by the Red Hot Chili Peppers from their 1995 album, One Hot Minute. ...

Jerry Seinfeld: And wasn't there a Feats of Strength that always ended up with you crying?

George Costanza: I can't take it anymore! I'm going to work! Are you happy now?!

Frank Costanza: I've brought one of the cassette tapes.

Frank Costanza (on a tape recorder): Read that poem.

George Costanza (on a tape recorder): I can't read it, I need my glasses.

Frank Costanza (on a tape recorder): You don't need glasses! You're just weak, weak!

Estelle Costanza (on a tape recorder): Leave him alone!

Frank Costanza (on a tape recorder): All right, George. It's time for the Festivus Feats of Strength!

George Costanza: No! No! Turn it off! No feats of strength! I hate Festivus!

Frank Costanza: We had some good times.

Festivus Miracles

Although it is not an official element of the holiday or its celebration, the phenomenon of the Festivus Miracle is mentioned twice in the original episode, both times occurring in the Costanza household, and both declared by Kramer.

Miracle #1;

Betting Shop Guy: Hello again, Miss Benes.

Elaine Benes: What are you doing here?

Betting Shop Guy: Damndest thing. Me and Charlie were calling to ask you out, and, uh, we got this bagel place.

Cosmo Kramer: I told them I was just about to see you. It's a Festivus Miracle!

Miracle #2;

Gwen: Jerry!

Jerry Seinfeld: Gwen! How did you know I was here?

Gwen: Kramer told me!

Cosmo Kramer: Another Festivus Miracle!!

Etymology and origin

The English word festive derives from the Latin word festivitas meaning "holiday", and the related word festus meaning "feast".^[6][7] The O'Keefe tradition did not have a set date, but would take place in response to family tension, "any time from December to May".^[8] However the original holiday took place in the "Past" day before the presentation of presents which fostered altruism in the community when supplies were diminished, and the "Future" which represented the hope of the coming year. The phrase "a Festivus for the rest of us" also derived from an O'Keefe family event, the death of the elder O'Keefe's mother.^[8]

The elder O'Keefe wrote a book that deals with idiosyncratic ritual and its social significance, a theme with great relevance to Festivus tradition.^[9]

Other references

• "Festivus: The Holiday for the Rest of Us" is the name of a book by Allen Salkin about the origins of the holiday and its celebration in the real world.^[10]
• "Festivus" was the name of a seasonal Ben and Jerry's ice cream flavor made in 2000 and 2001 in honor of the holiday. In 2004, the flavor made its return as "Gingerbread Cookie", and has since been retired to the Ben and Jerry's Flavor Graveyard.^[11]
• "Festivus" is a term used by the Baltimore Ravens (and their fans) to denote the playoffs. During the 2000 National Football League season, Ravens head coach Brian Billick banned his players from using the word "playoffs" during the season as he wanted his players to focus on every game and not look ahead. Players substituted the term "festivus" for playoffs and "festivus maximus" for the Super Bowl. The Ravens eventually went on to win the Super Bowl that season.^[12]
• Presumably unaware of the irony, the Brisbane Marketing organization has adopted the name "Festivus" to refer to its summer holidays program of events in Brisbane^{[citation needed]}.
• Oklahoma-based winery, Grape Ranch, began producing Festivus wine in 2003.
• A 2004 episode of Jeopardy! had a Seinfeld-themed round, featuring a category entitled Festivus, in which contestants answered questions about holidays. Incidentally, this was the final episode in which long-time champion Ken Jennings played, until returning for the Ultimate Tournament of Champions.^[13]
• "Oh Festivus" (also known as "The Festivus Song") was first sung in Dallas, Texas, bars and taverns in the 2004-2005 holiday season. It is set to the tune of "Oh, Christmas Tree".
• The Wagner Companies of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, began manufacturing Festivus Poles for the 2005 season.^[14]
• In 2005, Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle was declared "Governor Festivus".^[15]
• "Festivus" is also the name of the publication of the San Diego Shell Club ^[16]
• An annual "Festivus for the Rest of Us" holiday party is held by the Grand Rapids Orthopaedic Surgery residency, and is always enjoyed by all.http://www.grmerc.net/ortho/index.html

Allen Salkin, an investigative journalist, is a staff reporter at The New York Times. ... Ben and Jerrys factory in Waterbury, Vermont Ben and Jerrys is a brand of ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, and novelty products, manufactured by Ben & Jerrys Homemade, Inc. ... Missing image Ice cream is often served on a stick Boxes of ice cream are often found in stores in a display freezer. ... Main article: Ben & Jerrys flavors This list is for Ben & Jerrys retired ice cream flavors, referred to by the company as its Flavor Graveyard. ^ a b c d Do Us a Flavor - Ben & Jerrys Issues a Call for Euphoric New Flavors (2006-03-31). ... City Baltimore, Maryland Team colors Purple, Black, and Gold Head Coach Brian Billick Owner Steve Bisciotti General manager Ozzie Newsome Mascot The Ravens: Edgar, Allan, & Poe League/Conference affiliations National Football League (1996–present) American Football Conference (1996-present) AFC Central (1996-2001) AFC North (2002-present) Team history Baltimore... NFL redirects here. ... Brian Billick (February 28, 1954) has been the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League since January 19, 1999. ... The winning Super Bowl team receives the Vince Lombardi Trophy. ... The winning Super Bowl team receives the Vince Lombardi Trophy. ... For other uses, see Brisbane (disambiguation). ... Jeopardy redirects here. ... For other persons named Ken Jennings, see Ken Jennings (disambiguation). ... Dallas redirects here. ... The Wagner Companies manufactures and stocks standard products for metal fabricators and also produces custom products — primarily for handrails. ... This article is about Milwaukee in Wisconsin. ... Official language(s) None Capital Madison Largest city Milwaukee Largest metro area Greater Milwaukee Area  Ranked 23rd  - Total 65,498 sq mi (169,790 km²)  - Width 260 miles (420 km)  - Length 310 miles (500 km)  - % water 17  - Latitude 42° 30′ N to 47° 05′ N  - Longitude 86° 46′ W to... Official language(s) None Capital Madison Largest city Milwaukee Largest metro area Greater Milwaukee Area  Ranked 23rd  - Total 65,498 sq mi (169,790 km²)  - Width 260 miles (420 km)  - Length 310 miles (500 km)  - % water 17  - Latitude 42° 30′ N to 47° 05′ N  - Longitude 86° 46′ W to... For other persons named James Doyle, see James Doyle (disambiguation). ...

References

Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 306th day of the year (307th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 359th day of the year (360th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 359th day of the year (360th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 359th day of the year (360th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 359th day of the year (360th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 359th day of the year (360th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 359th day of the year (360th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 359th day of the year (360th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 359th day of the year (360th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 359th day of the year (360th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 359th day of the year (360th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

External links

• "How to make a Festivus Pole" - Short documentary on Milwaukee company that makes Festivus poles
• "A Festivus for the Rest of Us" - A Lawrence Journal-World Article
• "Fooey to the World: Festivus Is Come" - The New York Times, Dec. 19, 2004.