What is festivus and when is it?
Popularized by the show in 1997, the anti-consumerism holiday is celebrated by “Seinfeld” fans every December 23. And it doesn’t take much to get into the Festivus mood.
What are the five essentials to a Festivus celebration?
There are five essentials to a Festivus celebration. To stay authentic, one must have an aluminum pole, meatloaf on a bed of lettuce for dinner, a gathering to air your grievances, at least one Festivus miracle, and, last but not least, a Festivus wrestling match. Read on to learn about each tradition.
Is Festivus the perfect secular theme?
Journalist Allen Salkin describes it as "the perfect secular theme for an all-inclusive December gathering". Festivus was conceived by author and editor Daniel O'Keefe, the father of television writer Dan O'Keefe, and was celebrated by his family as early as 1966.
What happened at Festivus?
The faux festival is certainly remembered for the “feats of strength” wrestling match between father and son. “Until you pin me, George, Festivus is not over!” Frank announces to his scarred-for-life offspring in the episode of Jerry Seinfeld’s Emmy-winning series.
What are the rules for Festivus?
Just follow these five steps.Get a Festivus pole. Search your home for an aluminum pole. ... Prepare a Festivus dinner. Meatloaf is key to stay true to the “Seinfeld” episode. ... Air your grievances. ... Join in the Feats of Strength. ... Call all slightly non-routine events 'Festivus miracles'
What happens at Festivus?
The non-commercial holiday's celebration, as depicted on Seinfeld, occurs on December 23 and includes a Festivus dinner, an unadorned aluminum Festivus pole, practices such as the "airing of grievances" and "feats of strength", and the labeling of easily explainable events as "Festivus miracles".
What day is Festivus for the Rest of Us?
Dec. 23What is the meaning of Festivus? Festivus is a wacky holiday popularized in a 1997 “Seinfeld” episode. Billed as “Festivus for the rest of us,” the holiday is celebrated by the Costanza clan on Dec. 23 as an all-inclusive, secular alternative to Christmas consumerism.
When did Festivus begin?
In a 1997 episode titled “The Strike”, which aired during the show's ninth season, George Costanza's father, Frank (Jerry Stiller), decided he was staging a one-man war on Christmas. In lieu of celebrating a crassly commercialized holiday, Frank was going to start his own tradition—Festivus.
What is the traditional Festivus meal?
Spaghetti or meatloaf were both commonly accepted as the proper Festivus dish because it was difficult to distinguish what exactly Estelle Costanza served in the dinner scene. Thanks to the HD release of the episode, the dish has been positively identified as meatloaf served on a bed of lettuce.
How tall is a Festivus pole?
If you are trying to hold down your desk as the storm of holiday spirit bears down on your walls, the mini Festivus pole is essential. At 10 inches, it's slightly taller than a beer bottle, and is at once a celebration of ruthless industrial efficiency and post-commercial revolution.
Who invented Festivus?
The idea of Festivus originally came to Seinfeld writer Dan O'Keefe from a tradition started by his father Daniel O'Keefe. Daniel O'Keefe Sr. originally invented Festivus as a way to have a holiday that was secular and not burdened by the religious and commercialism of the holiday season.
What was the Festivus miracle?
It is the character Kramer that actually causes the occurrence of two "miracles" by inviting two off-track betting bookies to dinner with Elaine (men whom Elaine wished to avoid), and by causing Jerry's girlfriend Gwen to believe that Jerry was cheating on her.
What is celebrated on December 23?
National Christmas Movie Marathon Day.
What is the Festivus pole called?
The Festivus Pole. Is that the pole? The Festivus tradition is centered around the display of an unadorned aluminum pole. The Festivus Pole is the ultimate symbol of an anti-christmas holiday, it is plain looking, unencumbered by branches and decorations, and it is relatively inexpensive.
Who said Festivus for the Rest of Us?
Thus “a Festivus for the rest of us” was born — though the holiday was really created by “Seinfeld” writer Dan O'Keefe's father, Dan Sr., in the 1960s and later re-purposed for the series, for which he can thank his brother, Mark.
What are the American holidays in order?
You can count on federal holidays being on these days every year:New Year's Day (January 1)Martin Luther King, Jr. ... President's Day (Third Monday in February)Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)Juneteenth (June 19)Independence Day (July 4)Labor Day (First Monday in September)Columbus Day (Second Monday in October)More items...
What are all the special days?
15 Fri. Martin Luther King's Birthday.16 Sat. National Nothing Day.16 Sat. World Religion Day.17 Sun. Prohibition Begins.18 Mon. Martin Luther King Day.18 Mon. Civil Rights Day.18 Mon. Idaho Human Rights Day.18 Mon. National Thesaurus Day.More items...
What is the holiday and ceremony of USA?
American HolidaysJanuary–AprilMay–AugustSeptember–DecemberNew Year's DayNurses DayLabor DayInauguration DayNational Day of PrayerGrandparent's DayMartin Luther King Jr. DayMother's DayCitizenship DayGroundhog DayArmed Forces DayNational Children's Day11 more rows•Oct 25, 2019
What are we celebrating on Monday?
Presidents' Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February; Presidents' Day 2022 will occur on Monday, February 21.
What is the last element of the Festivus tradition?
Miracles-The last element of this tradition are the exclamation of miracles . These miracles can be literally anything and are usually proclaimed at the dinner table. If you search for it on Google, then you are taken to a page with a metal pole down the left side and with the the exclamation: “It’s a Festivus Miracle!!” before the search results counter.
When was Festivus created?
Festivus was originally created by the family of Seinfield screenwriter, Dan O’Keefe, in 1966. It was designed as a ‘non-holiday’ by the family and would randomly take place anytime from December to May. The very first one took place in February of 1966, when Dan O’Keefe used it to celebrate the first date of his future wife. However, it wouldn’t entire pop culture consciousness until December of 1997 when his son – Daniel O’Keefe – wrote it into the Seinfeld episode. Since it was celebrated on December 23rd during that episode, it is commonly celebrated on that day by people around the world.
Why is Festivus so popular?
Although Festivus originally started as a way to pole fun at the traditional holidays and as a way to relieve the pressure of family get-togethers, today it has bloomed into a fun holiday for the entire family that can be used both as an alternative, or to supplement, the traditional holidays.
What is Festivus on Seinfeld?
Festivus. Festivus is a holiday that first got its start on the critically acclaimed sitcom, Seinfeld. Its first appearance was on the 1997 episode entitled “The Strike” that aired on NBC on December 18th, 1997. Today, it is regarded as a secular holiday that serves as an alternative to the commercialization of Christmas.
What is the Feats of Strength episode?
Feats Of Strength-Another element of this holiday, as depicted on the episode, is the “feats of strength challenge.” Immediately following the dinner, the head-of-the-household challenges one of the guests at the table to a wrestling match. According to tradition, the holiday isn’t over until the household’s head is pinned in a wrestling match.
Did Dan O'Keefe use a clock?
Other Traditions-Although not depicted in the original show, Dan O’Keefe has been quoted as saying that in his family’s original tradition, the holiday pole was not used but a bag containing a clock was used in its place. After the celebration, the clock was then immediately hung.
What is Festivus 2020?
Festivus is here. And in 2020, the rest of us have more grievances than ever to air. What exactly is Festivus? You could call it the Festival of Fights. The fictitious holiday first came to light on the sitcom “Seinfeld,” in the Dec. 18, 1997, final-season episode titled “The Strike.”.
Who created Festivus for the rest of us?
Thus “a Festivus for the rest of us” was born — though the holiday was really created by “Seinfeld” writer Dan O’Keefe’s father, Dan Sr., in the 1960s and later re-purposed for the series, for which he can thank his brother, Mark.
Is Festivus sweater tinsel free?
Even Orlando International Airport notes that the vertical metal poles on their automated people movers are tinsel-free and have “very high strength-to-weight ratio” that makes them perfect for observing the annual “holiday.”
What does Festivus mean?
Festivus is a wacky holiday popularized in a 1997 “Seinfeld” episode. Billed as “Festivus for the rest of us,” the holiday is celebrated by the Costanza clan on Dec. 23 as an all-inclusive, secular alternative to Christmas consumerism.
Who observes Festivus?
Many have taken to Twitter to unload pent-up resentment, anger and frustrations, including Sen. Rand Paul, who observes Festivus annually by airing his grievances about government waste on social media.
What do you eat at a Festivus dinner?
The official Festivus dish is meatloaf, according to the "Seinfeld" episode titled the "The Strike." Serve it to guests atop a bed of lettuce.
What Is Festivus?
Festivus is a secular holiday observed on December 23 to revolt against the commercialization and religious aspects of Christmas. The term came from “Seinfeld” in episode 10 of season 9, “The Strike.” George Costanza, Jerry Seinfeld’s friend who’s often described as a “short, stocky, slow-witted, bald man,” has direct ties to the holiday. George’s father, Frank, invented the holiday after a less-than-successful Christmas shopping trip. Instead of scoring the last doll on the shelf, another man snagged it. Aggravated, Frank quickly thought of a melancholy way to observe the holidays. While guests thought Frank was overreacting, the holiday still brought tons of laughs. Thus, the long-held tradition of the Constanza family was invented.
What is Festivus for Christmas?
Festivus is a stress-free alternative to Christmas — it’s so bland and unappealing that you’ll oddly love celebrating it! Throw your own Festivus this holiday season with our printable invites, wine labels, grievance cards and “Seinfeld” drinking game — don’t forget the flowers. Now, without further ado, welcome to the ultimate guide ...
What are the elements of a Festivus party?
To stay authentic, one must have an aluminum pole, meatloaf on a bed of lettuce for dinner, a gathering to air your grievances, at least one Festivus miracle, and, last but not least, a Festivus wrestling match. Read on to learn about each tradition.
Why is Festivus pole aluminum?
Instead, Festivus calls for an aluminum pole, so head to the hardware store. The pole is aluminum because it has a very “high weight to strength ratio ,” says Frank. Also, no decorations — definitely no tinsel. Frank finds it distracting.
What episode of Festivus is the Strike?
Pour your wine from your newly Festivus labeled bottle — it’s time to drink! Tune into episode 10 of season 9, “The Strike,” to join in on the festive fun. Whip out this Festivus drinking game at the party. Be sure to print out a few so everyone knows when to drink.
What does Frank exclaim in Festivus?
“I’ve got a lot of problems with you people! Now, you’re going to hear about them,” Frank exclaims to his Festivus guests, indicating the start of the airing of grievances. To air your grievances , gather with family and friends and share all the ways they have disappointed you in the past year. For example, in the episode, Frank yells at his son’s boss, Mr. Kruger: “My son tells me your company stinks!”
Is there a rule against flowers during Festivus?
To make up for the lack of decorations during Festivus, decorate the room with cheery flowers. There are no rules against flowers!
What is Festivus considered over?
Festivus is not considered over until the host is pinned to the floor. A guest can only decline the challenge if he or she has something more important to do, such as working a double shift. 5. Call all slightly non-routine events ‘Festivus miracles’. You carried all your groceries into the house in one trip.
When is Festivus on Seinfeld?
Popularized by the show in 1997, the anti-consumerism holiday is celebrated by “Seinfeld” fans every December 23.
Why is Festivus pole aluminum?
It has to be aluminum because you want it to have “very high strength-to-weight ratio” as Frank Costanza says. Decorations are distracting, so leave the pole in its plain and unadorned beauty. Sure, you can buy your own Festivus pole, from places such as FestivusPoles.com, but it’s really better if you make your own.
