Understanding Festivus: A Guide to Celebrating the ‘Seinfeld’ Holiday on December 23rd
There are numerous issues with individuals who believe Festivus isn’t a legitimate holiday.
And now, it’s time for you to listen.
A holiday inspired by “Seinfeld” that Jason Alexander’s George Costanza will vouch is “all too real” is celebrated every December 23. Fans of the legendary sitcom commemorate the iconic 1997 episode “The Strike.”
This eccentric holiday, featuring the airing of grievances and feats of strength, was created on the show by Frank Costanza, portrayed by the late comedic icon Jerry Stiller.
“It’s a Festivus for the rest of us!” proclaims Frank Costanza.
Here’s what you should know about this secular holiday.
What does Dec. 23 signify in ‘Seinfeld’?
As a card from his father reminded George in the 1997 episode, Festivus occurs every Dec. 23.
In reality, it was conceived by the father of former “Seinfeld” writer Dan O’Keefe in 1966. O’Keefe brought it into the show when he penned the “The Strike” episode.
Festivus is “a peculiar celebration unique to our peculiar family,” O’Keefe told TODAY in 2016.
“Was I surprised that actual people adopted a bizarre TV holiday based on a nutty family tradition that nearly bordered on child endangerment?” O’Keefe humorously remarked. “That would be ‘yes.’ The reason for this occurrence is clear: it signifies that the End of Days is nearly upon us.”
As Frank explains to Kramer in the classic episode, this no-nonsense holiday was devised in response to the commercialization of Christmas. It originated when Frank found himself competing with another man for a coveted doll for young George during the holiday season.
“As I rained blows upon him, I realized there had to be another way,” Frank states. “(The doll) was ruined, but from that, a new holiday was born. A Festivus for the rest of us!”
George bore the scars of this holiday from childhood.
“It’s nothing! It’s a ludicrous holiday my father made up. It doesn’t exist!” he exclaims to Jerry and Elaine early in the episode.
How to observe Festivus on Dec. 23
- Forget the traditional tree and instead, acquire a simple aluminum pole for decoration. This is especially recommended if you, like Frank, find tinsel to be distracting. Also, be sure to look for a “very high strength-to-weight ratio” in your Festivus pole.
- Gather everyone for the airing of grievances. Assemble your family around the table and let them know all the ways they’ve let you down throughout the year, as Frank put it. “I got a lot of problems with you people! Now, you’re gonna hear about it,” he states.
- Get ready for the feats of strength. This could entail wrestling with the family patriarch in front of everyone. Until you pin him, the spirit of Festivus isn’t achieved. “Stop crying and fight your father,” Frank advises a dejected George.
- You couldn’t smooth a silk sheet if you had a hot date with a babe … wait, sorry, that thought was lost. Next up is …
- Channel your inner Kramer and proclaim even the most trivial coincidences as “Festivus miracles!”
- Utilize Festivus as a cover if you’re caught asking for donations to your phony charity instead of sending Christmas cards to your coworkers. Let your boss know that you don’t celebrate Christmas and were worried about being “persecuted” for celebrating Festivus instead.
