It's been over two decades since The Costanza Family from Seinfeld introduced the world to Festivus, the annual anti-Christmas holiday where families celebrate around an aluminum pole instead of a Christmas tree. Have you heard of Festivus? Many families have adopted the made up holiday, and still celebrate it every December 23 today.
Here are seven fun facts about Festivus!
"A Festivus for the rest of us!"
Festivus was actually invented by a former Reader’s Digest editor.
Festivus was invented in the 1970s by Daniel O’Keefe, an editor at Reader’s Digest, as an alternative to other over-commercialized holidays or just “some dead guy’s birthday.” His son, Dan O’Keefe, was one of the writers of a 1997 episode of Seinfeld called “The Strike”, the episode that introduced the world to Festivus, and its motto -- "A Festivus for the rest of us!".
Festivus may not be official, but its name is.
The name Festivus comes from the Latin word “festum,” which means “feast.” Its Latin roots definitely make it seem more official.
Festivus is built around a yearly airing of grievances.
Inspired by a book that Dan O'Keefe's mom lent his dad on their first date, one of the main traditions of Festivus is a yearly airing of grievances during the feast. Although everyone likely has some complaints about family and friends, be sure to tread lightly if you choose to take part in this tradition!
Feats of strength follows the feast and airing of grievances.
Festivus is over when one person is pinned by the other during Feats of Strength, which typically takes place after the feast. Most families choose two representatives to participate versus everyone joining in.
The pole wasn’t part of the original Festivus celebration.
One of the most iconic symbols of Festivus seen on Seinfeld is the ceremonial pole, which the Costanza family proudly displays in their home. Funnily enough, Dan O'Keefe said that his family never used a pole at their house. They did, however, use signs and a clock to decorate for Festivus.
Want a pole at your Festivus celebration? You can buy one of several versions online, or build your own!
Festivus miracles are often unremarkable.
It is a tradition to share Festivus miracles during the holiday, but most of the miracles are either annoying to others or not really a miracle at all.
The Festivus scene lasted only three minutes.
Our introduction to Festivus lasted only three minutes on Seinfeld, but that didn't stop people from adding the holiday to their yearly celebrations. Watch the scene above, but please be advised that it may be a bit questionable for younger viewers.
Want to know more about the history of Festivus and Seinfeld? Check out Seinfeldia by Jennifer Keishin Armstrong.
