Among the many gifts "Seinfeld" bestowed, the celebration of Festivus warms our cockles the most. Each December 23rd, we gather around the aluminum pole for miracles, feats of strength and, naturally, the airing of grievances. So what are your grievances?
In 1997, "Seinfeld" introduced the concept of Festivus to a public eager for a less-commercial way to celebrate the holiday season—a "Festivus for the rest of us."
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!"
Kramer: "That must have been some kind of doll."
Frank Costanza: "She was."
Few know that Festivus is a real holiday invented by the father of "Seinfeld" writer Daniel O'Keefe, writer Dan O'Keefe. According the Wikipedia, the original Festivus took place in February 1966, as a celebration of the elder O'Keefe's first date with his future wife, Deborah.
The celebration of Festivus begins with the "Airing of Grievances," which usually takes place immediately after the Festivus dinner has been served. But screw it, we're going to gather around the aluminum pole anyway, although someday we hope to move up to a carbon-fiber pole. So, have at it. Air those grievances people. Maybe the subject of your grievance—or their corporate rep—will hear it and respond. Now, that would be a Festivus miracle!
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