Festivus, A Brief History: From O’Keefe to Costanza

Festivus, a holiday made popular by the iconic sitcom “Seinfeld”, has captured the hearts of anti-commercialists and comedy enthusiasts alike. But the real kicker? This pseudo-holiday wasn’t born in a writers’ room, but rather in the home of a Reader’s Digest editor named Dan O’Keefe Sr., making it a bona fide tradition long before it was a pop culture phenomenon.

Festivus for the Rest of Us: A Celebration

Festivus falls on December 23, (and yes, I am a day late in spreading some Festivus cheer, sadly) serving as an antidote to the season’s heightened commercialism. The holiday’s customs, as showcased on Seinfeld, feature an unadorned aluminum pole (tinsel is too distracting), a Festivus dinner (meatloaf on a bed of lettuce for TV, but turkey or ham in the O’Keefe household), the Airing of Grievances, and the Feats of Strength. The real symbol, however, was a clock in a bag nailed to the wall – a family secret of the O’Keefes that remains shrouded in mystery.

The Air of Grievances: Therapeutic or Troublesome?

The Airing of Grievances, a cornerstone of Festivus, is where family members share how they’ve been let down by each other over the year. Mental health professionals have weighed in, suggesting there might be some therapeutic value to this tradition, though it’s generally avoided in other holidays.

The Festivus Pole: An Eco-Friendly Twist

In 2021, a new environmental dimension was added to the Festivus pole. Social media campaigns promised to plant trees for those participating in the #FestivusSavesTrees initiative. Indeed, choosing a Festivus pole over a Christmas tree is a sustainable choice for the eco-conscious celebrant.

The Darker Origins of Festivus

However, the origins of Festivus have a darker side, as revealed by Seinfeld writer Dan O’Keefe. The holiday was birthed from the chaotic creativity of his father, who was battling undiagnosed mental health issues. What the TV audience saw was a much-sanitized version of the O’Keefe family’s tradition.

Last-Minute Festivus Gifts: Redbubble to the Rescue!

If you’re late to the Festivus party, don’t fret! There’s still time for last-minute holiday shopping on Redbubble, where discounts on Festivus-inspired t-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, coasters, and aprons await. Celebrate the holiday spirit with a witty gift that keeps the Festivus miracle alive.

Embracing Festivus

Whether you find yourself wrestling the head of the household or simply enjoying a non-alcoholic beverage at dinner, Festivus offers a unique take on holiday festivities. It’s a day when the rest of us can thumb our noses at the commercial frenzy and indulge in some good old-fashioned family banter.