What religion is Festivus? How old is Festivus?

If you are tired of the commercialism and religious aspects of Christmas, you might want to consider celebrating Festivus instead.

Festivus is a secular and non-commercial holiday that was popularized by the sitcom “Seinfeld” in 1997, but it dates back to 1966, when it was invented by author Daniel O’Keefe as a way to commemorate his first date with his future wife.

Festivus is celebrated on December 23, and it involves some unique traditions that set it apart from other holidays. Here are some of the main features of Festivus:

The Festivus pole: Instead of a Christmas tree, Festivus celebrants display an unadorned aluminum pole, which is chosen for its strength-to-weight ratio and its resistance to tinsel. The pole can be stored in a closet or a basement when not in use.

The Festivus dinner: The typical menu for a Festivus dinner is meatloaf on a bed of lettuce, followed by a dessert such as Jell-O or cake. However, any food can be served as long as it is not too fancy or festive.

The airing of grievances: After the dinner, each person takes turns to tell the others how they have disappointed or annoyed them over the past year. This is a time to vent and release any pent-up frustrations or grudges. No one is spared from the criticism, not even the host or the guests.

The feats of strength: The final ritual of Festivus is a wrestling match between the head of the household and another person, usually the one who has the most grievances. The match can be physical or mental, depending on the participants’ preferences. The Festivus celebration is not over until the head of the household is pinned down or concedes defeat.

The Festivus miracles: During Festivus, any event that is unusual or coincidental can be declared as a Festivus miracle by anyone who witnesses it. For example, finding a parking spot in a crowded area, getting a refund from a store, or meeting an old friend can all be considered Festivus miracles.

Festivus is a fun and quirky way to celebrate the holiday season without succumbing to the pressures and expectations of society. Happy Festivus!