Laurel and I celebrated Festivus this year.  (A Festivus for the rest of us!)  Festivus was first invented in 1966 by the father of Daniel O'Keefe, who was one of the writers for 'Seinfeld'.  Their practices included the Feats of Strength and Airing of Grievances.  The Festivus Pole was a fabrication invented for TV.  Festivus is normally celebrated on December 23 each year, but can be celebrated as late as May.

 

Festivus begins with the aluminum pole, which Frank Costanza praises for its "very high strength-to-weight ratio".  The pole remains unadorned, unlike the normal Christmas tree.  The pole is low maintenance and remains unadorned.  Frank found tinsel distracting.

 

It should be understood that the pole is a later adaptation for this holiday.  Originally the holiday included only a clock and a bag.  Why this was so has been lost to memory.  As 'orthodox celebrants' we decided to add these items to our holiday decorations.

 

The normal Festivus meal includes "meat loaf or spaghetti in a red sauce"  We decided to hold our Festivus celebration at Pappeadeaux's and ordered the mixed seafood grill.  Drinking is optional. 

 

Traditionally, the 'airing of grievances' was held during the meal.  The original "airing of grievances" was spoken into a tape recorder.  We decided to wait until the evening to do this activity. Unfortunately, a two-hour blackout put an end to the rest of the Festivus activities. 

The original Airing of Grievances was spoken into a tape recorder.  In the 'Airing of Grievances' each person tells friends and family of all the instances which have disappointed him or her through the year.  During the 'Feats of Strength' the head of the household selects one person at the Festivus celebration and challenges that person to a wrestling match.  Festivus ends when someone has pinned the host.  The blackout put a stop to this too.  There were no Festivus Miracles that we could see.

 

Some see similarities between Festivus and an Irish Wake.

 

By the way, this is the only Festivus "Carol" I could find.  It is sung to the melody of 'Oh Canada'":

 

Oh Festivus!

Our humble holiday.

Serenity Now is our only goal today.

With glowing hearts we see thy shining pole,

No tinsel there to distract our souls!

From far and wide,

Oh Festivus, to air grievances we’re free.

Thy feats of strength are glorious to me.
Frank Costanza, we tip our hats to thee.

Oh Festivus, we’ll pin you first, you’ll see.
 

 

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I have included pictures of our Festivus pole.  It includes a front and side view.  Laurel thought it was too plain and added a cow bell.  You will see the clock and bag are included in these 'holiday decorations'.