The Festivus Experience

The Festivus Experience

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When?
December 23rd, every year
Why?
To demonstrate views apart from the commercialization of the holidays
What is it?
Festivus is a newly created holiday that celebrates a non-commercialized holiday season. It stems from a philosophy shared among many people - that the spirit of traditional holidays such as Christmas and Hanukkah have been commercialized to the point where the meaning behind them has been lost. Some cite the examples of Christmas decorations and supplies that are ready to sell on November 1st, the day after Halloween. It is almost as if Thanksgiving doesn't even count any more!
The term Festivus was brought to the modern culture by the television series Seinfeld in 1997, in an episode titled "The Strike." The idea came from a script writer, Dan O'Keefe. Apparently his father created this holiday as a way to keep his family sane when times were tough.
There are several differences between the original holiday and the modern Seinfeld version. For example, the Festivus pole was introduced by the television series, and was not part of the O'Keefe tradition. Also, in the series, the Festivus dinner was either meatloaf or spaghetti, as described by fervent fans of the show. The O'Keefe tradition was not so formal, but generally required a ham or turkey for the main course. Another difference is that the O'Keefe's would celebrate whenever the patriarch Daniel O'Keefe felt it was necessary to help bring his family together, if only for a fun and irrelevant reason. The modern adaptation suggests that the official date is to be December 23rd.
The main elements of Festivus include the Festivus Pole as the traditional decoration, the "Airing of Grievances" and the "Feats of Strength." The phrase, "A Festivus for the Rest of Us" was coined on the show, and indicates that the holiday is inclusive, and offers a chance for alternate believers to enjoy the holidays with their own way to celebrate. The "Festivus Miracles" are described as common occurrences which are noticed and announced to be a miracles nonetheless. Random but perfectly logical events are usually targeted, and are identified as "Festivus Miracles."
I am interested in learning more about the way others perceive and possibly celebrate Festivus. If you are interested, please feel free to participate at the Facebook page The Festivus Experience. I look forward to meeting you!

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The Festivus Experience

---------------------------------------

When?
December 23rd, every year
Why?
To demonstrate views apart from the commercialization of the holidays
What is it?
Festivus is a newly created holiday that celebrates a non-commercialized holiday season. It stems from a philosophy shared among many people - that the spirit of traditional holidays such as Christmas and Hanukkah have been commercialized to the point where the meaning behind them has been lost. Some cite the examples of Christmas decorations and supplies that are ready to sell on November 1st, the day after Halloween. It is almost as if Thanksgiving doesn't even count any more!
The term Festivus was brought to the modern culture by the television series Seinfeld in 1997, in an episode titled "The Strike." The idea came from a script writer, Dan O'Keefe. Apparently his father created this holiday as a way to keep his family sane when times were tough.
There are several differences between the original holiday and the modern Seinfeld version. For example, the Festivus pole was introduced by the television series, and was not part of the O'Keefe tradition. Also, in the series, the Festivus dinner was either meatloaf or spaghetti, as described by fervent fans of the show. The O'Keefe tradition was not so formal, but generally required a ham or turkey for the main course. Another difference is that the O'Keefe's would celebrate whenever the patriarch Daniel O'Keefe felt it was necessary to help bring his family together, if only for a fun and irrelevant reason. The modern adaptation suggests that the official date is to be December 23rd.
The main elements of Festivus include the Festivus Pole as the traditional decoration, the "Airing of Grievances" and the "Feats of Strength." The phrase, "A Festivus for the Rest of Us" was coined on the show, and indicates that the holiday is inclusive, and offers a chance for alternate believers to enjoy the holidays with their own way to celebrate. The "Festivus Miracles" are described as common occurrences which are noticed and announced to be a miracles nonetheless. Random but perfectly logical events are usually targeted, and are identified as "Festivus Miracles."
I am interested in learning more about the way others perceive and possibly celebrate Festivus. If you are interested, please feel free to participate at the Facebook page The Festivus Experience. I look forward to meeting you!