If you’re a fan of the television show Seinfeld, you probably remember the episode about “Festivus” – the absurd, pseudo-holiday created by the loveable curmudgeon Frank Costanza.
According to Frank, the holiday is celebrated on December 23 to combat the commercialization of Christmas. He created the holiday when his holiday shopping resulted in a fistfight with another man who reached for the last doll on the shelf at the same time. It was while – as Frank put it – he “rained blows upon the man” that Frank came up with the idea for “a Festivus for the rest of us!”
There were two important components to “Festivus.” The first was called the “Airing of Grievances.” This tradition was about scolding family members for their disappointing failures. The second Festivus tradition comes at the end of the episode when Frank invites his son George to participate in what he calls the “Feats of Strength” – an old-fashioned rumble that leaves George hilariously crying for mercy.
Obviously, the absurdity of Festivus is what makes this Seinfeld sketch so funny and memorable. Christmas isn’t about selfishness and stirring up trouble with others; it’s about loving your neighbor and wishing them good tidings.
If your inner Frank Costanza comes out this year, I encourage you to stop, take note of where you are and who you’re with, and remember everything you have to be grateful for this Christmas.
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