If you subscribe to Urban Dictionary's Word of the Day, you'll be in the know.
However, for those lacking in information(because Urban Dictionary provides a plethora): A Summary of Festivus, the Holiday for the Rest of Us.
Festivus actually gained its roots in the popular TV series, Seinfeld. To be honest with you, I've never seen an episode of this show. In fact, I'll just keep clicking through it to see if there are any episodes of the Office or House on. (Thanks a lot Zoe, you got me completely addicted.)
This holiday is perfect for me, or anyone whose beliefs are similar to mine. Here's my belief: Christmas has become too commercial. Now, I'm agnostic, so I don't even celebrate Christmas; however, it upsets me to see one of the most celebrated holidays on Earth, has been turned into a mobfest at the local Walmart. What does this say about our race? [insert shudder here.]
My family has never really gotten into the whole Christmas spirit. We're not a bunch of Grinches, but we figure that our time of giving and thankfulness should happen throughout the year instead of stockpiled for that one day in which we pour it out. And sure, I love presents! But why wait? If I want something, and I deserve it then I'll get it. (Wow, that came out more bratty than I really am.) Okay, so if I want something, and I deserve it and I can explain my good use for it, then I'll get it. (Better? And trust me, my parents have different ideas about what a "good use" is, and it's usually along more academic lines.) So basically, the whole gifts thing, is a lot like the good feelings. If they're spread out along the year, it'll feel more sincere. Plus, getting every single one of your presents on one day, causes you to get tired of them... and then what are you supposed to do for the rest of the year?
Anyways, back to Festivus. (Oh, and it's traditionally celebrated on the 23rd of December)
The stalwart symbol of this illustrious holiday is The Festivus Pole!
The Festivus pole is to be aluminum (for its high strength to weight ratio) and completely unadorned. This stands as a defiance to the commercialization and over sparkliness of the Christmas tree.
And now on to the Celebration of Festivus! There are 2 main traditions commonly followed:
The Airing of Grievances is basically the one time in which you are allowed to say your disappointments in each other. Go ahead, join the catharsis. Understand each other's feelings and get closer as a family. If you're irked by what someone may have said, wait until the next part of the celebration to let it all out.
The Feats of the Strength. Basically a big wrestling match. Festivus officially ends when the head of the head of the house is pinned to the ground.
To see Photojojo's hilarious take on Festivus, check it: http://photojojo.com/content/photojojo-original/festivus-traditions
I've yet to present this idea to my family. But if nothing else, I can always find a little aluminum pole to set up in my bedroom.
So what are we going to do on Christmas Day? I don't know yet; maybe watch TV, eat a little, or join our Jewish community on eating Chinese food and going to the movie theatres.
By the way, you're probably not too interested, but here are some photos from my Sweet Sixteen.
DON'T BREAK THE ICE. Probably one of the greatest games ever invented. Those plastic mallets really hurt when thrown in frustration.
TWISTER. Another classic game. My friends made it violent.
We also played Apples to Apples and Jenga. Again, more casualties resulted from these two games.
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