Ever heard of a holiday beginning with an “Airing of Grievances” and ending with “Feats of Strength”?
Then hello Festivus on December 23rd- perhaps the most unique quirky holiday yet. Festivus represents the development of an alternative to the traditional holidays which have become so entwined with commercialization.
It brings family and friends together in a completely unconventional, fun way. With such traditions as a bare aluminum pole and hilarious rituals, Festivus has captured many.
Let’s take a look at this fun holiday and see why it’s fast becoming a favorite of those looking for a little different kind of celebration.
How to Celebrate Festivus
Let’s take a look Celebrating Festivus is a fun and unconventional way to bring people together. Here’s how you can join in on the festivities:
1. Set Up the Festivus Pole
- The Pole: Instead of a Christmas tree, use an unadorned aluminum pole. It’s simple, minimalist, and has no distracting tinsel.
- Location: Set it up in a front room where everyone can crowd around.
2. The Airing of Grievances
- Tradition: This comes immediately after the Festivus dinner. Each person gets to complain and whine about all the terrible things that occurred throughout the past year.
- Purpose: It is one way to get everything off your chest in a light, comedic way.
3. Festivus Dinner
- The Feast: Cook a plain dinner. The traditional Festivus feast was meatloaf on a bed of lettuce, but you can use any traditional dish.
- Airing: Gather together and eat dinner, then proceed to the next ritual.
4. The Feats of Strength
- Game: After dinner, the head of the house picks a member to wrestle with. The wrestling match continues until the head of the house gets pinned.
- Fun: This section is more of fun than any wrestling skill, so it should be safe and lighthearted.
5. Festivus Miracles
- Little Wonders: During the day, observe any small, unexpected positive events and declare them as “Festivus miracles.”
- Joy: Celebrate these moments to add an extra layer of fun and positivity to the day.
6. Festivus Carols (Optional)
- Songs: Not exactly a part of traditional Festivus, but many people enjoy creating silly carols or parodying popular holiday songs.
Have Fun and Be Inclusive
- Invitation: Festivus is for all, no matter their background or faith. It is a time to celebrate with friends and family.
- Spirit: The spirit of Festivus is one of camaraderie, good humor, and healthy complaining.
Celebrate Festivus your way, with these key traditions, and enjoy a holiday that’s both memorable and entertaining!at this fun holiday and see why it’s fast becoming a favorite of those looking for a little different kind of celebration.
Festivus gifts: Creative and funny gift ideas
Some ideas, simple and fun gift to give at Festivus are the following: Gag Gifts: Faux mustaches, funny joke books, whoopee cushions.
- Homemade Coupons: Funny favors vouchers, “One Free Hug,” “I will do the dishes.”
- Quirky Socks: Fun and funny patterns written on the socks.
- Personalized Mugs: Humorous sayings and cute pictures of mugs to be printed.
- Board Games: These are the interesting games everybody can play with each other.
- Fun Calendars: Jokes and pictures of silly animals.
- Novelty T-Shirts: Funny sayings or images on shirts.
- DIY Crafts: A painted rock or a knitted scarf.
- Food Gifts: Homemade cookies or a jar of favorite candy.
- Mini Desk Toys: Stress balls or mini puzzles.
These gifts will surely make your Festivus funny and merry!
December 23rd Celebrated (And Not So Celebrated) Birthdays
Here are some notable and lesser-known individuals born on December 23rd:
Celebrated Birthdays:
- Eddie Vedder (1964): Lead singer of Pearl Jam, known for his powerful voice and impactful lyrics.
- Finn Wolfhard (2002): Actor famous for his role in the TV series “Stranger Things” and the “It” movies.
- Corey Haim (1971): Popular actor during the 1980s, known for movies like “The Lost Boys.”
Lesser-Known Birthdays:
- Harry Shearer (1943): Voice actor known for his work on “The Simpsons,” voicing characters like Mr. Burns and Ned Flanders.
- Carla Bruni (1967): French-Italian singer-songwriter and former First Lady of France.
- Estella Warren (1978): Canadian actress and model, known for her role in “Planet of the Apes” (2001).
These individuals, whether widely recognized or not, share their special day on December 23rd.
December 23rd Celebrated (And Not So Celebrated) History
Historic Significance:
- 1823 “A Visit from St. Nicholas” is published anonymously. That anonymous poem is much more famous today as “The Night Before Christmas” and it has had a lasting term impact on how one would envision the appearance of Santa Claus.
- 1913 President Woodrow Wilson signed into law the Federal Reserve Act setting forth in law, the Federal Reserve System.
- 1986: Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager fly nonstop, non-refueled around the world aboard the Voyager experimental aircraft.
Not So Starred Events
- 1888: The Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh cut off half of his ear during an episode of madness he illustrated in his self-portrait.
- 1947: Transistors first found at Bell Laboratories-very early days of the computer.
- 1972: The Pittsburgh Steelers finally win their first-ever playoff game on a controversial, famous play known as the “Immaculate Reception” in the NFL.
These events whether they be more spectacular or lesser known all happen to be on December 23rd and have made their presence known in history in one form or another.
Conclusion
It’s the most unique holiday ever and entertaining, with ample room to break from the rest. It falls on December 23rd, allowing people to come together for laughter, camaraderie, and good-natured complaining. Its peculiar traditions, such as the Festivus pole, the Airing of Grievances, and Feats of Strength, set it as a fun event that celebrates togetherness. Whether it’s sharing funny gifts, a simple meal, or declaring Festivus miracles, the holiday is about making memories with friends and family. Gather ’round the pole, and enjoy the fun of Festivus-a holiday for the rest of us.
