Unique ways to celebrate Festivus: 12 steps to celebrating December 23rd.

If you're looking for a fun way to celebrate the end of the year without getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of shopping or elaborate rituals, then Festivus is a great option. This special festival, which takes place on December 23rd , is famous from the Seinfeld series and is increasingly loved by people around the world for its humor, simplicity, and anti-commercial nature.

In this article, you'll learn how to organize a Festivus festival, from preparing the Festivus pole and traditional meals to the "confessions" and "feats of strength" challenges. All the instructions are simple and easy to follow, helping you and your loved ones have a fun, unique, and meaningful gathering.

Part 1: How to easily prepare a Festivus column at home

Step 1: Prepare the Festivus column properly.

1. Find an object in the house that resembles a metal pole.

• Festivus prioritizes simplicity, so you only need to check the basement, attic, or garage for a readily available metal pole.

• If you don't have one, you can temporarily use similar items such as floor lamps, tall metal pipes, or anything that is straight, sturdy enough, and can be placed in a corner of the living room.

• This is a cost-effective approach, in keeping with the "low maintenance" spirit of Festivus.

2. Buy a Festivus column if you want convenience.

• Many people searching for "where to buy Festivus columns" often choose to buy online because there are readily available models, standard heights, and they are easy to install.

• You just need to choose the size that fits your living room space and you can use it right away.

3. Make your own Festivus column at home.

• If you want a hands-on experience or can't find a suitable template, you can create your own Festivus column.

• Go to your local hardware store and buy an aluminum pole and accessories to make a stand.

• Bring it to your home workspace and assemble it simply by following these steps:

  1. Cut the aluminum tube to your desired height.

  2. Attach the pipe to the base securely.

  3. Place the column in the corner of the living room, ensuring it is safe and stable.

Step 2: Keep the Festivus column in its original state.

1. No additional decorations needed.

• A proper Festivus column is always left bare, without tinsel, lights, or any other ornaments.

• Keeping the pole simple reflects the minimalist spirit of Festivus and saves you time on preparation.

2. Why not decorate?

• In the Festivus tradition, ornaments such as tinsel are considered distracting and unnecessary.

• The "blank" shape of the main pillar is what creates the humorous and unique character of the festival.

Step 3: Use the watch wrapped in the bag to replace the Festivus column.

1. Hang a clock wrapped in a bag on the wall.

• If you want to stay true to the spirit of the original real-life Festivus, simply put a watch in your pocket and nail it to the wall.

• This method is simple, requires little effort, and still showcases the distinctive traditional features of the festival.

2. Why use a clock instead of a metal pole?

• In Seinfeld's * The Strike* , the metal column is the famous symbol of Festivus.

• However, the family of screenwriter Dan O'Keefe – the true inspiration for the festival – used the watch wrapped in a bag as the "main decoration."

• This is a suitable option for those who want to try a more authentic and easier-to-prepare version of Festivus than the metal pole.

Part 2: Festivus Party Menu: Easy-to-Make Traditional Dishes

Step 1: Prepare the traditional Festivus dinner as seen in the movie.

1. Make grilled meatballs (meatloaf) and place them on top of the lettuce.

• In Seinfeld's * The Strike* , the Festivus dinner is served very simply: a meatloaf placed on a lettuce leaf.

• You simply prepare the meatloaf using a familiar recipe or buy it ready-made, then arrange it on a plate lined with lettuce leaves, and you're done.

2. Why should you eat meatloaf?

• This is considered the "perfect" main course when organizing a Festivus dinner , helping you recreate the humorous, minimalist, and traditional spirit of the festival.

• The preparation is quick and simple, in line with Festivus' philosophy of "not complicating the holiday."

Step 2: Prepare a traditional, real-life Festivus dinner.

1. Choose a familiar main dish from Dan O'Keefe's family.

• Besides the meatloaf version seen in the movie, real-life Festivus festivals often feature simple, traditional dishes.

• You can choose one of the following dishes for the main menu:

  • Roast turkey

  • Ham

  • Beef stew

  • Lamb ribs

• These are all easy-to-prepare dishes, perfect for a family dinner and in keeping with the spirit of a Festivus dinner .

2. Add pecan pie for dessert.

• Pecan pie is a familiar sweet treat in the O'Keefe family tradition for Festivus.

• You can make it at home or buy it ready-made; just cut it into small pieces and eat it right after your main meal.

Step 3: Select dishes that have appeared in Seinfeld.

1. Use any item that appears in the series.

• If you don't like meatloaf or traditional dishes like turkey, cold cuts, or beef stew, you can absolutely serve dishes that were mentioned in Seinfeld.

• This is a flexible and fun way to stay true to the Festivus spirit without complicated preparations.

2. Buy ready-made food to save time.

• A quick and easy option is to stop by a fast-food restaurant like Arby's and buy what you like.

• This approach is suitable if you want to host a simple Festivus dinner that still has a Seinfeld feel to it.

3. Refer to the list of familiar dishes in the series.

• You can choose from many items that have appeared in the movie, such as:

  • Shrimp

  • Pizza

  • Risotto

  • Bagels

  • Homemade sausages

  • Egg rolls

  • And many other dishes depending on your preference.

4. Add a soup dish to create a truly "Seinfeld" signature touch.

• Soups like wild mushroom soup or crab bisque are suitable as appetizers.

• When serving soup, you can add a touch of humor by repeating the famous line, "No soup for you!" – a detail familiar to Seinfeld fans.

Part 3: The ritual of sharing grievances at Festivus

Step 1: Keep everyone gathered around the dining table.

1. Sit down together after dinner.

• After finishing your meal, don't leave the table immediately. The spirit of Festivus is for everyone to stay at the table to continue with the rituals.

• Keeping the whole group seated helps create a seamless atmosphere and makes it easier to start the next step.

2. Prepare for the "air the grievances" section.

• This is the time when people start sharing their frustrations from the year in the characteristic humorous style of Festivus.

• Keeping everyone in their proper places – around the dining table – helps the ceremony flow naturally, comfortably, and in keeping with the traditions of the Festivus celebration .

Step 2: Perform the ritual of airing grievances.

1. Share the things that annoyed you this year.

• The ritual of "air the grievances" is a part where people release their unpleasant feelings to feel lighter.

• You can prepare a few things you want to say beforehand, focusing on the things that are bothering you, but presenting them in a fun, stress-relieving way.

2. Each person will take turns standing up to express their opinion.

• In turn, each person stood up and talked about things or situations that had bothered them during the past year.

• The purpose is not to criticize harshly, but to create a humorous atmosphere, helping the whole group understand and connect better.

3. Maintain a relaxed and cheerful attitude.

• This is a symbolic ritual of the Festivus festival , so just share honestly and gently, in the spirit of tradition.

• The more relaxed the atmosphere, the easier it is for the whole group to open up and enjoy this special moment.

Step 3: Maintain a calm and respectful atmosphere.

1. Share in a cheerful, lighthearted way.

• Although Frank Costanza often speaks frankly and humorously in the film Seinfeld, in real life, sharing frustrations requires more subtlety.

• When airing grievances , prioritize a gentle, reassuring approach that avoids creating pressure or making anyone feel uncomfortable.

2. Be careful when mentioning other people.

• If you want to comment on someone's behavior, choose your words carefully and avoid direct criticism.

• The goal of the ritual is to create connection and help people understand each other better, not to make the Festivus event stressful.

3. Uphold the traditional spirit of Festivus.

• Festivus is inherently humorous, simple, and aims to lighten people's hearts.

• When the atmosphere is relaxed, the whole group will be more likely to open up and fully enjoy the Festivus celebration experience.

Part 4: The Festivus Power Game: How to Participate in the Fun

Step 1: Complete the strength challenge safely.

1. Choose a safe challenge format instead of arm wrestling or grappling.

• In Seinfeld, "feats of strength" are fun wrestling matches. However, in real life – especially when there are children or people unaccustomed to strenuous exercise – you should choose safer challenges, such as:

  • Indoor mini tug-of-war competition

  • Hold hands and push gently (do not wrestle to the ground).

  • Have fun balancing or push-up challenges!

• These activities remain true to the spirit of Festivus but without causing injury.

2. The Festivus host selects the participants for the challenge.

• Traditionally, the person presiding over the ceremony would select guests to participate in the strength challenge.

• However, make sure everyone is comfortable and agrees to participate before starting.

3. Respect the right of the chosen person to refuse.

• If someone feels tired, is injured, or has just had a long day, they are perfectly entitled to decline.

• The spirit of Festivus celebrations is fun and stress-free, so choosing light activities and respecting each other's boundaries is very important.

4. Keep the atmosphere fun and safe.

• The purpose of "feats of strength" is to create laughter and connection, not competition or intense confrontation.

• Choose a spacious area, avoid bumping into furniture, and always monitor everyone's safety.

Step 2: Complete the final ritual in a safe and symbolic manner.

1. Perform "feats of strength" in a gentle, non-confrontational version.

• In Seinfeld, the ritual that concludes Festivus is when the guest "wrestles" the host.

• However, in real life, wrestling can cause injury, so you might want to replace it with more symbolic and safer challenges, such as:

  • Tug-of-war competition using soft fabric rope.

  • Let's see who can maintain their balance longer.

  • In a dice game, whoever rolls the higher number "wins".

  • Let's see who can push the big ball backward first.

• These activities maintain the spirit of challenging physical strength while ensuring safety for everyone.

2. Let the chosen person be declared the "winner" to complete the ritual.

• To symbolize "reducing the host's authority" as in the Festivus tradition, you can let the chosen person win the challenge.

• "Winning" is the way to complete the final ritual without any strong clashes or confrontations.

3. Maintain the cheerful and symbolic spirit.

• The purpose of the final part of the festival is not to demonstrate strength, but to create laughter and conclude the Festivus celebration in its inherently humorous spirit.

• By keeping all activities light, safe, and fun, you maintain tradition without putting anyone at risk.

Step 3: Organize a safe and fun alternative challenge.

1. Choose a gentle, non-injuring competitive activity.

• Instead of struggling, you can choose simple, safe games that are suitable for all ages.

• Here are some safer suggestions to stay true to the spirit of "feats of strength":

  • Pull gently (preferably sitting opposite each other to avoid losing balance).

  • Practice cracking your thumb in the traditional way, with moderate force.

  • Compete to maintain balance or stand on one leg for the longest time.

2. Organize a mini-tournament for the whole team to participate in.

• If you want to avoid physically demanding activities, you can choose brain-training games or games that test your reflexes.

• Here are some easy and funny options:

  • Short board game competition (Uno, Ludo, Connect 4)

  • They stared at each other without blinking.

  • Seinfeld's Quick Guessing Game: Guess the Object, Letter, or Phrase

3. Maintain a cheerful, safe, and inclusive spirit.

• The goal of alternative activities is to create a fun and engaging atmosphere, without the need for strong competition.

• By choosing appropriate games, the Festivus celebration will be relaxed, safe, and still retain its traditional spirit.

Stay true to the minimalist spirit of Festivus.

1. No need to prepare gifts.

• Festivus was created to avoid the gift-giving pressure and commercialism of the holiday season.

• You don't have to worry about shopping or exchanging gifts; just focus on the fun, relaxed atmosphere and the connection between people.

2. Clear the space before challenging activities.

• If you're organizing a traditional strength challenge or using light physical games, make sure the safety of the entire group is paramount.

• Before you begin, please:

  • Remove fragile items such as glasses, bottles, and decorative objects.

  • Remove sharp objects or edges.

  • Leave enough space for people to move around comfortably.

• Thorough preparation ensures that the Festivus celebration is enjoyable, trouble-free, and true to tradition.

References

1. http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/17/entertainment/festivus-seinfeld-hulu-feat/index.html
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbWkBSmVtpU
3. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/festivus/

Translated by: Rowan Hudson Le .