Happy Festivus, the Holiday for the Rest of Us

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Sick of both the commercial and the religious aspects of Christmas? Then celebrate like George Costanza’s dad.

The world first heard of Festivus during a December 18, 1997 episode of Seinfeld called “The Strike.” In the episode, Frank Costanza creates the holiday as a protest to Christmas.

(See a brief history of Christmas traditions.)

Instead of a typical Christmas tree, Festivus requires an aluminum pole. At the Festivus meal, people air their grievances — telling dinner guests their disappointment in each other — and then complete “feats of strength,” pinning the dinner host to the ground.

(See the top 10 worst Christmas movies.)

The holiday quickly moved away from the screen, and some still celebrate it today. In Washington, there’s even a bulletin board set up where residents can air their grievances. A few gems? “A pair of leggings is not pants,” “So help me God, I will tear my conductor’s heart out and eat it while he watches,” and “Why does happy hour start at 4:30 p.m. when work ends at 6:30?”