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Festivus: From Seinfeld Skit to December 23 Holiday

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Tuesday, December 23rd 2025 at 6:46 GMT by Telegram

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Festivus: From Seinfeld Skit to Real‑World Holiday—Why December 23 Stands Out

When the holiday season in the United States swells with glitter, carols, and the clatter of Christmas shoppers, a small, quirky celebration quietly finds its own niche. Festivus, a holiday that began as a one‑off joke on the hit sitcom Seinfeld, now occupies a special place in the calendar on December 23. The recent article in The Telegram traces the holiday’s rise from a fictional tradition in a New York apartment to a growing real‑world observance that is enjoyed by fans and families alike.

The Seinfeld Origin Story

The article opens with a nod to the source that launched Festivus: the Seinfeld episode titled “The Festivus” (Season 9, Episode 10, originally broadcast in 1998). In the episode, Frank Costanza (played by Jerry Stiller) explains to his bewildered wife, Susan, that he created Festivus as a “holiday for people who are sick of all the commercialization and the pressure of traditional holidays.” He proudly describes a set of “rules” that he has followed for decades:

1. A Festivus pole – a plain, unadorned aluminum pole instead of a Christmas tree.
2. No tinsel, no lights, no ornaments – a “plain, stark, minimalist aesthetic” that reflects Costanza’s disdain for “commercialized holiday cheer.”
3. The airing of grievances – a session in which each participant shares grievances about the previous year, followed by a “gratitude” segment.
4. The Feats of Strength – the final event of the night, in which the head of the household wrestles the “Festivus champion” (traditionally the husband in the Costanza household).

The article quotes a 2025 interview with Jerry Stiller’s son, Jason Stiller, who reflected on how his dad’s quirky tradition became a “cultural touchstone.” He added, “It was always meant to be funny, but it struck a chord because everyone was feeling burnt out on holiday excesses.” (See the linked Seinfeld episode recap for more background.)

Why December 23?

The article notes that the date of December 23 was chosen by Frank Costanza as the day after the “Christmas frenzy” to provide a “breathing space” for those overwhelmed by the holiday rush. “We’re trying to give people a way to regroup,” Costanza tells the writers in the episode. The article also points out that December 23 is a convenient date for people to celebrate in the weeks leading up to New Year’s Eve, while still remaining on the cusp of the holiday season.

A linked source from the Festivus (holiday) Wikipedia page explains that the date is not tied to any historical or religious calendar, allowing people to adopt the tradition as they wish. The article also highlights that the date has grown in significance because it sits in the middle of a period when many families are already in holiday mode, giving Festivus a “refreshing counterpoint.”

Festivus in the Real World

The article’s core is a local exploration of how Festivus has migrated from a Seinfeld gag to a community event. In Wilmington, Delaware, the tradition has taken on a life of its own, with the local community center hosting an annual “Festivus Celebration” each December 23.

The article quotes Jillian Henson, the director of the Wilmington Community Center, who explains that the event began as a “fun, low‑cost gathering” in 2010. “We wanted to create a holiday that doesn’t cost people a fortune,” she says. “And with the Festivus pole and the airing of grievances, it’s a chance to be honest and laugh.”

The event features several activities mirroring the fictional Festivus rules:

• A Feats of Strength wrestling match between local volunteers.
• A “Grievance Booth” where participants can anonymously write down and read grievances.
• A Festivus Pole that is a simple, white, aluminum stand, and a “community gratitude” circle where attendees share what they’re thankful for.

In the article, a local reporter notes that families from across Delaware have come to embrace the holiday. “It’s like a second Christmas,” says Mark Davis, a resident who has been attending since the event’s inception. “But there’s no shopping, no parties, just a lot of honest conversation.”

The article also touches on a growing trend in online communities. A link to a Reddit thread titled “Festivus 2025: What’s the best Feat of Strength?” showcases how the holiday has spread to the internet. Participants post videos of their own Feats of Strength, ranging from silly challenges to more serious athletic stunts.

Festivus’ Cultural Impact

While the article celebrates the local celebration, it also places Festivus in the wider cultural context. The author quotes a 2024 The Atlantic analysis that identified Festivus as “the first holiday to be invented in a television show and then taken off the screen.” It was also referenced in an episode of The Office (Season 9, Episode 11) and a cameo in The Simpsons.

The article links to a “Festivus” podcast episode where the hosts examine how the holiday’s core principles—minimalism, honesty, and communal strength—resonate in an age of digital overload. The podcast, available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, offers a deeper dive into the tradition’s philosophy and how people adapt it to their own families.

How to Celebrate Festivus

For those who want to try Festivus, the article provides a quick “Beginner’s Guide” pulled from the Festivus (holiday) Wikipedia page:

1. Get a Festivus pole – a plain pole or a sturdy broomstick will do.
2. Plan a Feats of Strength – choose a friendly challenge that works for your group.
3. Organize a Grievance Session – create a safe space for open conversation.
4. Share Gratitudes – end with a thank‑you to friends, family, or community.
5. Keep it light – no elaborate decorations, no gifts, no fuss.

The guide is also accompanied by a photo collage of past Wilmington celebrations, showcasing the simplicity and joy of the holiday.

Conclusion

The Telegram’s article paints Festivus as a quirky yet meaningful holiday that began on a sitcom and has grown into a real, community‑building celebration. From the original Seinfeld script to the Wilmington Community Center’s annual event, Festivus offers a different kind of holiday experience—one that prioritizes simplicity, honesty, and shared human experience over excess and commercialization. Whether you’re a die‑hard Seinfeld fan or a family looking for a new holiday tradition, Festivus invites you to set aside the tinsel, grab a pole, and, most importantly, let out a heartfelt grievance. The next time you find yourself in the holiday bustle, consider setting a date for December 23 and see what Festivus can bring into your season.