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I think this year, I've decided that instead of (or probably in addition to) celebrating the Solstice that I am going to celebrate Festivus. I saw them mention it on TV and Raul, who was visiting from Austin, had never heard of it. I made him google it and read all about it and I have been laughing about it ever since. I think it would be awesome to have a Festivus dinner. If you don't know what Festivus is, it's an alternative to the commercialization of xmas created by Frank Costanza on Seinfeld. That's where I believe it started, don't argue with me. Wikipedia.org describes the four major components of Festivus:
- The Festivus Pole: The Costanzas' tradition begins with a bare aluminum pole, which Frank praises for its "very high strength-to-weight ratio." During Festivus, an unadorned aluminum pole is displayed. The pole was chosen apparently in opposition to the commercialization of highly decorated Christmas trees, because it is "very low-maintenance," and also because the holiday's patron, Frank Costanza, "find[s] tinsel distracting." Local customs vary and you may be able to decorate your pole with non-threatening plain decorations, or ordinary green garland.
- Festivus Dinner: The Festivus dinner's menu is flexible, but it should be filling non-holiday comfort food (no turkey, duck, goose, or ham). The televised dinner featured what may have been meatloaf or spaghetti in a red sauce. (Presumably, an entree in a red sauce is more festive.) Although no alcohol was served at the Costanza's dinner, Kruger drank from his flask, so alcohol is optional.
- The Airing of Grievances: At the Festivus dinner, each participant tells friends and family all of the instances where they disappointed him or her that year.
- The Feats of Strength: The head of the family tests his or her strength against one participant of the head's choosing. Festivus is not considered over until the head of the family has been pinned to the ground. A participant is allowed to decline to attempt to pin the head of the family only if they have something better to do instead. Other, imaginative, Feats of Strength have been developed, including washer tossing.
Oh my g*d, I can't wait. Who wants to come to my Festivus dinner? I'll be playing the head of the household, so get ready for your feats of strength. G*d, I love the holidaze season!
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