Seinfeld Jason Alexander Jerry Stiller - H 2011
TriStar TelevsionSeinfeld ended in 1998, but one tradition from the show has lived on: Festivus.
The fake holiday was introduced on the show when Frank Costanza (Jerry Stiller) explained that he created it as a holiday alternative to Christmas. And so the phrase, “a Festivus for the rest of us!” was born.
The holiday requires an aluminum Festivus pole in place of a Christmas tree and, perhaps the most fun part, the airing of grievances to family members.
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The final tradition is the Feats of Strength, when the head of the household selects one member of the dinner party and challenged them in a wrestling match.
It turns out that Festivus continues to live on today. Celebrated on Dec. 23, the term “Festivus” became a trending topic on Twitter on Friday. Additionally, web pages have been created based on the holiday. You can even order e-cards about the holiday.
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The holiday was not original to Seinfeld, it turns out. It was created by writer Dan O’Keefe in 1966 and introduced into popular culture by his son Daniel, a screenwriter for the TV show.
Watch a clip from Seinfeld about Festivus below:
