Christmas, Hanukkah And 'A Festivus For The Rest Of Us' In Philadelphia
By Tim Jimenez
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- If you have any grievances to air and find tinsel distracting, today is your day. It is Festivus, a once obscure holiday introduced to the masses on the 90's sitcom Seinfeld.
Seventeen years ago, Frank Costanza, played by Jerry Stiller, introduced the world to Festivus, which is celebrated on December 23rd.
Aaron, a big Seinfeld fan, laughed when asked if he knew what today was. He calls Festivus a great anti-holiday.
"(It) kind of struck home," he said. "It's like, okay, I was against the commercialism of Christmas that continues to this day, so it was a comedic turn on a very valid social issue."
Some of the quirky traditions: there's no tree, but an undecorated aluminum pole. And there is an airing of grievances, which some shared with us.
"I don't like traveling to DC for work," said Aaron from Pottstown.
"I'm Jewish and everyone always assumes that I celebrate Christmas," said Elizabeth from Philadelphia.
"I think you picked the wrong person, I really do," said Denise from Cherry Hill. "I deal with a lot of people who have a lot of grievances, but I don't."
Festivus poles and greeting cards are actually sold, and some get together and celebrate.
Finally, a reminder that this quirky holiday doesn't end until "The Feats of Strength," when someone pins the head of household. Good luck with that.
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