According to “Seinfeld” lore, Festivus celebrates the noncommercial and the secular. It is to be observed on Dec. 23, and it includes an “airing of grievances” session at the dinner table. It provides an occasion for relatives to vent about their disappointments with one another. After dinner it’s time for “feats of strength,” a contest in which family members challenge the head of the household to a wrestling match. The celebration ends when the latter is pinned.
Festivus is actually celebrated (“observed” may be a more accurate word) by some people. In place of a Christmas tree, the observant fashion an aluminum Festivus pole (no troublesome decorations required). It has also become a tag for December holidays other than Christmas.
