Seinfeld’s famous Festivus
Playwrights have long used jesters to spotlight the folly in prevailing thoughts and customs. And they were doing so long before William Shakespeare patented this literary device.
However, Jerry Seinfeld might be the first jester to employ this device. He did so by making “Festivus for the rest of us” the theme of an episode of his hit show, Seinfeld.
I watched it, and trust me, the uproarious laughter at every Festivus reference was surpassed only by its cunning message. This message about the real meaning of Christmas compelled me to ponder long after the credits rolled.
Seinfeld highlighted the hedonism inherent in the way Christmas has become more of an homage to crass commercialism than the birth of Jesus Christ.
What is Festivus?
Festivus is celebrated on December 23. It began as a family ritual by writer Dan O’Keefe in 1965. His son Daniel, a writer on Seinfeld, wove the history and meaning of Festivus into that episode, which aired on December 18, 1997.
Ironically, Festivus is a wholly secular attempt to remind us that “Jesus is the reason for the season.” Accordingly, it encourages us to shun the indulgent ritual of shopping and all the other hedonistic activities Christians partake in during this season.
The O’Keefes do this by having an “Airing of Grievances” meal, featuring family members citing disappointments. They follow this with a ‘Feats of Strength‘ performance, featuring family members wrestling and pinning the head of the household to end the celebration of Festivus.
Not a religious celebration
There is decidedly no religious dogma associated with Festivus. Which means you do not have to follow the O’Keefes’ fashion. Choose whatever non-commercial activity you wish.
For instance, I find nothing more refreshing, gratifying, and even festive than taking a family walk along wooded trails. You might find a family day at the beach, a museum, or the zoo equally so.
However, as indicated above, far too many people join the madding crowd doing last-minute shopping – all in a perverse effort to celebrate His birth. Indeed, so much of what Christians do this time of year is antithetical to the dictates of Christianity.
But, again, you don’t have to do what Jesus would. iPINIONS suggest you simply ask: what would the O’Keefes do?
* This commentary was originally published on December 22, 2023
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