Festivus "Time to Air Grievances"

Festivus, that annual celebration for the rest of us, is upon us, once again. But in 2010 Festivus just doesn't feel like, well, Festivus.

The idea was first introduced in Seinfeld, Jerry Seinfeld's long-running television comedy, as an alternative to what some perceive as the commericialization of Christmas.

But this time, Festivus doesn't feel like Festivus, and maybe that's because the idea was started by a long-cancelled TV show, rather than a religious event?

I think AOL's David Knowles got it right when he observed that Festivus lived on, although Seinfeld reruns were "dated." I think Festivus is headed in the same direction. But there's still Christmas, and always will be.

During a routine outing to buy a Christmas gift for his son George, Frank realized that there should be a new holiday:

According to the Festivusweb, the Festivus idea originally came to Seinfeld writer Dan O'Keefe from a tradition started by his father, Daniel O'Keefe.

The elder O'Keefe had discovered the Festivus holiday in a book, published in 1966, that outlined obscure holidays. There are dozens of websites and groups devoted to celebrating Festivus. Those interested can buy pre-made Festivus poles, get a how-to guide on celebrating, and meet like-minded Festivus enthusiasts.

Those people are sad sacks. Happy Festivus and Merry Christmas!

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/abraham/detail?entry_id=79662#ixzz18xJ30uzE