In a Tough Year, There Might Be More Reason to Celebrate This Holiday Than You Know
Event after event has been cancelled in 2020 and we could use a reason to celebrate.
How about Festivus?
Why not? It’s as good as any other reason.
If you aren’t familiar with Festivus, is was made popular by an episode of the TV show, Seinfeld, written by Dan O’Keefe.
Dan’s father, Daniel O’Keefe was doing research for a book in 1966, and found a reference to a little known holiday called Festivus. He chose to celebrate it on December 23rd as this is the anniversary of his first date with his wife.
Before you go all, “Ahhh,” and think it was soooo romantic, the symbol of Festivus is an aluminum pole.
That’s right, no golden rings, no aromatic tree or lighted candles. And the celebration starts after a dinner of meatloaf.
Following dinner there are “Feats of Strength” and “Airing of Grievances” where people can rail about the disappointment of the gifts in previous years.
We have a lot to air this year. We have grievances with cancelled concerts, cancelled school, cancelled work, cancelled parties, cancelled anniversaries, cancelled jobs, cancelled vacations and so much more.
Festivus doesn’t sound like a super positive holiday. So why do I think we should celebrate?
What you may not know about the holiday is that in 2009, Dan O’Keefe revealed that after the death of his grandmother the catchphrase, “A Festivus for the rest of us,” took a different spin in it’s meaning for the family. It meant now to look towards the future and to remember to appreciate life and the living.
Hmmm.
We have a future to look forward to. We have lots to appreciate about life, even if we have experienced disappointments in 2020.
I don’t know what 2021 will bring, it will probably start out a lot like we are experiencing now, but I know that this pandemic is not here to stay. This too shall pass.
Air your grievances around that aluminum pole, then hold hands and express your gratitude Whoville style.
Our future will be brighter.
Dr. Paul
Need Another Reason To Celebrate:
December 13th – National Cocoa Day
December 14th – Monkey Day
December 15th – Cat Herder’s Day
December 23rd – Bah Humbug Day
December 26 – Candy Cane Day and Thank You Note Day
December 30 – Bacon Day