7 Fun Ways to Celebrate Festivus This Year

Festivus, the holiday for the rest of us, is just around the corner, and it’s time to start planning your celebrations. Created as a parody of the commercialized holidays that dominate December, Festivus is all about embracing the humor and irony in our holiday traditions. As we count down to December 23rd, let’s explore some creative ways to bring Festivus into your home and make it a memorable experience for you and your loved ones.

The essence of Festivus lies in its simplicity and the opportunity it provides to poke fun at the usual holiday expectations. It’s about gathering around the dinner table, airing grievances, and participating in the Feats of Strength. But why stop there? Here are some fun and engaging ways to celebrate Festivus this year, blending tradition with a dash of creativity.

1. The Festivus Pole: A Symbol of Simplicity

The Festivus pole is a stark, unadorned aluminum pole that stands as a counterpoint to the glittering Christmas trees and other festive decorations that fill homes during the holiday season. It’s a symbol of Festivus’s resistance to commercialism and the gaudy trappings of other holidays. To create your own Festivus pole, simply acquire an aluminum pole – you can find these at most hardware stores – and stand it upright in a corner of your living room. The lack of decorations is what makes it festive.

2. The Airing of Grievances: A Festivus Tradition

One of the most iconic aspects of Festivus is the Airing of Grievances. This is a time when participants gather around the dinner table and tell each other about the ways in which they have been wronged during the past year. It’s a cathartic experience that allows everyone to clear the air and start the new year with a clean slate. To make this tradition more engaging, consider setting some ground rules, such as allowing each person to speak without interruption or limiting the time each person has to air their grievances.

3. Feats of Strength: The Main Event

No Festivus celebration is complete without the Feats of Strength, which involves wrestling the person who hosted the dinner to the floor. If you’re pinned to the ground, you’re out. This tradition can be adapted to suit the preferences and abilities of your group. For example, you might choose a different form of competition or adjust the rules to make it more inclusive.

4. Festivus Dinner: A Time to Come Together

The Festivus dinner is a central part of the celebrations. Unlike other holiday meals that are often filled with traditional dishes, the Festivus dinner can be whatever you want it to be. You can choose to serve a simple meal or go all out with your favorite dishes. The key is to make it a time for everyone to come together and enjoy each other’s company.

5. Festivus Games and Activities

To add more fun to your Festivus celebration, consider incorporating some games and activities. These can range from simple parlor games to more complex activities that poke fun at holiday traditions. For example, you could have a “Festivus trivia” contest with questions about the holiday’s history and traditions, or play a game of “Festivus charades” where participants act out holiday-related terms.

6. Festivus Storytelling

Sharing stories is a great way to make your Festivus celebration more personal and meaningful. You can share stories about past Festivus celebrations, funny holiday moments, or even tales of holiday mishaps. This can be a fun way to connect with each other and create new memories.

7. Making it a Family Affair

Involving children in your Festivus celebrations can be a great way to make the holiday more enjoyable for everyone. You can adapt the traditions to be more kid-friendly, such as having a “Festivus for the Rest of Us” talent show or creating a “Festivus obstacle course” for the Feats of Strength.

Frequently Asked Questions About Festivus