Some folks celebrate Christmas. Others have Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa. But for the rest of us, there is Festivus.
For those unfortunate souls who were not raised on Seinfeld, Festivus is a holiday invented by George Costanza’s father, Frank, that focuses on more secular elements of the holiday season. It is held in opposition to the commercial aspects of its winter holiday counterparts. Gift exchanges are replaced with airing of grievances and a simple Festivus pole is erected in place of a silly tree or menorah.
Since the 1997 airdate of the classic Seinfeld episode, Festivus has taken on a life of its own. It’s celebrated by atheists and Seinfeld fans alike on Dec. 23. This year, the Crocker Art Museum held a Festivus extravaganza of its own – complete with a mini-pole crafting station, feats of strength challenges with the ladies from Sac City Rollers, and a Festivus-themed photo booth by Giggle and Riot (which some beer-wielding TUBErs may or may not have hijacked for lots of fun pics! See ‘em here).
Guests were also allowed to submit their own grievances that were read on stage for everyone to hear. DJ Rated R and Gentleman Surfer provided the music for the night, and episodes of Seinfeld were played on the big screen for people who wanted to kick back and enjoy the classics.
While watching Seinfeld in the auditorium, a little girl laughed out loud at the wacky antics of Kramer. Bringing classic 90s comedies to a new generation: now that’s what I call a Festivus miracle.
Photos Melissa Uroff