Festivus: The Holiday for the Rest of Us

From its ancient beginnings to the modern day with its prominence from that Seinfeld episode, this looks at the holiday of anti-celebration. An undecorated aluminum pole, the Airing of Grievances and Feats of Strength are the main components, although the book also includes the variations from Festivus gatherings across North America and recipes too (Junior Mint and Snapple glazed ham).
There are some laughs and a foreword by Jerry Stiller, but the author makes the history of Festivus too plausible, which removes some of the fun. But oh, how I wish I had some Ben & Jerry's Festivus ice cream.

This book may have more interest and/or meaning for fans of Seinfeld. I’ve never watched the show, so a significant amount of the content, discussing the introduction of Festivus to the general public on an episode of Seinfeld and the making of that episode, were of no interest to me at all. There was a little information attempting to paint Festivus as a celebration that predates even the ancient Romans – a spontaneous celebration about nothing in particular, or partying just for the sake of partying, and thumbing its nose at the intense preparations and expectations of traditional holiday celebrations like Christmas.

If so, an entire book about how to put on a Festivus celebration, complete with getting an aluminum pole (of no show more particular size or type), sending invitations, making party favors, and recipes for dishes and drinks, seems antithetical to the entire concept of a party that shuns party planning and social pressure to put on a show of celebration. Much of the book provides examples of ways that people have celebrated Festivus, with photos and essays. These were probably a lot more fun to engage in than to read about. The most interesting part of the book to me, and regrettably only lightly touched on, is the way Festivus has been used in the ongoing battle in the US over displays of religious holidays on public/government property.

As a guide for putting on your own Festivus in the style of Seinfeld, I suppose it’s a good one. For anyone who is not a Seinfeld fan or interested in hosting a Seinfeld-style Festivus celebration, your life won’t be any the poorer for skipping this book.

This was the ebook version, borrowed from my public library. I read this for The 16 Tasks of the Festive Season, as a Holiday Book Joker. I’ll be using it for square 12, Tasks for Festivus: Post your personal list of 3 Festivus Miracles –OR– post a picture of your Festivus pole (NOTHING pornographic, please!), –OR– Perform the Airing of Grievances: name 5 books you’ve read this year that have disappointed you - tell us in tongue-lashing detail why and how they failed to live up to expectations. show less

Festivus, yes! This book? Eh...so-so.

The concept of Festivus is hilarious, and I find it endearing that some people actually celebrate it; however, this book is, unfortunately, better in concept than in execution.

More engaging in the beginning, the interest diminishes the more you read. You will likely find yourself less and less inclined to continue to the next page. I rented the digital book for free via a local library.

It is a quick read, even more so if you opt to simply stop once the downhill spiral is fully in place. - Festivus, yes! This book? Eh, not so much...read the first part and stop when it starts to hurt. I shall now go forth and procure an aluminum pole to have on call should the need for Festivus suddenly strike.

I have a book idea concerning Festivus that has been percolating in my head, so I had to go to the source to a) see if my idea has been covered and b) seek inpiration. Good news, my idea's original and I now have more ingredients in the stew. If nothing else, I've accidentally become the foremost Festivus expert of anyone I know.

Finally a holiday I can enjoy...