behind the news

Nailing Down the Nature of Festivus

December 23, 2004

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From an Associated Press story about religious displays that have been erected on public property in Bartow, Florida, including one in honor of the “Seinfeld”-featured holiday celebration Festivus:

The display, a reference to the fake holiday featured on an episode of the television sitcom, did not include the totem of Festivus — a bare aluminum pole instead of a tree. Key rituals of Festivus include accusing others of being a disappointment and wrestling.

Alas, the AP didn’t specifically mention the Airing of Grievances, our favorite Festivus tradition.

Heck, we get paid to do it year-round.

–Brian Montopoli

Brian Montopoli is a writer at CJR Daily.