It's no secret on Tony C Today...I'm a huge Seinfeld fan.
I think a big part of the appeal for me was the way the show captured some of the absolute worst traits of human beings and tossed them out there for all to see. We laughed because we related, but not in a looking glass kind of relate. Oh no...that button is only funny when worn by someone else. The show is vastly popular even today in syndication, so I must not be the only one who's relating.
'The Strike' aired in December 1997 and remains one of my favorite episodes. Here's a collage of clips from the episode dealing with the fictitious holiday on November 23rd of Festivus...
One of the more profound lines to me is Frank Costanza, played brilliantly by Jerry Stiller, describing his ordeal trying to buy a doll for his son George. Is this how we've come to view Christmas? As a battle royal?
If you look at the traditions of Festivus, the list seems to be the exact opposite of the traditions we cherish at Christmas. An aluminum poles versus a brightly decorated tree. The Airing of Grievances, which occurs during the Festivus meal and in which each person tells everyone else all the ways they have disappointed him or her over the past year versus a warm, loving gathering of family and friends. The Feats of Strength that pit someone against the head of household in a wrestling match that can only end the holiday if and only if the head of household is pinned versus being welcomed unassumingly into some one's home to celebrate and fellowship.
Festivus being a completely secular holiday versus...hmm, well...like I said...we laugh because we can relate.
Don't let your Christmas become like Festivus. Let's keep the fictitious holiday in a sitcom for comedy's sake....and ours.
May God richly bless you with feelings of love and charity this holiday season.
3 comments:
The airing of grievances - that is one of the most laughable moments. If I think back to the way I grew up, except for a holiday like Christmas, that was the norm at our table.
How hard it is to keep the table grievance free - and well cell phone free too.
Thanks for getting to the point.
Marry Christmas, Tony. Enjoy your family, your celebration and of course, your Jesus.
"As I reigned blows upon him I knew there had to be a better way."
Best episode ever.
A very Merry Christmas to you and your family, Tony. I'm so glad our paths crossed. You've been a blessing.
Thanks for posting this; I'd actually heard people mention "Festivus" but wasn't quite sure what they were referring to. Very funny stuff (and most humor is funny because it strikes that true cord).
BTW I relate way to much with David on the cell phone thing. I've asked the 2 sons who still live at home not to be on their cell phones during dinner since it's the one time we're all together and can just talk; but my 17 yr old periodically will be seen texting beneath the table - arrgghh!
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