Today is Festivus, a made-up holiday popularized by the iconic 90’s hit comedy show Seinfeld.
For the show’s faithful fans, the celebration is anything but made up.
Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, known for his stance on bucking the status quo in Washington, posted to Twitter today about Festivus.
I’ve got a lot of problems with you people (mostly in DC), and today you’re going to hear about it! Stayed tuned for #Festivus grievances
— Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) December 23, 2014
The holiday is celebrated by fans each Dec. 23, just two days before Christmas. In the show, Seinfeld character Frank Costanza (played by Jerry Stiller) tires of the commercialization of Christmas and comes up with his own holiday. It involves gathering family members around the dinner table, saying what you don’t like about them, and then challenging at least one of them to a wrestling match.
Here, take a look:
The episode originally aired Dec. 18, 1997. In addition to detailing everything we needed to know about Festivus, it also revealed why show character Kramer never had a job. It also enlightened us with the notion of “two face,” someone who looks good or bad depending on how light hits their face.
Today, the Twittersphere is lighting up with references to Festivus.
HAPPY FESTIVUS! May ur pole be straight, ur feats be strong & your grievances be few. With love from the Costanzas – Frank, Estelle, George
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) December 23, 2014
#AiringOfGrievances began at 7 this morning and work is giving me enough fuel to get through the day w/out stopping #Festivus
— A Medina-Smith (@dinadina619) December 23, 2014
There’s even an instruction list detailing how to celebrate Festivus for newcomers posted to Facebook:
So, as long as Seinfeld lives in reruns, the miracle that is Festivus will live on in fans’ hearts.
Happy Festivus, everybody!
