Happy Festivus

I know of a lot of people who are either upset with the commercial aspect of Christmas or who don't celebrate Hannukah or Kwanza and are looking for something non-secular to 'celebrate' and it's funny to see how an episode of Seinfeld is coming to the rescue. I'm sure anyone who grew up watching Seinfeld on Thursday nights (or loves watching the reruns or DVDs) will know immediately what Festivus is. To the uninitiated, it was a holiday promoted by Frank Costanza as an alternative to celebrating the commercialized Christmas holidays.

Rather than a Christmas tree there was an aluminum pole that was erected in the house. Rather than Christmas carols there was the Airing of Grievances which afforded holiday-goers the opportunity to get their true feelings off their chest. And finally, before Festivus dinner there was the Feats of Strength which was basically a wrestling contest meant to build an appetite (I suppose). Though written in jest, the episode took on such a fan following that many people have started celebrating it on its own. It's gotten to the point now where the commercialization of this fake-holiday is also starting. I mean there's a manufacturer in Milwaukee, Wisconsin began making Festivus Poles in 2005.

Now this isn't the first time that the entertainment industry has creeped in on religion and religious practices. Enough British citizens have indicated that they follow Jedism as their religion to make the Star Wars mysticism an officially recognized 'religion' in England. Now I grant you that there are no true Force-users apparent anywhere in this world but despite that there are many who choose to follow this 'religion' as it seems quite appealing to them. I guess any religion has that common factor whereby if there is something that appeals to a person at a particular time they will always turn to it.

Many enjoy the Christmas season but don't necessarily enjoy the religious aspects. It seems odd considering that the two things should go hand in hand but that's not the case. Many feel that the religious aspects creep too far into the gift-giving portions and they don't like it. Perhaps that's why so many people put up trees but don't attend Mass at church on Christmas Eve or on Christmas Day. Whether you want to or not, I think it important to at least know the basis for the celebration or the beliefs rather than blindly following it because it is something a little off the beaten path.

I mean I'm sure at parties it's wonderful to strike up a conversation about how you're a practicing Jedi or that you don't celebrate Christmas but rather Festivus. I'm sure either people will laugh (not sure whether to laugh with or at you) or they will shake their heads in dismay as they find another person who has fallen prey to a life lived on television and the movies. Perhaps it's because the 'religious' ideals of these fake religions and holidays are more accepting and clearly stated (or are without condition) that makes it so appealing to so many. I don't think we've seen or heard the end of these celebrations but it's certainly something people should make note of as it could be the beginning of the end for some aspects of any and all organized religion.