“Festivus, The Holiday For The Rest Of Us“, comes from the tenth episode of the ninth and final season of the NBC sitcom Seinfeld. Named “The Strike“, it was the 166th episode of the long running series and aired on December 18, 1997. This was the episode that featured and popularized the late Jerry Stiller and the Holiday of Festivus. So much so, that new products continue to honor the TV-born Holiday whose fans and followers continue to grow.
The Story of Festivus and Festivus Holiday Products
According to IMDB trivia, The holiday of “Festivus” was created in 1966 by Daniel O’Keefe, the father of Dan O’Keefe, one of the show’s writers. He invented many of the traditions later included in the “Seinfeld” episode, including the airing of grievances.
Diehard Seinfeld fans will know that Festivus is a yearly tradition celebrated by the Costanza family on December 23rd. The usual holiday tradition of a tree is manifested in an unadorned aluminum pole, which is in direct contrast to normal holiday materialism. Those attending participate in the “Airing of Grievances” which is an opportunity to tell others how they have disappointed you in the past year, followed by a Festivus dinner, and then completed by the “Feats of Strength” where the head of the household must be pinned.
While giving out Christmas gifts at work, George hands out cards for donations made to “The Human Fund”, a fake charity George created to get out of buying gifts for his co-workers. George’s boss, Mr. Kruger, decides to give a large company donation to The Human Fund, only later to find out that the charity does not exist. (The Human Fund was conceived by writer Jeff Schafer and based on Christmas cards the Seinfeld staff would receive from Castle Rock.)
When confronted by Mr. Kruger as to why George gave him a “fake Christmas gift”, George hesitantly replies that he does not celebrate Christmas, but instead celebrates Festivus, and claims he gave out the fake cards to avoid being “persecuted for [his] beliefs”. To prove to Mr. Kruger that Festivus is real, George invites him to a Festivus dinner at his parents’ house.
The Story of Festivus
Despite the fact that the Festivus episode aired over 20 YEARS AGO, for the past few years new products designed to spread Festivus fever have hit the market. Ranging from actual celebratory Festivus Poles to Festivus Christmas Sweaters, toys and games, we’ve got them all here for you.
Seinfeld Complete Series: Limited Festivus Celebration Edition w/ Party Pack
The most complete and ultimate gift for the Festivus fan is the Complete Series Limited Edition DVD set which includes all 180 episodes, over 104 hours of amazing extras, plus everything you need to throw your own Festivus party:
• Set of 8 Invitations and RSVPs
• 8 Cups
• 8 Napkins
• 4 Thumb Wrestlers for a ‘Feats of Strength’ Physical Challenge
• Deck of Playing Cards for a “Feats of Strength” Mental Challenge
• And a Mini Festivus Pole Replica!
Buy it here
Festivus/Seinfeld: Celebration Kit (Miniature Editions) with Talking Pole!
New for 2017, Celebrate Festivus– the Seinfeld holiday “for the rest of us”– with Frank Costanza and the one and only talking Festivus pole. Kit includes:
• 9-inch tall Festivus pole with 4 buttons that play audio of Frank Costanza (Jerry Stiller)
• 5 Human Fund donation gift cards
Buy it here
Seinfeld – 9″ Festivus Pole w/3 Postcard – Gift Set
The 9″ desktop pole is made of unadorned aluminum (which enjoys a very high strength-to-weight ratio) on a simple wooden base. It comes with three 5×7″ greeting cards adorned with assorted Festivus imagery.
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20″ Festivus Pole w/ 3 Postcards Gift Set
Celebrate in style with this Festivus Desktop Pole and Greeting Card Set from Seinfeld! Now in a new and larger Size! The 20″ desktop pole is made of unadorned aluminum (which enjoys a very high strength-to-weight ratio) on a simple wooden base. It comes with three 5×7″ greeting cards adorned with assorted Festivus imagery. The cards are blank inside, so you can write your own message of non-commercial celebration, or simply air your grievances by mail.
Buy it here
Festivus Sweaters
Festivus For The Rest of Us Ugly Christmas Sweater
This ugly sweater will allow you to show your support for Festivus to everyone this Christmas season. The front of the sweater features iconic Festivus images with the text “Festivus for the rest of us”. On the back, the three pillars of Festivus are written out. Made of ultra-soft 85% acrylic 15% wool yarn and available in Men’s or Women’s.
Buy it here
Another Ugly Festivus Sweater
Knit in cream and red, this Officially licensed Festivus Sweater comes in sizes ranging from X-Small to XXX-Large
Buy it here.
Festivus Ornaments, Toys & Greeting Cards
Sweater Ornament
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Festivus Snowdome
This fun plastic snow dome features the Festivus pole!
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Box Set of 12 St Festivus Unique Inappropriate Christmas Paper Cards with Envelopes
Set of 12 Christmas Greeting Cards with 12 matching envelopes by NobleWorks. Eco-friendly, print-on-demand technology and premium, recycled, renewable cardstock drastically reduce waste and minimize environmental impact. With 5″ x 7″ envelopes.
Buy them here.
Box Set of 12 Festivus Oh Heck Mean Blank Christmas Cards with Envelopes – Parody Holiday Seinfeld
Set of 12 Christmas Greeting Cards with 12 matching envelopes by NobleWorks. Eco-friendly, print-on-demand technology and premium, recycled, renewable cardstock drastically reduce waste and minimize environmental impact. With 5″ x 7″ envelopes.
Buy them here
Festivus Games
The Festivus Board Game
Love them or hate them, the holidays are typically a cacophony of family, friends, and food. This year is different because Frank has invited you to his house for Festivus, a decidedly different kind of celebration. Grab your Festivus pole, travel the board while airing your grievances, and be the first to win the Ultimate Feats of Strength. Let the games begin – It’s Festivus. for the rest of us! Up to 4 Players.
Buy it here
Festivus Playing Cards
Spend 365 days a year if you want playing along with Jerry Seinfeld and co with these Festivus inspired playing cards. The 52 image deck measures 2.5 x 3.5 & has a linen type finish.
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The Festivus Airing of Grievances Mug
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There’s even a whole bean coffee Festivus Roast from Uncommon Grounds!
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Seinfeld “Festivus for the Rest of Us” 2.5″ x 3.5″ Magnet
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New Festivus stuff!
New Festivus Products come out almost every year. See the latest here!
More Festivus Goodies