Original artwork, not a still
A Festivus for the rest of us!
— Seinfeld · 1989
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
The slogan sells a holiday for people who find Christmas too much: no tree, no gifts, just complaints and wrestling. That it began as one writer's real family tradition, then was made up all over again on television, helps explain why people still hold Festivus dinners and put up bare poles every December. It is the go-to line for a defiantly unfestive celebration.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for SeinfeldShow the scene
Festivus is the made-up holiday of George's father, Frank Costanza, and it takes centre stage in "The Strike" (Seinfeld, season 9, first aired December 18, 1997). Offended by Dr. Whatley's gift of a charity donation, George is reminded of the holiday his dad invented, with its bare aluminum pole, the airing of grievances and the feats of strength. Kramer becomes fascinated and calls Frank, who is thrilled to revive "a Festivus for the rest of us." The writers were Alec Berg, Jeff Schaffer and Dan O'Keefe, whose family really did celebrate Festivus.
Sources (3)
- Seinfeld Wiki: The StrikePlotReference checked
- Seinfeld Wiki: FestivusOverviewReference checked
- Wikipedia: FestivusHistory: CreationReference checked
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