In light of “Seinfeld” airing on Netflix, it’s time to prepare for Festivus. Gather your pole, get your list of grievances together, and get in shape for feats of strength; the holiday is right around the corner.
After all of the activities are finished, you will have quite an appetite. Don’t worry; there’s no need to menu plan. We’ve got it all together. According to the son of the holiday’s creator, here’s exactly what to cook for your Festivus dinner. Oh yes, it’s real!
Want a complete Festivus Dinner Menu?
Let’s go to The Chalkboard.
Jump Ahead To
What Is Festivus?
This holiday was popular with a secondary plot in “Seinfeld” Season 9 Episode 10, “The Strike.” In the show, George’s dad created the day after he was fed up with the commercialization of Christmas. Festivus was a fictionalized take on writer Dan O’Keefe’s family tradition.
Yes, Festivus is real!
O’Keefe shared all the details in his book, “The Real Festivus.” It’s an interesting look at his offbeat family tradition. No one knows how the name came to be. The writer’s dad claimed it was Latin for “party,” although that’s not true.
When Is Festivus?
On “Seinfeld,” Festivus is celebrated on December 23, although in reality, the O’Keefe family didn’t have a set date. Initially, the event coincided with his parents’ first date on February 12, 1962. However, over the years, it became a “floating holiday” and occurred on various dates. One year the family celebrated it twice.
How To Decorate For Festivus?
The holiday is against commercialization, so there aren’t too many decorations. The author recalled always having Hershey kisses on the table. There was also a clock and a brown paper shopping bag on the table. The parents never revealed why it was there, but it was always a centerpiece.
The American flag was placed out on the porch, too. Why not, it’s a Festivus for the rest of us!
Everyone wore nice clothes to Festivus dinner, and kids were encouraged to make celebratory hats that ranged from tin foil creations to defaced Boy Scout caps to Nordic-inspired wear.
A Complete Festivus Dinner Menu
Appetizers
There aren’t any official starters for this holiday, so these are nods to the episode.
Mini Pizza Bagels – In honor of Kramers return to work at H&H bagels after being on strike for ten years.
Mini Subs – To celebrate Elaine trying her best to get a free sandwich. These skewers from the Carefree Kitchen come together in a flash.
Dinner
Turkey – This was what was traditionally served by the O’Keefe family. The sides changed every year. but the bird was standard. If you have a smaller crew, a turkey breast will fit the bill.
The Costanzas had a different feast on their table. They served the following:
Brisket
Mashed Potatoes
Peas
Drinks
Champagne – Since it was a celebration of their first date, the O’Keefes always served this bubbly beverage.
Festivus Activities
On the show, the Constanza family had a pole in place of a Christmas tree, and they also aired their grievances about how everyone disappointed them throughout the year. There are also feats of strength where people wrestle.
In the real version, the family talked about their year and recorded their stories. They also kicked off the meal with a poem. Manners were out the window that day, too. In another knock of convention, kids were able to swear, lick their plates, and talk with their mouths full (all within reason).
What Do You Think?
Will you be celebrating the holiday this year? What’s your Festivus Dinner menu? Let me know in the comments below; I’d love to hear.
Interested in other menu ideas? Check out our Bravo Party, Oktoberfest Ideas, and Friends Celebration.
Happy Festivus!
Pin For Later.
Leave a Reply