Festivus for the Rest of Us Lives On, 12 Years After 'Seinfeld' Episode

(Dec. 23) -- It may not have the popularity or name recognition of Christmas, but "Festivus" marks its twelfth anniversary today, and it is showing no signs of going away, either.

In case you didn't realize it, Festivus has been celebrated every Dec. 23 since it was introduced on an episode of "Seinfeld." The tenets of the make-believe-turned-real-life holiday are fairly simple. First, you'll need to erect an aluminum pole. Next, you gather friends and family around the pole and air any grievances that you've built up against them over the past year. Lastly, and, in part as a consequence of the airing of grievances, Festivus celebrations call for the demonstration of feats of strength. In other words, wrestling matches between guests.

Festivus now has a life of its own out in the real world. Thousands of Festivus aluminum poles have been sold. Books have been written, including one with contributions from actor Jerry Stiller, whose "Seinfeld" character, Frank Costanza, originated the holiday. And bars across the country lure customers with promises of Festivus celebrations.

"I wouldn't miss Festivus this year," said Howard Miller, 30, of Salisbury, Md. For the past six years, Miller, who is Jewish, and a dozen friends of varying religious affiliations have met at a restaurant for Festivus observances and a feast.

"We take the airing of grievances very seriously," Miller said. "Though sometimes they tend to focus on who is a Dallas Cowboy or Redskins fan."

As for the feats of strength portion of the ceremony, Miller says that his group of friends substitutes overeating. "We eat a full meal, and then for dessert we order another filet mignon," Miller said. "Hey, I guess everybody celebrates in their own way, right?"

"Seinfeld" writer Dan O'Keefe, who came up with the idea for Festivus, was recently interviewed by readers of The Washington Post regarding the enduring appeal of his holiday brainchild.

"I am as surprised as you that the damn thing has legs," O'Keefe said.

This year, The Clarendon Hotel in Phoenix will host a Festivus party, as will dozens of bars across the country. At Festivusweb.com, revelers are encouraged to write about the way they spend Festivus. And in the days leading up to Christmas, Festivus emerged as a hot search term on Google.