Two red-crowned cranes in Kushiro, Hokkaido, Japan
© Wirestock, Inc./Alamy Stock Photo
Celebrating Festivus - Ready to let off some steam?
'A Festivus for the rest of us!' This is the unofficial motto of this non-commercial alternative to Christmas. Celebrated on December 23, Festivus was popularised by the TV show 'Seinfeld,' although it was actually invented by the family of one of the series' writers. This celebration centres around the unadorned aluminium Festivus pole. After dinner, the traditional Festivus 'airing of grievances' gets underway. This consists of telling friends and family the ways they've disappointed you over the year. According to some mental health professionals, this tradition could be good for people's mental well-being, providing some much-needed catharsis at what can be a difficult time of year for many people.
The day traditionally concludes with 'feats of strength.' Once the head of the household has been pinned, Festivus is officially over. Those who embrace this farcical holiday welcome the opportunity to let off some steam amid the Christmas build-up chaos—much like these red-crowned cranes on our homepage, pictured in Hokkaido, Japan.