[BC] Merry Christmas!!!!

[Donna Halper]

And here's some people who understand the need for a sense of humour!!!

Pa. community celebrates Festivus

December 23, 2005 (Associated Press)

ERIE, Pa. --The celebration of Festivus is alive and well in northwestern 
Pennsylvania, nearly a decade after the bizarre "holiday" garnered pop 
culture notoriety on "Seinfeld."

Residents were preparing to celebrate "the festivus for the rest of us" 
Friday with a night of airing grievances, feats of strength and, of course, 
the aluminum Festivus pole.

"It's all in good fun," said Jeff Boam, 36, a math teacher from Millcreek 
Township and longtime "Seinfeld" fan.

"More than anything else, it's a great excuse to get together with friends 
and have outrageous fun," said George Klapsinos, 38, a senior technical 
service specialist for Lord Corp.

Many people learned of Festivus through "Seinfeld," but its roots actually 
go back several decades, when writer Daniel O'Keefe's father started it. He 
was looking for something more from the holidays, something that wasn't 
political or religious.

O'Keefe wrote "The Real Festivus: The True Story Behind America's Favorite 
Made-Up Holiday" and co-wrote the "Seinfeld" episode.

In the episode, Frank Costanza, played by actor Jerry Stiller, comes up 
with the idea for a new holiday after struggling in a tug-of-war for a doll 
at a toy store.  [read the rest of the article at 
http://www.boston.com/news/odd/articles/2005/12/23/pa_community_celebrates_festivus?mode=PF 
]