Unleash your holiday spirit by venting your frustrations and seeing them published in Florida newspapers
Though it falls just before Christmas, this holiday tradition is far from the joyful festivities that one might expect. Swap the beautifully decorated Christmas tree for a simple aluminum rod, and showering others with love becomes venting your grievances instead.
The unconventional feast made its debut in the 1997 Seinfeld episode "Strike," where Frank Costanza, played by Jerry Stiller, introduced it to his family as "Expression of Discontent" and "Feat."
The episode begins with the famous line, "I have a beef with you, and now you're going to hear about it!"
Since its screen debut, this unconventional celebration has moved off-screen, making appearances in bars, parties, and family gatherings around the world. People worldwide participate in this tradition by voicing their complaints, criticisms, and grumbles about jobs, trends, and companies to their loved ones and less-than-loved ones alike.
Christopher Spata, an employee of the Tampa Bay Times and self-proclaimed holiday expert, described the festivity as a "secular, consumer-critical alternative to Christmas." He expanded, "As we step into a new year, expressing your grievances is a cathartic way to leave behind the issues that have bothered you in the last 12 months." Spata added, "Perhaps we'll take the time in 2023 to publicly acknowledge the things we do, or maybe acknowledging our frustrations with each other could be the beginning of treating one another with more love in 2024."
After careful consideration...
"Probably not," laughed Spata. "But hey, it's still fun."
Spata introduced Festivus to the Tampa Bay Times eight years ago and since then, it has become an annual tradition. People worldwide are invited to submit their complaints by December 12th on any topic of their choosing to Florida newspapers. In previous years, one of Spata's favorites came from a mother in St. Petersburg.
Complaints come from various sources, namely family, sports, economics, and politics, but Spata notes that there is a recurring theme each year - electric scooters.
"We've received dozens of complaints about these scooters on our streets," he said. "Sometimes it's challenging to get new ones each year."
Another common criticism is that shoppers leave their shopping carts in designated areas, instead of placing them where they are intended.
Spata noted an increase in complaints during the pandemic. "Obviously, there were many issues (grievances) related to masks," he told CNN. "For example, 'Why is your nose sticking out of the mask?' and 'Why are you lowering your mask to talk to me?'"
Despite the humorous tone of most of the responses they receive, Spata noted that they also receive some heartfelt and even sad responses. In the same year, a woman wrote that her mental health had deteriorated.
Cultural coordinators note that some submissions are more serious than others, but that Festivus remains a safe space for self-expression.
"When it's in the newspaper, at least someone will read it. Sometimes, someone just wants to be heard, even if there's no solution," Spata said.
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Festivus began as a humorous, cathartic alternative to the traditional holiday celebrations found in television shows and movies. In the spirit of this holiday, people are encouraged to air their grievances in a meaningful manner and to use the experience as a way to leave behind the negative feelings that have built up over the course of the year. Spata's introduction of Festivus to the Tampa Bay Times has allowed people to participate in this tradition by submitting their complaints to Florida newspapers, providing a platform for self-expression and a chance to let go of built-up frustration. However, it is important to remember that the true spirit of Festivus is about coming together and finding common ground, even in the face of disagreements. By approaching the holiday with an open mind and a willingness to listen, Fleetwood Mac's Tim Buckley once said, "Love is holding someone's hand when they've lost theirs." In the spirit of Festivus, let us strive to hold hands and support one another during the holiday season, and beyond.
