And then, there is “Festivus for the rest of us…” Straight from a Jerry Seinfeld episode, this celebration is for the non-religious, and promotes the removal of commercialization from Christmas. It features a pole stripped of all decorations (not a strippers pole). This is followed by the "Airing of Grievances" which is an opportunity for the head of household to tell others how they have disappointed him/her in the past year. This is where the family arguments begin – which is not far different from what occurs at some family dinners anyway. Festivus is finished with the "Feats of Strength" ceremony where the head of the household must be pinned to the ground by the rest of the family members.
The Baby & Father Time: Besides the famous New Year's Eve Ball descending in Times Square with an estimated million people present, millions nationwide, and over a billion watching throughout the world, come together to say goodbye to the chubby, diapered baby. He has now grown into the old bearded Father Time, (the departing year), and it is time to celebrate the coming year, hoping it will be better. Starting in 1904, this tradition has its roots in an immigrant, Alfred Ochs, that successfully lobbied the city to rename Longacre Square, the district surrounding his paper's new home, in honor of the famous publication, The New York Times. No matter your belief system, there is truly something for everyone during the Holiday Season! Seasons Greetings! Photo Credits: Festivas Pole By Matthew Keefe & Macy's Times Square crystal ball, New York City, By Clare Cridland
PAGE 23