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December 2, 2010

It’s a Festivus miracle.

How to throw a heretical holiday party.

For the past several years, I’ve celebrated “Festivus,” the fictional holiday created by Frank Costanza in an episode of the ninth and final season of Seinfeld.

In other words, due to my own spiritual confusion-slash-frustration with the ever-chaotic holiday season, I throw a Festivus party instead of a Christmas party. The key to a successful Festivus shindig is minimal planning and preparation. I’ll be honest; my own Festivus festivities do not actually involve a metal pole, the airing of grievances (at least not in a systematic way) or feats of strength.

Here are some simple tips for the holiday hostess with the mostest.

Look fabulous.
Treat yourself to a facial or mani-pedi. During the harsh winter, we often neglect our skin. Don’t fall victim to dry skin or unsightly nails at your own fiesta. For maximum effect, wear the loudest, tackiest holiday sweater or red-and-green sequined dress that you can get your hands on.

Eat delectable things.
Such as these easy, scrumptious finger foods from Food.com.

Drink egg nog in moderation.
‘Nuff said?

Require no gifts, only presence.
Please don’t torture your guests with a silly gift exchange. The best gift that anyone can give is their total presence… at the party, in  conversation, as both a listener and a speaker. If you want to incorporate a little karma yoga, ask guests to bring a toy or non-perishable food to donate to families and children in need. We can so easily brighten the spirits of those less affluent during this (and every) season.

Notice the little miracles.
One of the funniest parts of the episode is when a character proclaims, “It’s a Festivus miracle!” Now, don’t get me wrong. I do love Christmas and it’s nice to celebrate Jesus’ birth and all. I believe in Christmas miracles, Festivus miracles and, most of all, everyday miracles. Practice mindfulness. Notice the details. What isn’t a miracle, really?

I leave you now with a Seinfeld clip montage that illustrates the story of Festivus. Happy holidaze!

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