Seinfeld’s Festivus Began In The Hudson Valley

I will begin writing this article just as soon as I finish the airing of grievances. I got a lot of problems with you people, and now you're gonna hear about 'em!

If you've ever watched TBS during the holidays, you've likely come across the "Festivus" episode of Seinfeld once in a while. You know the one, in which we learn about the anti-Christmas holiday that George's parents celebrated when he was a kid. You may also know that Festivus has taken on a life of its own, with roughly three percent of New Yorkers claiming they plan to celebrate the sitcom holiday this year.

What you may not know is that Festivus actually comes straight from the Hudson Valley. Lohud.com has an interview with former Seinfeld writer Dan O'Keefe, who grew up in Mount Pleasant, and who says that Festivus actually began life as a holiday his own parents celebrated when he was a kid. O'Keefe, like George, hated the holiday, and it only became a sitcom staple when his brother brought it up in conversation with Jerry Seinfeld.

So, if you're decorating the Festivus pole this year, take a moment to remember that without the suffering of one Hudson Valley kid, it never would have made it to TV, and you'd never have this weird thing you have to explain to people who have never seen the episode. Happy Festivus, for the rest of us!

Bonus Video: WRRV Morning Grind