It’s that time of the year when people turn their attention toward the coming holiday season. Many say, “There has to be a better way,” and others look to Festivus to get them through December.
Given that the traditional date of Festivus, December 23rd, is just thirteen days away, we took some time to explore the web and discover numerous annual Festivus traditions that are still being observed this year. These folks, who continue to enjoy the delight of this alternative holiday, have not lost the Festivus train of thought. Is it a love of complaining or a penchant for Seinfeld? Maybe a little of both.
14th Annual Festivus 5K for Autism
On Sunday December 14, 2025, aficionados of both running and Festivus will take to the streets of Salem, MA, for the 14th running of the Festivus 5K for Autism. Five hundred runners are expected.
There is plenty of Festivus fun in this run. The event encourages participants to dress in Seinfeld- or holiday-themed costumes, features handmade trophies resembling Festivus poles, and encourages runners to voice their grievances before the race.
In the past thirteen years, the race has raised over $280,000 for children with autism, making it possible to purchase much-needed technologies to assist and educate them at the Northshore Education Consortium (NEC). It’s a perfect way to harness the spirit of Festivus and a love of Seinfeld into something that can serve to benefit children and families in such a positive way. Yes, it’s truly a Festivus Miracle!
9th Anniversary of the Tampa Bay Times publishing Festivus Grievances
As the holiday season approaches, fans of the iconic sitcom Seinfeld are gearing up for Festivus, the quirky, anti-consumerist celebration that first aired in the show’s Season 9 episode “The Strike” back in 1997. Held annually on December 23, Festivus eschews traditional decorations in favor of a plain aluminum pole, “feats of strength,” and perhaps its most beloved ritual: the “airing of grievances,” where participants vent their frustrations from the past year.
For the ninth year running, the Tampa Bay Times gathers grievances through this web page and includes “Season’s Bleatings” from people all around the world. Venting problems can soothe troubled souls, and by doing this, the Times is hoping that the social benefit will make the world better in the year to come.
Whether it’s griping about flimsy water bottles, pointless restaurant garnishes, family inside jokes gone wrong, erratic utility services, reckless scooter riders, parking shortages, rebooted TV shows, endless customer surveys, or missing trash cans, the newspaper wants it all—no grievance is too trivial.
Submissions are easy via an online Google form, open to anyone on Earth.
The deadline is December 15, 2025, after which selected entries will be featured in both print and online editions of the Tampa Bay Times, continuing a fun tradition that highlights everyday irritations in a humorous light.
Mia’s Festivus Celebration: Bringing Holiday Cheer and Grievances to Waukesha
In the heart of downtown Waukesha, Mia’s restaurant is gearing up for its fourth annual Festivus party, a quirky holiday tradition inspired by the iconic “Seinfeld” episode. Set for December 23, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., this free community event promises to unite locals in a spirit of camaraderie, feasting, and lighthearted venting—perfect for “Festivus for the rest of us.”
Owner Robert “Beau” Blask, who took over Mia’s four years ago, started the celebration as a way to give back to the community that supported the restaurant through challenging times. This year’s gathering emphasizes connection, with attendees encouraged to don ugly Christmas sweaters or outfits channeling the show’s Frank Costanza. The highlight? A massive new 18-foot-long, 780-pound table crafted by the staff themselves, symbolizing how strangers can come together over a meal and leave as friends.
The evening kicks off with a complimentary feast designed to feed over 280 people, complete with seconds for all. The menu features holiday favorites like honey-roasted clover ham, garlic bread, candied maple yams, herb-roasted vegetable medley, a fresh salad bar, and decadent desserts including cookies and brownies. There will also be a bar, serving up drinks to complement the meal.
Entertainment adds to the festive vibe, with live music from The Last Bees featuring Ian Ash. During band breaks, participants can partake in the classic Festivus ritual of “airing grievances,” sharing humorous complaints in a fun, judgment-free zone. It’s all about breaking bread, fostering conversations, and expressing gratitude—no bill required at the end of the night.
For those eager for more Festivus flair, Mia’s is also hosting a separate Tabled Dinner on December 15, 2025, with a special unreleased menu. But the main event on the 23rd is open to all, embodying the restaurant’s mission to create lasting community bonds.
If you’re in Waukesha, mark your calendar—this is one holiday bash that’s equal parts merry and mischievous.
Events are on this page: https://miasofwaukesha.com/waukesha-mia-s-events