The Festivus Miracle

Festivus Miracle

It's a Festivus miracle!

Although it is not an official element of the holiday or its celebration, the phenomenon of the Festivus Miracle is mentioned twice in the original episode, "The Strike".

It is the character Kramer that actually causes the occurrence of two "miracles" by inviting two off-track betting bookies to dinner with Elaine (men whom Elaine wished to avoid), and by causing Jerry's girlfriend Gwen to believe that Jerry was cheating on her.

Bookie: Hello again, Miss Benes.
Elaine: What are you doing here?
Bookie: Damnedest thing.. me and Charlie were calling to ask you out, and, uh, we got this bagel place.
Kramer: (Finishing the story) I told them I was just about to see you.. It's a Festivus miracle!

Jerry: Gwen! How'd you know I was here?
Gwen: Kramer told me.
Kramer: Another Festivus miracle!

On these two occasions, Kramer enthusiastically declared, "It's a Festivus miracle!". This exclamation has stuck, and the term "Festivus Miracle" is now a common phrase in popular culture.

Origin of the Term "Festivus Miracle"

The term "Festivus Miracle" is an obvious parody of the popular notion of a "Christmas Miracle". It was originally pitched for "The Strike" by Seinfeld writer David Mandel, however the term is something Dan O'Keefe claims his own father also would say. Clearly another Festivus Miracle! (From Festivus! The Book)

Ordinary Manifestations of the "Festivus Miracle"

Festivus Miracles continue to appear in people's lives every year around Festivus-time. Usually the appearances are just as lame and as forced as Kramer's miracles, however, when people use the phrase "It's a Festivus Miracle" just about anything may seem special. So, use it often!

Examples:

Person: My dog learned how to roll over without hitting the antique armoire.
You: It's a Festivus Miracle!

Person: I caught a cab and it didn't stink of BO.
You: It's a Festivus Miracle!

Person: The milk was expired, but it still tasted good on my cereal.
You: It's a Festivus Miracle!