Festivus was the holiday created by Frank Costanza on 'Seinfeld,' and takes place on Dec.23rd. Here's some information about the BEST HOLIDAY EVER (ripped off from some website because I'm too lazy to write it myself):

"Many Christmases ago, Frank Costanza went to buy a doll for his son. He went to reach for it because it was the last one, but so did another man and as Frank rained blows upon him, he thought there could be another way. The doll was destroyed, but out of that, a new holiday was born. It was called Festivus. No, not feminist, festivus. A festivus for the rest-of-us...

During the last few weeks in December when Festivus takes place, families and friends get together at the dinner table and have something called "the Airing of Grievances". Durning this time, we share with family and friends all the ways they had disappointed over the past year.

After the Airing of Grievances, we get together right in the same night to do something called "Feats of Strength". This is where the head of the household tests his/her strength with another friend or family member. The great honour is given out to a different person each year...

Now for the pole. No it is not a tree. A pole, no decorations. Frank Costanza believes that tinsel is very distracting so there are no decorations. The pole is tall, silver, hollow, long, skinny, and heavy..."

So, that's Festivus, and I think it's what your family is looking for, Mrrzy.

Ah, and it's also a kick-ass ice cream flavour. :)

---Lepus Rex