I watched the episode again. I had no idea they said it was the 23rd of December but I heard about it on the radio. Many celebrate this Seinfeld created holiday. Sure, it doesn’t sound fun – you gather around a pole and tell all your loved ones how they have disappointed you that past year.

I had that experience. An unfun festivus. The mediator had the “brilliant” idea that everyone should air their grievances just as Mr. Costanza begins each Festivus celebration.   Hence a pile on began for 7 hours of how what I had done was wrong and how no one else (who spoke) would do such a thing.  I heard all the victim statements and expected the mediator to give us some wisdom on how to go forward or at least let me reply. Nothing. Nada. Rien.  They  just ended the zoom call.  This was our savior?  The mediator promised to hear each side of the story (had a private zoom with each household), give their proposal (a long email which I called a book report and that most thought it had misrepresented them – it did for me too but I didn’t feel like nit picking at that point), and then to hold the first step of letting it all out. The festivus!

I wish it had ended like Festivus does – with a feats of strength. Maybe the physical exertion of a wrestling match can ease tension and we could have really started a healing process. Instead I did get my chance to reply – I sent an email to everyone saying I was leaving and one to the mediator (who never replied). The mediation was my last hope and it failed.

Now it’s the second official Festivus day since that day and I am feeling the Festivus miracles!  I have some loose ends of what I want to write but it’s not top of mind anymore. I enjoy my new neighbors and new life. We are planning a “holiday” party once the common area gets a makeover, which should be soon. I don’t mind spinning the dreidel, or decorating Christmas cookies, or having some Kwanzaa fruit but I don’t think I will suggest doing any of the Festivus traditions. Once was enough.