Guide To Celebrating Festivus In Detroit
December is the month of festive occasions and holidays. On what could be considered the other side of the spectrum from Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, you'll find the Festivus holiday. Considered something of a parody initially, Festivus has gained a life of its own with faithful followers.
Lots of people really just went to do away with the holiday spirit and Christmas rush, in fact they want to share the holiday dispirit. Perhaps George Costanza, of the popular 90s sitcom "Seinfeld," says it best: "At the Festivus dinner, you gather your family around, and tell them all the ways they have disappointed you over the past year! I got a lot of problems with you people! And now, you're gonna hear about it."
Below you'll find the best places to purchase Festivus holiday items in the Detroit area.
Lynch's
939 Howard St.
Dearborn, MI 48124
(313) 565-3425
www.lynchs.com
Since the Festivus holiday concept came from a television show, it's only fitting that celebrants dress up as characters from that show. Seinfeld costumes can be fashioned with just about anything. The crazy Kramer hair, the LBDs of Elaine and the denim dress shirts of Jerry Seinfeld are just a few things to start shopping for at Lynch's. Lynch's sells and rents costumes all year long for all occasions. Lynch's also has a wide selection of "glasses, gloves, masks, makeup, rhinestones, dance apparel and more."
Ye Olde Butcher Shoppe
3100 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 974-7356
www.yeoldebutchershoppedetroit.com
You can't celebrate Festivus without Hampton tomatoes. That's because they're red and George asks about a million times to stop to buy tomatoes for his mother in the episode titled "The Hamptons." Instead of the vegetable stand, visit Ye Olde Butcher for your fruit and vegetable needs. To best incorporate Hampton tomatoes into your holiday dish, search the web for festive tomato recipes.
Related: Metro Detroit's Best Costume Shops
ComePlayDetroit
1514 Washington Blvd. #201
Detroit, MI 48226
(248) 845-8273
www.comeplaydetroit.com
Last year, ComePlayDetriot had an impressive showing Christmas night for Festivus celebrants citing, "EVERYONE is anxious to get out of their house and do something fun," even the ole grumpies. Since the state of Michigan changed the law in 2010 allowing alcohol to be served on Christmas, ComePlayDetroit has hosted the biggest party on Christmas since.
Big Time Rentals
13011 McNichols Road W.
Detroit, MI 48235
(313) 779-8938
www.bigtimerental.com
Without a bare aluminum pole, your Festivus won't be complete. The pole takes the place of the decorative pine tree of the Christmas holiday and mandates center stage in the living room of the host. In the spirit of Festivus minimalism, rent, rather than buy, an aluminum pole at Big Time Rentals. Detroit metro sporting goods stores are also a good starting place to look. The barer the post, the better!
Sakina Al-Amin writes regularly for an accumulating number of online publications, but has dreams of one day being a spokesperson. She resides in the metro Detroit area with her husband. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
