A New Tradition every year

 Unwrapped from their velvet cases the sacred flutes of Festivus begin to play.  These musical instruments make a music so sweet and mellow Festivus participants wonder if their ears deceive them, or it is the Festivus juice that has the magical effect.  People begin to gather in the holy cul de sac.  They begin to shout "Oh come to us King of Festivus."  The sacred panels lift with the help of the garage door opener.  A large man in a red suit and a special hat that enables him to get thoughts from James Bean emerges from the sanctuary.  The crowd cheers madly. In his hand is the tickling stick.  Anyone who is not happy must raise their arms and be tickled with the tickling stick.  Again the flutes begin to play.  Led by the Festivus King who walks in a fake stumble to the frozen creek.  Only those who have signed a waiver of liability are allowed to follow.

As they form a circle around the huge pile of debris about to be set alight they sing "Father forgive us". " Father forgive us for what we must do, you forgive us and  we will forgive you, we will forgive each other until we all turn blue".   At this point the King of Festivus takes a long drink from the spirit of fire bottle, which appears to be labeled Vodka.  Vodka was an old norse God that was believed to be responsible for creeks freezing.  If the Festivus King is not knocked to his knees from the spirit of fire, he pours the rest on the tickling stick.  Magically the tickling stick burst into flames and the King tosses it on the fire.  The flames rise and soon the flutes will play to begin the airing of grievances.  Customarily the King is the first victim.  Usually people start with mild criticism like " You leave your underwear on the floor".  When the spiritual juice kicks in the grievances accelerate.  After each person has had a chance to air their grievances those who have not left give hugs and say " I just had to get it off my chest".  It is customary for the men to say " I always liked your chest".

Participants take a break and enjoy the fresh air.  As the young skate and play the adults prepare for they lying contest.