(1) Read the story. (2) Tell the story in your own words. (3) Ask the questions.
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For many Germans, Festivus is celebrated on December 23rd as an alternative to Christmas. Instead of a tree, there’s a simple metal pole, and instead of exchanging gifts, there’s the “Airing of Grievances,” where families share their complaints and frustrations over the past year. Festivus was created in 1818 by the pessimistic German philosopher Schopenhauer. Over the years it has grown in popularity as a non-commercial, non-religious celebration. |
| Vocabulary |
| grievance = a complaint or a strong feeling that you have been treated unfairly
pessimistic = Someone who is pessimistic thinks that bad things are going to happen. |
| Comprehension Questions |
- What is the name of this celebration?
- On which day is it celebrated?
- Who created it?
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| Discussion Questions |
- What do you think of this tradition?
- Do you have a long list of grievances?
- Do you like Schopenhauer?
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