- A Benton, Ky., family replaces a Christmas tree with an unadorned aluminum Festivus pole.
- Dinner gives way to the traditional Airing of Grievances — and loud, funny confessions.
- The evening ends with chaotic Feats of Strength: the host is pinned and a new family tradition is born.
H2: A Festivus for the Rest of Us — in Benton, Kentucky
The Rose family decided this year’s holiday would be different. Instead of a decorated Christmas tree, Jeremy Rose set an unadorned aluminum pole in the corner of the living room — gleaming, majestic and unapologetically plain. His kids argued. His wife Brandy wore a tongue-in-cheek apron. Friends arrived with green bean casserole and a six-pack. Festivus had officially begun.
H3: Dinner, mischief and mismatched plates
Brandy explained why the family plates didn’t match: “Festivus isn’t about materialism or conformity.” Talan, 14, suspected it was because their good dishes were still boxed. Seven-year-old Kelan cared only about energy and McDonald’s. Dinner was a mix of home-cooked meatloaf, a dubious beer tasting from Hunter, and the usual teenage distractions — until Jeremy called for the Airing of Grievances.
H3: The Airing of Grievances goes off-script
Jeremy stood and proclaimed the moment every Festivus host covets: time to air grievances. What followed was twenty minutes of hilarious, sharp and affectionate complaints. Brandy’s grievance about toenail clippings on the bathroom counter met Kelan’s earnest explanation that the clippings were “for a science experiment.” Sherri was chastised for posting 14 photos of her dog Lucy on Facebook while defending a legitimate photo essay of dog sweaters. Talan accused his dad of trying to be “cool” and misusing slang. Even visitors found their moments in the hot seat.
The Airing of Grievances rapidly turned into a family roast, equal parts catharsis and comedy. Everyone left their seat a little lighter — or at least more amused — than when they sat down.
H4: Feats of Strength — chaos, tinsel and a pinned host
No Festivus ends without the Feats of Strength. Kelan was eager, Hunter boasted of high-school wrestling, and Jeremy, as the host, prepared for the inevitable challenge. The friendly wrestling match spilled from the dining room to the living room. Tinsel became a distracting foul. A “modified half-nelson” left Jeremy tapping out.
His shoulder and pride both hurt, but the result was a clear Festivus win: laughter, family bonding and a new annual tradition. As guests bundled up to leave, Sherri asked, “Same time next year?” Brandy, surveying the overturned chairs, dented pole and Jeremy icing his shoulder, answered, “Absolutely — but you’re bringing dessert.”
H5: A Festivus miracle
Later, Jeremy noticed an unexpected sight: Talan smiling genuinely. “This was actually kind of fun,” he admitted. Jeremy declared it a Festivus miracle. The aluminum pole stood tall in the corner, unbowed and waiting for next year’s grievances.
Note: The story references social media mentions, including multiple Facebook photos of Lucy, but no direct embeds were provided.
Image Referance: https://www.marshallcountydaily.com/2025/12/21/a-rose-family-festivus/
