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At Ill. Capitol, It's a Festivus Miracle!

Teen augments holiday display with 'Seinfeld' homage

By M. Morris, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 25, 2008 10:35 AM CST

(Newser) – The Illinois state capitol's holiday decorations this year include a Nativity scene, a menorah—and a Festivus pole, courtesy of a teenage Seinfeld fan. Michael Tennenhouse visited for the Blagojevich impeachment hearings, stumbled on the holiday displays, and got to thinking. "Religious displays should not be in public buildings," he told the Chicago Tribune.

So he applied for a permit to add a beloved nondenominational symbol—"the lady burst out laughing"—and before long, a decapitated pool skimmer in a Christmas tree holder joined the Hanukkah candles and baby Jesus in the capitol rotunda. In keeping with Festivus tradition, the pole is unadorned.

[Images (3)]

[Videos (1)]

Gov. Rod Blagojevich's office is pictured at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield. (AP Photo)

Snow plows and heavy machinery clear the streets in front of the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield. (AP Photo)

Seinfeld, A festivus for the rest of us. The history of festivus. "I find tinsel distracting." (FreeMerryJane)

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A Festivus primer. To see a Festivus pole, visit the Illinois state capitol--or the Costanzas' crawl space. (bskbhorn)

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At Ill. Capitol, It's a Festivus Miracle!