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Your Favorite Christmas Episodes

An Afternoon Comment Diversion / Daniel Carlson

Comment Diversions | December 11, 2008 | Comments (72)

It’s that time of year again, and if you’re like me, that means one thing: Time to grab selected hits from your DVD shelf and fire up Christmas episodes from your favorite TV shows. I’m a nerd when it comes to Thanksgiving episodes, too — I usually make a double feature of “Pangs” and “Shibboleth” — but there’s something about the Christmas installments that ties into the hope, joy, or just plain desire for escape always brought on by the season, as well as the way they somehow connect to a feeling of childhood. It’s with all that in mind that I offer a few of my favorite Christmas episodes of certain TV series and invite you to submit your own. Christmas specials are welcome too — and for those with a hankering to lose themselves for hours in an unstoppable wave of nostalgia, there’s BetaMaXmas — but I’ll stick with regular TV shows for now.

In no particular order:

“The West Wing” — “In Excelsis Deo” and “Noel”
“30 Rock” — “Ludachristmas”
“The Office” (U.S.) — “Christmas Party”
“Sports Night” — “The Six Southern Gentlemen of Tennessee”
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” — “Amends”
“Veronica Mars” — ”An Echolls Family Christmas”


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Comments

pffffffffffffft

Futurama

Santa Claus is hunting you down.

Posted by: BarbadoSlim at December 11, 2008 3:34 PM

WAIT! WAIT! scratch that shit:

BOW DOWN! before the POWER of SANTA and his mighty boots of DOOM!...Zim.

Posted by: BarbadoSlim at December 11, 2008 3:36 PM

X-Files, Season 6: How the Ghosts Stole Christmas

Posted by: Mattfactor at December 11, 2008 3:39 PM

Second the "Echolls Family Christmas," then add pretty much any South Park Christmas episode, and the first Psych Christmas special.

Posted by: Erin S at December 11, 2008 3:41 PM

Oh, and the UK Office 2-episode Christmas special thingy was tops, too.

Posted by: Mattfactor at December 11, 2008 3:41 PM

"Buffy the Vampire Slayer" -- "Amends"

Yep.

Posted by: Anna von Beaverplatz at December 11, 2008 3:41 PM

"Christmas Party" on The Office is really goddamned dark. I like The Office and I can't even really watch that episode.

Posted by: Genny (also Rusty) at December 11, 2008 3:42 PM

Being Jewish and generally indifferent to holidays, I don't pay much attention to Christmas episodes. You can't beat Ludachristmas, though, and I'm sure I loved The Office, Buffy, and VM episodes you picked out.

The only recent Xmas episode I remember is "A Very Supernatural Christmas." The intro is adorable.

Posted by: Sabrina at December 11, 2008 3:43 PM

Damn you Dan and your similar taste!

The West Wing, "Noel."
Veronica Mars, "An Echolls Family Christmas"
The Office, "Christmas Party"
Scrubs, "My Own Personal Jesus"
Friends, "The One With the Holiday Armadillo" (but only the scenes with the aforementioned armadillo)
The Simpsons, "Marge Be Not Proud"

Posted by: Julie at December 11, 2008 3:44 PM

Studio 60 - "The Christmas Show"

The highlight would be their version of "O Holy Night", but another good reason this is the best Christmas episode I can think of is because it's Aaron Sorkin at his best during the show's (too) brief run.

South Park - "Woodland Critter Christmas"

The story is screwed up enough as it is, but the twist makes it worth it. I remember sitting there, watching my Mother become horrifically disgusted by what was going on while I kept telling her, "The twist towards the end justifies all of this." She didn't buy it, and for that it's worth a spot.

Sidebar: Best Doctor Who Christmas Special (so far)
Voyage of the Damned, simply because "Runaway Bride" was ok but not perfect, and "Christmas Invasion" wasn't as fun. Plus Mr. Copper is awesome.

Posted by: Mike R. at December 11, 2008 3:44 PM

B-Slim, Santa's boots of DOOM are jolly, not mighty.

Second everything listed so far and adding Slings & Arrows: Fallow Time

Posted by: Alice at December 11, 2008 3:45 PM

Well said mini-moose...well said.

That's all I've got.

Posted by: marty at December 11, 2008 3:46 PM

KISS saves Santa via Family Guy. They should release that actual movie, frickin sweet.

Posted by: VeinsRHiways at December 11, 2008 3:47 PM

Ooh ooh, and How Lily Stole Christmas, from HIMYM.

Posted by: Julie at December 11, 2008 3:49 PM

B-Slim, Santa's boots of DOOM are jolly, not mighty.

Posted by: Alice at December 11, 2008 3:45 PM

--------------------------------------------------


Of course, you are right.

GIR!

Posted by: BarbadoSlim at December 11, 2008 3:51 PM

Oh oh! I just remembered Aqua Teen Hunger Force's Cybernetic Ghost of Christmas Past from the Future.

I also second Woodland Critter Christmas.

It wasn't a holly jolly Christmas that year. For many were killed...

Posted by: Sabrina at December 11, 2008 3:52 PM

"Marge Be Not Proud" is great, but "Simpsons Roasting On An Open Fire" also deserves mention. It did start the whole show off and is one of those episodes that pulls off the heart and the humor.

I concur with "Noel." It was the first one that came to mind.

Did anyone ever see that Saved By The Bell Christmas episode where Zack helped the homeless family? I wondered where the hell they went after that episode.

Posted by: DarthCorleone at December 11, 2008 3:52 PM

I'm going to have to disagree with Mike R. and go with "The Runaway Bride." Killer ornaments! Spider babies! Santabots! (Although there are 'bots every Christmas, it's true.)

House - "It's a Wonderful Lie" (who doesn't love winning the office Secret Santa jackpot?) and "Damned If You Do," because anytime Hugh Laurie plays a musical instrument I feel funny in my no-no place.

Posted by: Nicole at December 11, 2008 3:54 PM

The Trailer Park Boys Christmas Special is classic, quality television.

Posted by: Agente Provocatrice at December 11, 2008 3:55 PM

Oh, I just remembered My So Called Life had that episode where Ricky got beat up and ran away and Juliana Hatfield's ghost was there. Wasn't that a Christmas episode?

Posted by: Anna von Beaverplatz at December 11, 2008 4:05 PM

REMEMBER THE ALAMO!...REMEMBER THE ARIZONA...REMEMBER EE X-MAS...!

Posted by: BarbadoSlim at December 11, 2008 4:08 PM

Um, Afternoon Delight? Arrested Development? COME ON.

Posted by: Tim at December 11, 2008 4:13 PM

The Office Christmas Special (Brit version). I'm starting to feel emotional just thinking about it.

Posted by: catag at December 11, 2008 4:23 PM

I second The X-Files: How the Ghosts Stole Christmas.

Lily Tomlin and Ed Asner! Haunted mansion! Relationshippy fun! Reason that that particular version of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas became my favorite holiday song!

Posted by: Kate at December 11, 2008 4:27 PM


AvB yes, "So Called Angels". And it is one my favorites, sappiness and all.

Posted by: Drake at December 11, 2008 4:42 PM

Does the Seinfeld Festivus episode count? That's my favorite.

I remember that episode Anna von B.

Posted by: Cindy at December 11, 2008 4:43 PM

Extras - Christmas Special

Posted by: trork at December 11, 2008 4:44 PM

Alright, alright, Mike...I'll let you have your opinion that "Voyage of the Damned" is that much better (I don't think any are head-and-shoulders, I love various aspects of each) if you can tell me what Mr. Copper apparently made possible in the fourth series.

From memory, mind....else I shall rubbish you.

Posted by: Jay at December 11, 2008 4:46 PM

Bones: The Man in the Fallout Shelter. I'd been watching the show for the ookiness factor, the fun procedural stuff, and D-Bo. This was the episode which made me realise that the characters had gotten to me, too.

Buffy: Amends. Even if it does include the fakest-looking snowfall I've ever seen on TV!

The UK Office Christmas special. For obvious reasons.

A Very Supernatural Christmas. When we find out that Sam gave Dean the amulet, which he'd meant for his father.... damn you, Kripke! *sob*

I seem to recall loving those West Wing episodes too, but it's been a while. All the more reason to dig them out again!

Posted by: Tarn at December 11, 2008 4:51 PM

Have to agree w/:

Futurama: "I'm about to get jolly on your naughty asses!"

Family Guy: "Someone kidnapped Santa? That does not rock!"

Psych: The whole thing, especially the Yuletide themed opening credits.

South Park: The Mr. Hankie episode, along with the "Lonely Jew at Christmas" song.

Posted by: Brie at December 11, 2008 5:00 PM

I can't believe no one has mentioned the Festivus episode from Seinfeld. I think it was actually called The Bagel Shop. Kramer goes back to work, and George ducks giving a gift at work by handing out phony charity forms to his co-workers with donation made to The Human Fun. Then there is the airing of grievances. So much good stuff.

The X-Files Christmas episode with Ed Asner and Lilly Tomlin was flipping awesome.

The Christmas episode on The Simpsons where Homer steals Christmas. Great Grinch parody.

Posted by: TylerDFC at December 11, 2008 5:01 PM

I can't believe no one has mentioned the Festivus episode from Seinfeld.

Um, hello?

Does the Seinfeld Festivus episode count? That's my favorite...

Posted by: Cindy at December 11, 2008 4:43 PM

Posted by: Cindy at December 11, 2008 5:04 PM

Tyler and Cindy-

The episode was titled The Strike, and yes, it is awesome.

Posted by: Smokin at December 11, 2008 5:16 PM

Couldn't tell you the proper name, but the Twilight Zone episode where the bum finds a large burlap sack that doles out whatever that person wants for Christmas and finds himself transformed into Santa Claus by the end was a classic.

Posted by: Laughner at December 11, 2008 5:44 PM

Posted by: Colin at December 11, 2008 5:56 PM

Ok, this will out me as a totally sentimental goober, but...

I love Christmas episodes of pretty much anything. Seasonal episodes make me so happy. I love when everything starts to become festive and the decorations go up and my favorite TV characters seem almost as excited as I am about such an awesome time. Christmas Season is my bliss y'all.

All of the ones mentioned above are awesome, but I'd like to give a special shout out to the Rugrats Christmas/Hanukkah cross-over episodes. I loved that show.

Posted by: Kayanne at December 11, 2008 5:59 PM

Does anyome remember the 90210 episode where Brandon befriends a homeless vet and brings him home for Christmas dinner, and then, for some reason, at the end of the show Steve takes off to go find his biological mother after the Christmas Dance, and Kelly and Brenda start crying in a hillariously fake way, and basically it's so bad it's good?
Yeah, well, that one.

Posted by: Gabrielle at December 11, 2008 6:14 PM

I saw the title to this thread and the "Six Southern Gentlemen" episode of Sports Night immediately came to mind. Ridiculously great show.

Posted by: LB at December 11, 2008 6:28 PM

Oh God yes, the UK Office special is tops in my heart forever. The last ten minutes are devastating...and then glorious...and then warm and fuzzy...I can't get enough.

When I was in high school I loved the Xmas ep. of My So-Called Life where Ricky was homeless and Angela and her mother had to find him, and Juliana Hatfield was the homeless angel/ghost/whatever. I haven't seen it in a while so I can't vouch for how it holds up over time. But it made me cry, and I'm a robot with a heart of stone, so hey.

Posted by: Cara at December 11, 2008 6:59 PM

"Forgiveness and Stuff" from the first season of Gilmore Girls. We get to see Luke and Lorelei's parents have more heart than we expect. Also, Luke makes a Santa burger that looks disgusting.

Posted by: kelsy at December 11, 2008 7:17 PM

I just did a Christmas TV party with friends! We watched:

"An Echolls Family Christmas"--Veronica Mars
"The Christmas Invasion"--Doctor Who
"Gus's Dad May Have Killed an Old Guy"--Psych
"A Very Supernatural Christmas"--Supernatural

Posted by: Claire at December 11, 2008 7:30 PM

Holy shit, I love lists. I love lists like straight men love boobies. I used to read bookofratings.com just because it was organized in list format. Well, and because it was hilarious.

BUT...I digress...

My favorite Christmas episodes are as follows:

1. "Christmas at Plum Creek" -- Little House on the Prairie. Much like every episode of this show, it makes me cry.

2. "A Vision of Sugar Plums" -- Bewitched

3. "Christmas Story" -- Andy Griffith Show. Gets. Me. Every. Time.

4. "Fall on Your Knees" -- Popular. Best retelling of "A Christmas Carol" ever.

5. "Jingle Balls" -- Will and Grace. Hey Santa, it's me...Jackie.

6. "The Voice of Christmas" --The Brady Bunch. When Carol gets her voice back, I cry. Go figure.

Posted by: The Pink Hulk at December 11, 2008 7:49 PM

Alright, alright, Mike...I'll let you have your opinion that "Voyage of the Damned" is that much better (I don't think any are head-and-shoulders, I love various aspects of each) if you can tell me what Mr. Copper apparently made possible in the fourth series.

From memory, mind....else I shall rubbish you.

Mr. Copper created the network that Former Prime Minster Harriet Jones used to contact the Doctor and his companions. He started a foundation that created this technology.

I do enjoy aspects of all of the specials, but in my opinion I just enjoyed the high adventure of Voyage. That, however, does not mean I won't set up my 5 Disc DVD player to play all three Christmas specials. Two more slots will have to go to two other shows deserving of the honor.

Posted by: Mike R. at December 11, 2008 9:43 PM

OK, much as I love Buffy...Amends? Sucked. MAGIC SNOW, PEOPLE!!! I mean, that entire clifftop scene was just cheese, but to cap it off with divine intervention via unseasonal snow? Gah! It's my least favourite of season 3, and probably one of my least favourites of seasons 1-5. Plus, it introduced the First. Oh, oh, plus? DAVID BOREANAZ ATTEMPTING AN IRISH ACCENT. Aaaaaand, there goes my Christmas cheer.

As for the rest...I'd second "An Echolls Family Christmas", and throw in "One Angry Veronica" - yeah, I know the legal stuff in the A-plot is stupid, but between Logan watching the sex tapes, the return and quick re-exit of Leo, Lamb working out half-naked (I'm shallow), Meg dying and Wallace coming back, it's actually one of the more emotionally hard-hitting episodes of the show. I mean, I challenge you to watch the scene of Logan crying as his father has sex with his dead ex-girlfriend minutes before beating her head in with an ashtray and not find yourself tearing up a little, and really, isn't that what the holidays are all about?

I also love "My Best Moment In Medicine", one of the Scrubs Christmas episodes - the one with the kid and the dad who nearly dies and everyone pulling together to save the day in a vaguely cheesy but also awesome way - and "The Chrismukkah". Yes, from The O.C. Shut up, that's why.

Posted by: Shay at December 11, 2008 9:47 PM

Nobody does Christmas like Aaron Sorkin (which is odd because he's a nonpractising Jew.)

His "Six Southern Gentlemen of Tennessee" from Sports Night is a masterpiece, and "Noel" is my favorite West Wing episode.

Studio 60's lone Christmas episode was probably the most moving and among the best of the series.

Posted by: Martin at December 11, 2008 10:30 PM

The AUSTRALIAN Kath and Kim Christmas special. (In case anyone out there is wondering, it is a really funny/clever/smart show, do not be fooled by the American version). The episode is so funny, it makes me pee with laughter. My favourite line in the whole eiposde (in fact, in all of Kath and Kim) is when Kath asks Kim to bring around some stuff for their Christmas lunch. Kim turns up with this platter of little round, red-waxed cheese wheels moulded into a random sculpture using toothpicks. Kath is all "what the hell is that", and Kim replies that it is the statue of baby cheeses that she requested. Kim rolls her eyes and tells her she asked for a statue of baby Jesus, not cheeses. (Oh my God, so funny. Seriously. Maybe its all in the delivery, I don't know, but it gets me every time!).

Posted by: JJ McCLay at December 11, 2008 10:55 PM

i'm with Shay on this one. scrubs and the oc chrismukkuh all the way. oy humbug.

Posted by: betsy at December 11, 2008 11:56 PM

In Northern Exposure

Posted by: Edith at December 12, 2008 12:30 AM

In Northern Exposure

Posted by: Edith at December 12, 2008 12:34 AM

GODDAMN FORMATTING WEIRDNESS! TRYING AGAIN. sorry.

In Northern Exposure's first season, the Christmas episode was "Seoul Mates" - hands down, my favorite Christmas episode of any show, ever. It did a lovely job of highlighting the various characters in terms of their families, memories and expectations, and it did a fantastic job of showing them muddling through in such different ways. Plus Holling sings "Ave Marie" to Shelley, and in the days before IMDB, I could only guess the truth - that the actor (John Cullum) had won a couple of Tonys for musicals in the past. It was this wonderful, unexpected revelation about the actor, at the end of an episode that crystallized everything that worked about Northern Exposure in the beginning.

Posted by: Edith at December 12, 2008 12:38 AM

All in the Family: The Draft Dodger

Episode #149 - Christmas dinner at the Bunkers finds Archie playing host to a draft dodger and a father whose son was killed in the war. Archie's convictions put a strain on the holiday spirit until an exchange between the Gold Star father and the draft dodger leaves him stunned and speechless.

Posted by: lwoodpdowd at December 12, 2008 1:53 AM

Um, Afternoon Delight? Arrested Development? COME ON.Posted by: Tim at December 11, 2008 4:13 PM
Totally seconded.

"Yeah, the guy in the 4000$ suit is holding the elevator for the guy who doesn't make that in 3 months. COME ON."

and of course this other gem:

"First I blow him then I poke him."

I feel the xmas spirit flowing through me.

Posted by: popejenn at December 12, 2008 2:45 AM

Impeccable taste, Daniel - bra-fucking-vo.

Posted by: Zack at December 12, 2008 2:51 AM

Has no one mentioned the Dr Who Christmas specials? I preferred the homicidal Santa episode myself.

Posted by: Raisin'Cookies at December 12, 2008 5:10 AM

I just watched this years 30 Rock Christmas special

Does it count?

Because it's just leapt right up my list for various, Baldwin related reasons

Also, I have to point out cos I think it every time i see the credits, in his title shot when he spins around all crazy hair and wild eyes, it reminds me of The Shadow and THAT is just fuckin' awesome

Posted by: Nadine at December 12, 2008 6:12 AM

The episode of the Golden Girls where they donate Blanche's jacket with the winning lottery ticket in the pocket and then they spend the night at the homeless shelter is something that has made an indelible mark on my brain. Seriously, I saw it in like 1987 and I still remember it. I'm a dork, I love the Golden Girls.

Posted by: Melina at December 12, 2008 9:18 AM

I'll go with the wonderful TV special A Charlie Brown Christmas.

Posted by: JC at December 12, 2008 10:37 AM

Has no one mentioned the Dr Who Christmas specials? I preferred the homicidal Santa episode myself.

That's why you're supposed to read through all the comments first.

I also enjoy the Christmas episode of Grey's Anatomy (S2) because of the kid who doesn't want a heart transplant. His mother insists that Santa is bringing him a new heart, he calls shenanigans, and Cristina awesomely rips the Christmas tree out of the wall and wheels it off.

Posted by: Nicole at December 12, 2008 11:49 AM

I might be cheating but dammit the MST3K ep of 'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians' counts because every Christmas needs to be a Patrick Swayze Christmas.

Posted by: Ponch at December 12, 2008 12:00 PM

I skimmed the comments quickly, but didn't see either of the greatest xmas episodes referenced.

Festivus - Seinfeld
"as i rained blows on this man, i thought, there has to be a better way.

and of course, the Trailer Park Boys xmas special, from Rickey finding out that Santa Claus isn't real to his impassioned speech at the church pulpit, where he realizes and tells us all "that xmas is about getting drunk and stoned with your familes."

i don't think it gets any better than that.

Posted by: idleideals at December 12, 2008 12:13 PM

Idleideals, I also listed The Trailer Park Boys x-mas special as my fav, my brother feels the need to channel Leahy's plastic bag Santa beard at pretty much every family function.

Posted by: Agente Provocatrice at December 12, 2008 1:19 PM

Firing up the Wayback Machine, St. Elsewhere "Santa Claus is Dead", Hill St. Blues "Santa Claustrophobia", Homicide "All Through the House" and Starman "The Gift". Three dark, one dorky, all great.

Posted by: grandsophy at December 12, 2008 1:22 PM

Echolls Family Christmas for the win!

Posted by: Melissa Church at December 12, 2008 4:55 PM

My family's traditional Christmas episode is the Married with Children where the Darcis are having a Christmas party. Anyone? Anyone? There's nothing like a dysfunctional family to get you fired up for the holidays.

Posted by: It's a tradition at December 12, 2008 7:58 PM

Yay for the love for "An Echolls Family Christmas" but I also loved "One Angry Veronica." I agree that the a-plot sucked, but I thought the ending was worth the entire episode. I missed Wallace almost as much as Veronica. It was technically set on New Years Eve, though.

I would like to add the last Christmas episode from the final season (or maybe the second to last) of Dawson's Creek. No one laugh! It was the one when Audrey got drunk and made fun of Dawson and Joey for finally having sex, then crashed Pacey's BMW into Dawson's house. AWESOME!

Posted by: Austin at December 12, 2008 9:24 PM

I love the episode of 3rd Rock From The Sun where Sally gets a job as a gift-wrapper in a department store.
I majorly love the episode of Ellen where her parents give her a burial plot for Christmas and she spends Christmas Eve in the graveyard decorating everything with tinsel.

Posted by: Loob at December 12, 2008 10:50 PM

The Scrubs episodes and "Afternoon Delight" (Arrested Development), for sure, and since I'm a Xena/Herc fan, I have to add "A Solstice Carol" and "A Star to Guide Them." "Amends" is okay, but not as much a favorite as it was when it first aired. Oh, and that Saved By The Bell two-parter where Zack dates a homeless girl and they put on a production of "A Christmas Carol" at the mall. That shit is fucking golden.

Posted by: Elfrieda at December 12, 2008 11:01 PM

Oh, and don't forget about "Slapsgiving" (HIMYM)
What is this feeling
That's put you in your place
A hot red burnin' on the side of your face . . .

Posted by: Elfrieda at December 12, 2008 11:09 PM

I loved the SFU Xmas episode ("The Most Wonderful Time of the Year") where the biker Santa was killed and the wife ended up giving Nate his motorcycle... the little speech she makes about her husband...how he didn't live a careful life, but if he had lived with less passion, neither of them would have loved his life as much. Love!

Posted by: MJ at December 13, 2008 2:16 PM

God, I fucking loved Sports Night.

Fuck ABC. Fuck them over and over and over for what they did and continue to do to EVERY SINGLE fucking decent show they accidentally air.

Posted by: Maryscott O'Connor at December 13, 2008 10:15 PM

also from the WayBack Machine ( and the Across-the-Pond-Transit): Sherlock Holmes' "Blue Carbuncle" and Poirot's "Theft of the Royal Ruby". yes, they're both very 80s and very british, and both involve jewel robberies at holiday time, but I watched them on ratty VHS every Xmas, and I watch them still.

and second on the West Wing!

Posted by: grenadine at December 14, 2008 8:21 PM

Ha! A good list, but I think you've left out a lot of great shows. I made my own list too - how dare you leave out 90210!

Posted by: Kat at December 23, 2008 4:45 PM