Blogmas Day 17: Best Christmas Episodes
I love tv, zero surprise there. And even more than tv, I love a Christmas episode. A bite-sized dose of holiday cheer is perfect if you’re on the go, or need a little bit of festive background noise. This list has grown over the years, but sharing a few of my favorite Christmas episodes of television!
The Mindy Project S2, E11, "Christmas Party Sex Trap" - Like all things The Mindy Project, this Christmas episode makes me laugh from start to finish and features one of my favorite lines from the whole series, "The Massachusetts public school system has really let you down." The comedic timing is perfect. Mindy is trying to corner Cliff into dating her. Jeremy is on a diet that leads to the demise of Danny's masterpiece gingerbread house. Peter is trying to stay sober and awkwardly tries to date Maria Menounos as Maria Menounos. So freaking funny. Available to stream on Netflix.
New Girl S2, E11, "Santa" - New Girl does Christmas so right. I love every holiday episode with the loft clowns, but this one takes the cake for a million reasons, not the least of which is that Winston can't hear for half the episode because he has a cranberry stuck in his ear. True love prevails when Dr. Sam finally wins Jess back. We learn the meaning of the Irish Goodbye. And finally, we find out that Santa is real and granting Christmas miracles to all, young and old. It's such a feel good episode of tv! Available to stream on Hulu.
Gilmore Girls S2, E10, “The Bracebridge Dinner” - While not explicitly a Christmas episode (because GG doesn’t have those, despite Stars Hollow being decked out in lights), this episode starts with a snowman contest, and when a blizzard keeps an elaborate convention from going off, Lorelai and Sookie invite all of our favorite townies for a cozy and festive dinner at the inn. And if that didn’t scream Christmas enough, the episode also features horse-drawn carriages and the start of a budding romance between Rory and Jess, for all the #teamjess girlies. Streaming on Netflix.
Friends S7, E10, "The One with the Holiday Armadillo" - I consider this the best Christmas episode of Friends because it makes me cry laugh and is sweet all the same. Ross is trying to teach Ben about Hanukkah and is having a difficult time because Ben is so excited about Santa Claus and presents. Ross takes to the costume store, but his master plan is foiled when he can only find one costume and shows up at Monica's to teach Ben about Hanukkah as The Holiday Armadillo. Streaming on Max.
Community S1, E12, "Comparative Religion" - This Christmas episode of Community really sets the bar high for all Christmas episodes to follow. Shirley, a devout Christian, wants to throw a Christmas party for the study group but quickly realizes that everyone has a different religious background. While hilarity ensues in trying to keep everyone included, Jeff finds himself in a standoff with the school bullies. Despite their better judgment, the whole study group ends up in a mass brawl with said bullies and the final scene features our heroes bleeding, black and blue singing holiday songs in the library. It's seriously so good. Available to stream on Peacock.
Modern Family S2, E10, “Express Christmas” - It’s December 16th when our modern family realizes that they won’t be able to spend Christmas together due to scheduling conflicts. And so, Express Christmas is then birthed from the bright mind of Phil Dunphy. The family has four hours and a dozen hurdles to overcome in order to pull of a family Christmas complete with full turkey meal, gifts, and a tree. You will laugh for the taser, you will cry for the snow. Hilarious, heartwarming, and streaming on Hulu.
Scrubs S1, E11, "My Own Personal Jesus" - Scrubs has it all. It manages to be heavy and light simultaneously and this episode epitomizes how well the series handled those contrasts. Turk has a rough Christmas Eve at the hospital and it shakes his faith. However, he witnesses and plays a major role in a Christmas miracle when God beckons him to a Christmas tree in a park where a young, single mom has unexpectedly gone into labor. It will make you laugh and cry, and leave you feeling those Christmassy feelings. Available to stream on Hulu and Disney+.
I know I’m missing at least two The Office episodes here, but I’ll save them for next year. What are your favorites?
Currently listening to: “Deck the Halls” by Relient K
xoxo LA