From the Friends ‘Holiday Armadillo’ episode to Seinfeld’s ‘The Strike’, it’s hard to choose the most iconic Christmas episodes of all time. If you’re a homebody and like to sit by that imaginary fireplace and go through heartwarming tales that television has created, you’re going to love this! Here’s a list of all the episodes that define holiday cheer for us.
Friends — The One with the Holiday Armadillo
Who can forgot the episode where Ross is his best dad self? Even though he did do a lot of crazy things throughout the duration of season 10, dressing up as an armadillo took the cake. He tries to teach his son Ben about their Jewish heritage and is unable to rent a Christmas suit. So he ends up creating Holiday Armadillo, Santa’s Tex-Mex friend. The hilarious premise had everyone rolling on the floor. There’s also a side story with Phoebe trying to convince Rachel to move in with her again and quit living with Joey. Friends truly can do no wrong!
The Office — Christmas Party
Only The Office knows how to do Christmas the way they do it. Although they celebrated the festival in each season, we had to choose the best. ‘Christmas Party’ blows the others out of the water. Michael gets an iPod for one of his colleagues but quickly finds out that none of the other gifts are as good. So, he arranges for a Yankee swap where everyone ends up with different gifts than they were meant to receive. We also get to the see cuteness that are Jim and Pam as Jim desperately tries to hand her a teapot filled with all their inside jokes. We also get to see the infamous letter that he decides not to present to her.
30 Rock — Ludachristmas
The quirkiest bunch of stars come together to celebrate a very raunchy Christmas at the 30 Rock office, but the god-loving page Kenneth wants to show them the true meaning and history behind the day. He ends up ruining their ‘Ludachristmas’ and giving a talk with a Reverend, leading to the cast of TGS trying to tear down the Christmas tree outside their office building. After their attempts are foiled, they end up having dinner with Liz Lemon’s family where Jack comes to realize that they aren’t perfect, just like his own.
Mad Men — Christmas Comes But Once A Year
Although this isn’t a typical Christmas episode with the spirit and cheer of the holiday season, it did make a very strong impact. The show was able to talk about the value of nostalgia and eventually about depression. It came to a high point during one of their darkest seasons and with this Christmas episode. It catches Don Draper between his divorce and second marriage, celebrating the day for the first time without his children. His heavy drinking and loneliness serve as a harsh but necessary reality check, even amidst reluctant celebrations at the office.
Seinfeld — The Strike
It’s hard to tell if the script to the show was what won our hearts over the years or if it was the lovable portrayals by the cast. But one thing’s for sure, ‘The Strike’ comes very close to being the most hilarious Christmas episode of all time. It’s revealed that George’s father Frank has been wishing his son a ‘Happy Festivus’, a holiday he’s created. We also surprisingly find out that Kramer has an actual job but has been on strike for over 12 years! When the strike does end, he tries to ask for a holiday to find out the meaning of Festivus but is denied and proceeds to go on strike again. Also, there’s a Festivus dinner with ‘traditional feats of strength’.
Downton Abbey — 2011 Christmas special
The British sure know how to do their Christmas specials right! Downton Abbey proved just that with this 2011 special that warmed all of our hearts. Despite tensions being rife at the lavish do arranged at Downton Abbey, there was one event that couldn’t be overlooked. After a lot of trials and tribulations through two seasons, everyone’s favourite couple Lady Mary and Matthew finally sealed the deal with a proposal! The romance, the drama and general spirit of the episode had every fan screaming with glee.
For thrillseekers
Catch up with entire second season of Quantico today. The season follows Alex Parrish, who is now in the CIA. She will be dealing with drama, revenge and mystery as she comes face to face with a force that threatens to destroy the nation. Her relationships will be put to the test and her loyalty questioned. A thrilling Christmas marathon indeed!
For the laughs
If you’re looking to catch up on other favourite Christmas episodes from shows like The Mindy Project, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Community and Citizen Khan, Comedy Central has you covered. Their handpicked selections will keep you entertained the whole day! Watch the very best characters and the hilarious antics they pull on this festive occasion. A little laughter never hurt anyone.
For the sci-fi nerds
The cult sci-fi show, Doctor Who, is back with its very own Christmas special! The latest episode, ‘The Return of Doctor Mysterio’, will be an exciting ride. The Doctor will be joining forces with a vigilante with super powers called The Ghost and with a journalist to protect New York City from the evils of an alien attack. Hop aboard the TARDIS everyone!
