Over the decades, TV shows have featured holiday episodes. Originally, all shows celebrated Christmas with the TV family, but in the 1990s, Hannukah finally got some airtime. Here are the most memorable TV Holiday specials across the decades.
1950
I Love Lucy
The I Love Lucy Christmas Special (1956)
The first, and one of the most notable Christmas specials in history, Lucy and Ricky Ricardo tell their son the story of Santa and flashback to clips from episodes' past.
The series featured 3 Christmas episodes over its run.
1960
Andy Griffith Show
A Christmas Story (1960)
Andy's jail has so much holiday cheer that even a crotchety old man wants to get locked up for a night.
This was the show's only holiday special.
The Brady Bunch
The Voice of Christmas (1969)
A Christmas store Santa promises that Cindy will get her voice back in time to sing at church.
The show featured two holiday episodes.
1970
The Mary Tyler Moore Show
Christmas and the Hard Luck Kid II
Mary is forced to work on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but she tries to make the most of it.
The show featuredtwo holiday episodes.
Happy Days
Guess Who's Coming to Christmas (1974)
The Cuningham family find out that Fonzie is going to be alone for the holidays so they invite him over.
The show featured fiveholiday episodes
1980
M*A*S*H
'Twas the Day After Christmas (1981)
The 4077th decide to try out an English tradition: Boxing Day
The show featured fiveepisodes. holiday
The Brady Bunch
A Very Brady Christmas (1988)
The family reunites to celebrate Christmas together.
The show featuredepisodes. two holiday
1990
Beverly Hills 90210
A Walsh Family Christmas (1991)
Friends and family of the Walsh's join the family for their first Christmas in California. Steve also meets a Santa-like character who flies him home from New Mexico. Brenda meets a man who stole a Santa costume at her new job.
The show featured nine holiday episodes.
Friends
The One With the Inappropriate Sister (1998)
Ross torments Joey and Chandler while Rachel starts a new relationship with Danny, set up by Monica. Danny, however, is oddly close to his sister. Phoebe collects donations for the poor.
The show featuredepisodes. ten holiday
2000
Friends
The One With the Holiday Armadillo (2000)
Ross celebrates Hanukkah with his son and teaches him about the "holiday armadillo." Chandler dresses as Santa to teach Ben more about Christmas. Rachel and the others figure out their living situations.
The show featuredepisodes. ten holiday
The O.C
The Best Chrismukkah Ever (2002)
Seth introduces the bi-religion holiday of Chrismukkah to new housemate Ryan. The holiday combines father's Jewish background with mother's Catholic heritage.
The show featured fourepisodes. holiday
Gilmore Girls
Forgiveness and Stuff (2000)
Grandfather Richard is rushed to the hospital, and the Gilmore girls rush to his bedside. Lorelei brings Luke with her.
The show featuredepisodes. three holiday
2010 - Present
Glee
A Very Glee Christmas (2010)
The Glee students have a secret Santa that gets tampered with by Sue Sylvester. Tey also go caroling for the holidays. Rachel and Finn try and figure out their relationship.
The show featured fourepisodes. holiday
Modern Family
The family celebrates Christmas early when they realize that they won't be together on the day of. Phil calls it "Express Christmas."
The show featured fourepisodes. holiday
Honorable Mentions
Many other shows over the years have hosted their own holiday episodes. Here are some honorable mentions... in no particular order.
All in the Family
Dick Van Dyke
Mork and Mindy
Ally McBeal
Family Matters
Sabrina the Teenage Witch
Full House
Dawson's Creek
30 Rock
