As Thanksgiving week comes to a close, everyone is starting to get themselves ready for the holidays. For some this means putting up Christmas lights, decorating their Christmas trees or listening to Christmas music. On TV we see networks countdown to Christmas Day as they show Christmas movies and Christmas themed episodes from our favorite shows. And while I love getting in the Christmas spirit, what about the other holidays? I have compiled a list of TV episodes that will get you in the HOLIDAY spirit!
9. The OC: "The Best Chrismukkah Ever"
Ryan becomes officially introduced to the bi-religious holiday of Chrismukkah, when he attends the Chrismukkah party that Seth threw for his parents (Catholic Kristin and Jewish Sandy). There is a nice balance between Hanukkah and Christmas.
8. Rugrats: "A Rugrats Kwanzaa"
The Carmichaels get a visit from the Great Aunt T when she comes over to celebrate Kwanzaa. Even though the Carmichaels don't usually celebrate Kwanzaa, the Rugrats learn about history and about themselves.
7. Rugrats: "A Rugrats Chanukah"
The Rugrats learn the story of Chanukah when they visit a synagogue with Boris. Not sure what it is about the Rugrats and religious diversity, but I'm digging it.
6. Seinfeld: "The Strike"
This episode features "Festivus," the holiday that George's father made up. Kramer becomes a strong supporter of Festivus and meets up with Frank to learn more about it. When Kramer's request for a day off of work for Festivus observation is denied, he goes back on strike, picketing outside the store. George also gets out of a lie by inviting his boss to a Festivus dinner at his parents house, where George is challenged to the "feats of strength" (a physical fight) by his father. Frank then declares it "the best Festivus ever."
5. The Proud Family: "Seven Days of Kwanzaa"
When the Proud's go Christmas shopping, they come across a homeless family and invite them to their Christmas dinner. When the homeless family shows up seven hours early, with a fruitcake and decline presents, Trudy asks them about their beliefs. This is when the homeless family explains Kwanzaa and when the Proud's learn the true meaning of the holidays.
4. Even Stevens: "Heck of a Hanukkah"
Louis gets so excited for Hanukkah that he searches the house for his presents. Once he finds them he immediately opens them and obviously gets caught in the act. He is then punished for the duration of the holiday. While Louis sulks, his Bubbie Rose appears and the episode becomes a rewrite of "It's a Wonderful Life."
3. Everybody Hates Chris: "Everybody Hates Kwanzaa"
Julius convinces the family to ditch Christmas and celebrate Kwanzaa instead this year because Kwanzaa is cheaper. Not sure if that's accurate, but at least they're learning about a different holiday!!!
2. The Nanny: "The Hanukkah Story"
It's Maxwell's first Hanukkah and Fran is so excited to show him everything about her favorite holiday. However, Maxwell needs to take care of some business in Boston before so he takes C.C. and Gracie with him. When they don't return in time, Fran becomes worried and finds a nun outside and they pray together. (TRUE HOLIDAY SPIRIT). They finally make it home as the car oil lasted eight hours although it was only supposed to last one.
1. Friends: "The One With the Holiday Armadillo"
And finally, my personal favorite. Ross wants to teach his son Ben about their Jewish heritage when he stays with him for the holidays. Ross attempts to rent a Christmas costume to excite Ben when learning about Hanukkah, but it is too late in the season and all the store had was an armadillo suit. So he invents Santa's Tex-Mex friend: the Holiday Armadillo.
Christmas themed TV shows and movies can get anyone in the holiday spirit. But for the next month, when you're stumped on what to watch, try one of these holiday classics!
