MomSkoop
There’s something magical about settling in with your favorite show during the holidays. Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner chaos or Christmas mishaps, certain TV episodes capture the warmth and joy of the season perfectly.
These comfort-watch classics remind us why we love gathering together, laughing until we cry, and celebrating the little moments that matter most.
1. Friends — “The One With the Holiday Armadillo” (Season 7, Episode 10)
Ross desperately wants to teach his son Ben about Hanukkah, but when he can’t find a Santa costume, things get hilariously weird. Enter the Holiday Armadillo, a costume that’s equal parts confusing and endearing. The gang’s reactions to Ross’s educational attempt are priceless.
What makes this episode shine is how it balances humor with heart. Ross’s determination to share his heritage with Ben feels genuine, even when everything goes wrong. Chandler shows up as Santa, Joey appears as Superman, and somehow it all works.
The chaos perfectly captures what family gatherings actually feel like—messy, unpredictable, but filled with love.
2. The Office (US) — “Christmas Party” (Season 2, Episode 10)
Michael Scott turns a simple Secret Santa exchange into absolute pandemonium when he doesn’t like his gift. His childish tantrum leads to a Yankee Swap that spirals out of control, with everyone fighting over an iPod. The awkwardness reaches peak levels when relationships get tested over wrapped presents.
Jim’s thoughtful gift to Pam—a teapot filled with inside jokes—becomes one of the show’s most touching moments. Their unspoken connection shines through despite the office chaos surrounding them.
This episode nails the uncomfortable reality of workplace holiday parties while reminding us that genuine kindness stands out. It’s cringe-worthy comedy gold with unexpected sweetness tucked inside.
3. Gilmore Girls — “A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving” (Season 3, Episode 9)
Lorelai and Rory tackle four separate Thanksgiving dinners in one day, creating a marathon of food and family drama. From Emily and Richard’s formal affair to Sookie’s chaotic kitchen, each stop offers its own brand of holiday stress. Lane’s Korean Thanksgiving with Mrs. Kim adds cultural flavor and unexpected surprises to their already packed schedule.
The episode captures the exhausting reality of trying to please everyone during the holidays. Watching them stuff themselves silly while maintaining pleasant conversation is both relatable and hilarious.
Their mother-daughter bond shines brightest when they’re overwhelmed together, proving that shared struggle brings people closer.
4. Hey Arnold! — “Arnold’s Christmas” (Season 1, Episode 20)
Arnold gives up his dream Christmas present to help his boarding house neighbor Mr. Hyunh find his long-lost daughter. The backstory hits hard—Mr. Hyunh was separated from his daughter during the Vietnam War evacuation. Arnold’s selflessness leads to an emotional reunion that’ll make even tough viewers tear up.
What starts as a typical kids’ cartoon Christmas special transforms into something profound and meaningful. The show doesn’t shy away from real history and genuine heartbreak.
Meanwhile, Helga’s secret gift to Arnold reveals her hidden soft side beautifully. This episode proves that animated shows can deliver powerful messages without talking down to young viewers.
5. Brooklyn Nine-Nine — “Thanksgiving” (Season 1, Episode 10)
Amy Santiago’s competitive nature reaches new heights when she volunteers to host Thanksgiving for the squad. Her need to prove herself transforms a friendly dinner into an intense culinary challenge. Everything that can go wrong does, including a turkey disaster that would make any home cook cringe.
Jake’s attempt to help only makes things worse, creating comedy through their clashing approaches to problem-solving. The precinct family dynamic shines as everyone pitches in despite the chaos.
Captain Holt’s deadpan reactions to the unfolding disaster provide perfect comedic timing throughout. This episode celebrates found family and the beautiful mess that comes with caring about your coworkers.
6. The Office (US) — “A Benihana Christmas” (Season 3, Episodes 10/11)
A breakup sends Michael and Andy to Benihana for comfort, leading to questionable decisions and awkward moments. Back at the office, Angela and Karen compete to throw the better Christmas party, splitting the workplace into rival factions. The petty competition over decorations and karaoke reveals everyone’s true personalities.
Michael’s inability to tell his date apart from other Asian women creates uncomfortable humor that highlights his obliviousness. Pam’s quiet rebellion against Angela’s controlling party planning shows her growing confidence.
The dual-party setup mirrors real office politics where holiday celebrations become battlegrounds. Despite the dysfunction, moments of genuine connection remind us why these people matter to each other.
7. How I Met Your Mother — “Slapsgiving” (Season 3, Episode 9)
Marshall prepares to deliver the third slap of the legendary Slap Bet right on Thanksgiving, and Barney’s terror is absolutely delicious. The countdown creates hilarious tension throughout the holiday dinner preparations. Marshall even composes “You Just Got Slapped,” a song that becomes an instant classic among fans.
Lily’s struggle to reconcile her divorced parents adds emotional weight to the comedy. Her frustration with their childish behavior feels incredibly real and grounding.
Robin’s Canadian Thanksgiving confusion provides running gags that never get old. The episode balances silly humor with genuine relationship challenges, making it comfort food for the soul.
8. Friends — “The One With All the Thanksgivings” (Season 5, Episode 8)
Flashbacks reveal the gang’s worst Thanksgiving memories, including the year Monica accidentally cut off Chandler’s toe. Each story tops the last in terms of embarrassment and disaster. Phoebe’s past-life memories add absurdist humor to the already chaotic trip down memory lane.
Monica’s transformation from her teenage self gets explored with both humor and sensitivity. The turkey-on-the-head scene became iconic for good reason—it’s ridiculous yet oddly romantic.
Chandler’s declaration of love happens in the most unexpected way possible, proving that beautiful moments emerge from chaos. This episode reminds us that our worst memories often make the best stories later.
9. Glee — “A Very Glee Christmas” (Season 2, Episode 10)
The glee club tackles Christmas with their signature musical flair, performing holiday classics with fresh arrangements. Brittany’s unwavering belief in Santa Claus creates both humor and surprising tenderness. The kids rally to help their teacher after discovering Coach Beiste’s lonely holiday situation.
Rachel and Kurt’s hilarious “Lonely Jew on Christmas” duet perfectly captures feeling left out during the holiday season. Their friendship shines through shared outsider experiences.
Sue Grinch’s heart grows three sizes when the club shows her unexpected kindness. The episode balances spectacular musical numbers with genuine emotional beats, reminding viewers that giving feels better than receiving.
10. The Office (US) — “Classy Christmas” (Season 7, Episodes 11/12)
Holly’s return throws Michael into emotional overdrive while she’s dating someone else. His jealousy manifests in increasingly desperate attempts to win her back. Meanwhile, a damaged snowman becomes the centerpiece of an escalating prank war between Jim and Dwight that gets wonderfully out of hand.
Pam’s pregnancy hormones add unpredictable reactions to the office chaos. Andy’s awkward attempt to impress his girlfriend’s parents backfires spectacularly.
The two-part episode gives everyone time to shine while building toward Michael and Holly’s inevitable reunion. It’s classic Office humor—uncomfortable, heartfelt, and impossible to look away from, even when you’re cringing.