Welcome to day 1 of Blogmas! As we count down the days to Christmas, I’m excited to share a little holiday cheer with you. Each day until December 25th, I’ll be posting festive content to help get you into the spirit of the season. From the way we see the holidays in pop culture to the way Christmas is celebrated around the world, I hope these posts bring a little extra joy and warmth to your holiday preparations. So grab the eggiest of nogs, wrap up in your slanket, and let’s celebrate the most wonderful time of the year together!

Ah, the holidays. That magical time of year when we gather ’round the TV, sipping eggnog and basking in the glow of our favorite characters’ festive shenanigans. From the hilariously dysfunctional to the heartwarming and touching, these beloved shows have gifted us with some truly unforgettable Christmas episodes. So, grab your fuzzy socks and settle in as we count down the ultimate ranking of the best Christmas episodes from your favorite TV series.

10. “The Strike” – Seinfeld (Season 9, Episode 10) Leave it to Seinfeld to put a quirky spin on the holidays with “The Strike,” which introduces us to the made-up holiday of Festivus. Complete with the Festivus pole, the Airing of Grievances, and Feats of Strength, this episode is a hilarious testament to the show’s ability to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.
11. “Thanksgiving IV” – New Girl (Season 4, Episode 9) Okay, so technically, this is a Thanksgiving episode, but hear me out. The gang’s attempt to avoid being single as the holidays approach lead to Schmidt initiating a Thanksgiving dinner party, to which everyone must bring someone compatible for someone else.
12. “A Christmas Story” – The Goldbergs (Season 3, Episode 10) The Goldbergs always bring the nostalgia factor, and this episode is no exception. Beverly’s determination to create the perfect “Super Hanukkah” experience for her family is both comical and heartwarming, and the ’80s references are, as always, on point.
13. “Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas” – Community (Season 2, Episode 11) In true Community fashion, this episode takes a meta approach to the holiday special, with Abed imagining the group as stop-motion animated characters. It’s a clever and visually stunning departure from the norm, and the underlying message about the importance of friendship is truly touching.
14. “Ludachristmas” – 30 Rock (Season 2, Episode 9) When Liz Lemon’s family comes to town for the holidays, chaos ensues. Jack’s antagonistic relationship with his mother adds to the hilarity, and the episode’s satirical take on the “true meaning of Christmas” is classic 30 Rock.
15. “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire” – The Simpsons (Season 1, Episode 1) The very first episode of The Simpsons also happens to be a Christmas classic. Homer’s quest to provide a happy holiday for his family, despite losing his Christmas bonus, is equal parts funny and heartwarming. Plus, it introduces us to the beloved character of Santa’s Little Helper.
16. “How Lily Stole Christmas” – How I Met Your Mother (Season 2, Episode 11) When Lily’s grudge against Ted threatens to ruin Christmas, Marshall takes it upon himself to save the holiday. The episode’s clever take on “The Grinch” is both amusing and festive, and the heartfelt moments between the characters remind us of the true meaning of friendship.
17. “A Benihana Christmas” – The Office (Season 3, Episode 10/11) This two-part episode has it all: Dwight’s over-the-top Christmas decorations, Michael’s disastrous trip to Benihana, and the epic party planning rivalry between Angela and Pam & Karen. It’s a perfect blend of cringey humor and heartwarming moments that captures the essence of The Office.
18. “The One with the Holiday Armadillo” – Friends (Season 7, Episode 10) When Ross tries to teach his son about Hanukkah, he ends up donning an armadillo costume and hilariously attempting to explain the holiday’s traditions. Meanwhile, Phoebe’s attempt to spread some holiday cheer as a charity bell-ringer goes awry in typical Phoebe fashion. It’s a classic Friends episode that never fails to bring the laughs.
19. “Carol of the Bells” – Ted Lasso (Season 2, Episode 4) Topping our list is a relatively new contender, but one that absolutely deserves the crown. “Carol of the Bells” manages to encapsulate everything we love about Ted Lasso in a single episode. From Rebecca’s touching Secret Santa gesture to Ted’s heartwarming phone call with his son, this episode is a masterclass in storytelling and character development. Plus, the scene where everyone sings and parties outside of the Higgins home is guaranteed to make even the Grinchiest of hearts grow three sizes.

Well, there you have it, folks. Our definitive ranking of the best Christmas episodes from your favorite TV shows. But hey, comedy is subjective, so we want to hear from you. Did we leave out your favorite holiday special? Do you think “Amends” from Buffy should have made the cut? Let us know in the comments below, and happy holidays!

Feature Photo by Jameel Hassan