Leave it to Bobbi’s Favorite Simpsons Christmas Specials
Because who said television’s most dysfunctional family can’t get into the holiday spirit?
This year, The Simpsons celebrated its 30th anniversary and in that time, they’ve produced their fair share of holiday episodes. You’ve got your Valentine’s Day specials (“I Love Lisa”), St. Patrick’s Day specials (“Homer vs. the 18th Amendment”), and of course, Halloween specials with the “Treehouse of Horror” series. However, the Christmas episodes take the (fruit) cake. There are exactly 20 Christmas-related episodes but folks, you don’t need to watch all 20 of those episodes to get into the Christmas spirit. So, here’s Leave it to Bobbi’s Officially Unofficial Top 3 Best Simpsons Christmas Episodes (it really rolls off the tongue).
3. Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire (S1:E1)
Now, come on. You can’t have a list about the best Simpsons episodes without mentioning the episode that started it all. While it doesn’t have the glitz and glam that followed in the later seasons, it does have one thing in spades: heart. It shows each member of the family at their most basic but there’s an endearing quality to that (like it being the first time we hear Bart say his patented “Ay Caramba!”). I liken this episode to a Charlie Brown or Frosty the Snowman Christmas special. It’s classic, heartwarming, and can easily put anyone in the holiday spirit. Also, it’s kind of fun to compare this episode to the later episodes to see how much the show evolved over time.
2. Holiday of Future Passed (S23:E9)
Perhaps an unexpected pick, but this episode is a delight in showing an iteration of what the Simpson future may look like with a holiday twist. I know that the general consensus with the later episodes is that well...they suck. However, I am of the mind that there are plenty of really
solid episodes that came after the Golden Age (just check out Season 19) and this episode is a prime example of that. It reads like your traditional “family comes together for the holidays” story, but has that typical Simpsons flair. It also features of as many characters as possible in their future forms and half of the thrill of the episode comes from seeing what happened to them. I won’t spoil it for you but it is definitely worth the watch and shows that while the show has had its flaws in the last few years, it’s still an excellent show. Also, this version of the future is kinda sick.
1 . Marge Be Not Proud (S7:E11)
This is a favorite of mine, even when it’s not the holiday season. This episode falls towards the end of the golden age of The Simpsons but it is still a classic episode. The story follows Bart in his usual shenanigans but it does something that doesn’t usually happen: it holds Bart accountable for his actions. Up until this point, Marge has been the understanding and compassionate mother but it’s no secret that she’s let Bart slide on a couple of his dastardly deeds. However, this is the one time that Bart is genuinely punished and sorry for his actions because of the pain that it brought Marge. (Yes, Bart is punished in “The Itchy & Scratchy Movie” but that’s more about Homer putting his foot down than Bart choosing to right his wrongs, fight me). Now that I think about it, this could’ve been a solid Mother’s Day episode but it taking place during Christmas time makes it extra special. On top of that, the jokes are killer. From Lee Carvallo’s Putting Challenge to Bart understanding everything except “capiche”, the episode tows the line perfectly between drama and comedy. It may not be littered with Christmas symbols, but watching it definitely evokes the feeling of spending the holidays with those that you care about.
Honorable Mentions (because I am indecisive, sue me):
Simpson Christmas Stories
I know some don’t like the three-story style episodes but I don’t mind them. Also, if you’ve ever had the fantasy of Mr. Burns screwing over Santa, it’s got that too.
Dude, Where’s My Ranch?
It’s got Jonathan Taylor Thomas. I don’t think I need to explain any further.
White Christmas Blues (couch gag)
Just check it out.
I hope these Simpsons Christmas episodes get you ready for the holidays (and if they don’t, I’ll cry). Let me know in the comments if you agree or disagree with my episode picks!