It’s the time to drown in holiday spirits, literally, and there’s no Christmas spirit like that of rewatching the holiday-themed episodes of The Office. Starring Steve Carell (Michael Scott), Rainn Wilson (Dwight Schrute), John Krasinski (Jim Halpert), Jenna Fischer (Pam Beesly), B.J. Novak (Ryan Howard), Leslie David Baker (Stanley Hudson), Brian Baumgartner (Kevin Malone), Kate Flannery (Meredith Palmer) Angela Kinsey (Angela Martin), Oscar Nunez (Oscar Martinez), Phyllis Smith (Phyllis Lapin), Ed Helms (Andy Bernard), Mindy Kaling (Kelly Kapoor), Paul Lieberstein (Toby Flenderson), Creed Bratton (Creed Bratton), Craig Robinson (Darryl Philbin), Ellie Kemper (Erin Hannon), Zach Woods (Gabe Lewis), Amy Ryan (Holly Flax), James Spader (Robert California), Rashida Jones (Karen Filippelli), Andy Buckley (David Wallace) and others, the 9-season series is filled with memorable moments that make it a beloved sitcom for us all. Its award-winning run is filled with memorable moments that can put a smile on anyone’s face and bring out fond memories.
That being said, the Scranton branch is no novice when it comes to the cringiest things that one can imagine happening at the office. Thus, their holiday parties are also the cringiest things that one can come across. Every holiday party at the Scranton branch turns into an excuse to air people’s dirty laundry and have a cathartic experience (as Pam puts it). Thus, we bring forth a rundown of the Christmas-themed episodes of The Office so that this holiday, you can jump straight to your favourite office holiday episode and enjoy it with your friends and family!
Season 2, Episode 10: “Christmas Party”
This is the first Christmas episode of the series, and it’s an office Christmas party with one of TV’s most awkward gift exchanges ever. I love this episode and hate it at the same time because it’s the first time I came across Scranton’s annual Christmas party and came face to face with Yankee Swap and what Michael Scott is capable of. If you have ever seen this episode before, you know the cringe-fest that was the video iPod, the homemade oven mitt, and Michael behaving like a petulant child throughout the runtime. This is the series’ first Christmas episode and it delivers a secret Santa gift exchange scenario that will make you want never to exchange gifts.
However, this isn’t to say that the episode is bad – it’s quite the opposite. It’s an extremely funny episode that gives you a rundown of what’s to come in the third season. Other than the cringe and the hilarious moments, there’s also the underlying romance between Jim and Pam, with the former’s thoughtful Secret Santa gift that will melt your heart. And then, of course, there’s Michael trying to smooth things over with everyone in the office with 15 bottles of vodka to get “20 people plastered”. A Michael Scott classic.
Season 3, Episodes 10 & 11: “Benihana Christmas”
Nothing, however, is more classic than Michael photoshopping his face on his girlfriend’s family photo and sending it as a Christmas card. As unbelievable as the situation sounds, it’s Nancy Carell’s disbelief as Carol that nails this episode… and, of course, Michael finding “someone” to go with him to Sandals, Jamaica. Plus, there’s the insanity at Benihana and the struggle for power between Angela’s Nutcracker Christmas and Pam & Karen’s rival Christmas party. It’s a classic Christmas episode where Michael’s personal issues take centre stage, and that’s always a great idea. In the end, however, the series does what it does best – deliver a warm end where the two office Christmas parties merge, and Dwight falls victim to a classic Jim and Pam prank.
However, what really is the best thing about this episode is that poor Toby gets his robe back, but I might be a bit biased there.
Season 5, Episode 11: “Moroccan Christmas”
The classic Moroccan-themed Christmas party thrown by Phyllis as the new head of the Party Planning Committee obviously spells doom for Angela. Phyllis takes full advantage of her secret knowledge and makes Angela do “unspeakable things” during the “season of mercy”. However, that’s not the actual mess in this holiday season; it’s the fact that Meredith’s hair catches fire, as well as the insane Princess Unicorn dolls that Michael somehow knows the tagline of! The episode is hilarious because of the different moving parts, and Kate Flannery is just so great as she tries to get away from Michael trying to push her off the edge. Plus, let’s not forget Andy awkwardly playing the sitar in front of his friends; it’s so cringy that it’s great.
Season 6, Episode 13: “Secret Santa”
Phyllis and Michael each turn up in a Santa suit, and chaos ensues, with him throwing a childish fit and ruining everyone’s gifting. The office Santa Claus debate, however, takes a horribly hilarious turn when Kevin tries to sit on Michael’s lap. That entire scene will leave you in splits, as it did the rest of the cast, because you can see Mindy Kaling, B.J. Novak and Ed Helms unable to contain their laughter in the background. Other than that, Andy’s twelve days of Christmas is also rather hilarious, and although an Erin storyline can go this way or that, her connection with Andy is quite sweet and fun to watch. However, this episode is totally a Michael Scott classic – we love it. His insane behaviour but also his management at the end, where he controls an uncontrolled situation, makes this a memorable episode.
Season 7, Episodes 11 & 12: “Classy Christmas”
This episode is amazing because, for once, we see Jim getting the short end of the stick when it comes to pranks and, personally, this is one of the best pranks in this mockumentary-style show because Dwight uses some neat psychological warfare on his nemesis to keep him terrified and looking over his shoulder throughout. The snowball fight keeps the holiday spirit alive, and the whole Holly ordeal provides some emotional push to Michael’s storyline as well; also, keep an eye out for the insane gifts that everyone gives everyone else.
Season 8, Episode 10: “Christmas Wishes”
Andy is the manager of the employees of Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, and this is the time when his character arc is still somewhat watchable. It’s one of The Office Christmas episodes where a lot is happening together – a prank war between Dwight and Jim to determine who gets whose Christmas bonus, Andy’s new girlfriend gets a taste of a classic office party as he agrees to grant everyone their holiday wishes with devastating results and James Spader’s Rober California takes Erin under his wing… sort of.
This might be a hot take, but Andy, as the manager in season 8, is really the highlight of this season for me. He’s thoughtful and kind and really tries to be good but it’s Robert California who steals the show, as Spader gets the eccentric CEO act just right. Plus, the emotional moments and the pranks are really funny to watch.
Season 9, Episode 9: “Dwight Christmas”
Get ready for a traditional Schrute Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas as Jim and Pam convince the office to agree to Dwight’s family traditions. This is the final season holiday episode, complete with a pig stomach, breaking pig ribs, and Toby eating everyone’s ears off with jury duty discussions that everyone has had enough of. Considering this is the end of season Christmas episode, it’s an emotional one to watch, especially if you have been binging the show since season 1, but Rainn Wilson takes the cake as Belsnickle, especially when he rushes up to Jim and hugs him as if his life depends on it. It’s cute, it’s emotional, and it’s exceptionally funny.
All episodes of The Office are streaming on Peacock and Netflix. Tell us your favourite Dunder Mifflin Christmas episode in the comments below!
Also Read: The Office Halloween Episodes That Will Get You in the Mood for Scranton’s Festive Spirit