Even though I’ve watched the series many times, I still turn to NBC’s “The Office” whenever I need some humor in my life. Based on the British sitcom of the same name, “The Office” is a mockumentary comedy covering the daily lives of employees at Dunder Mifflin, a paper company. The ridiculously immature and hilarious Michael Scott (Steve Carrell) manages the Scranton branch while the staff attempts to work despite the funny and distracting situations. John Krasinski, Mindy Kaling, and Ed Helms are a few actors in the show’s ensemble cast. While each one makes me laugh, I find certain episodes funnier than others.
Warning: spoilers ahead.
Here’s my ranking of Christmas episodes from “The Office”:
7. “Christmas Wishes” (Season 8, Episode 10)
Season 8 is the first season of “The Office” without Michael Scott and I can admit, the show wasn’t the same then. Since Andy has a new girlfriend, Erin drunkenly embarrasses herself at the party out of jealousy. Meanwhile, Jim and Dwight frame each other for different pranks after getting in trouble. My favorite scene in this episode is Dwight’s performance of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “Carol of the Bells” with other characters.
6. “Classy Christmas: Part 1 and 2” (Season 7, Episodes 11 and 12)
I enjoy these episodes, but having a two-parter made the storyline somewhat drag. When Michael finds out that Holly is returning to Scranton, he wants to have a fancy Christmas party to impress his former girlfriend. He goes to extreme lengths to find out if Holly will stay together with A.J. after he learns she gave her boyfriend an ultimatum. It’s amusing to see Jim on edge after Dwight challenges him to a snowball fight. The episode has wholesome moments too as Pam makes a homemade gift for Jim and Darryl spends Christmas with his daughter.
5. “Dwight Christmas” (Season 9, Episode 9)
Season 9 of “The Office” is not as strong as others, but this episode stands out in a good way. After the Party Planning Committee forgets about the holiday, Jim encourages Dwight to have a Shrute Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas. Between all the unusual food and “Impish or Admirable” game, you’ll appreciate Dwight’s quirks. The most memorable part is when he dresses up as Belsnickel to deliver gifts and describe what traditions make a true Shrute Christmas.
4. “Secret Santa” (Season 6, Episode 13)
Although the Dunder Mifflin employees are concerned that the company is going out of business, this episode does not fail to make viewers laugh. In typical form, Michael is upset that Jim allowed Phyllis to dress as Santa instead of him. As always, his dramatic behavior brings out silly dynamics. Pam adorably tries to play matchmaker when she realizes Oscar is interested in a new warehouse worker.
3. “Moroccan Christmas” (Season 5, Episode 11)
This episode has one of the best cold openings as Jim pranks Dwight yet again. Because Phyllis is blackmailing Angela about a secret affair, she leads the Party Planning Committee and organizes a Moroccan Christmas. Dwight earns a huge profit from selling the most popular toy to desperate parents ahead of the holidays. Chaos also ensues as Meredith’s hair catches on fire when she’s had too much to drink and continues dancing.
2. “A Benihana Christmas” (Season 3, Episode 10)
When Michael Photoshops himself on his girlfriend’s previous Christmas card, she ends their relationship. Having planned on taking Carol to Jamaica for the holidays, Michael wallows about his breakup and Andy takes him to a Benihana restaurant with Jim and Dwight to make him feel better. Michael’s rebound with the waitress is both cringe-worthy and funny. Simultaneously, Angela competes with Pam and Karen over who hosts a better Christmas party. The episode even includes a performance of “The Little Drummer Boy” once Angela realizes how boring her party is and joins the fun.
1. “Christmas Party” (Season 2, Episode 10)
The Dunder Mifflin employees participate in a gift exchange gone wrong when Michael doesn’t like the present he received. Considering the different items each person buys for their Secret Santa, the episode captures their various personalities. Despite the $20 limit, Michael uses his Christmas bonus to purchase an iPod for Ryan. Once everyone finds out, he boosts morale by buying a ton of alcohol for the party. You also can’t resist rooting for Jim and Pam even more when he puts together a sentimental gift for her.
You can find all seasons of “The Office” on Netflix and catch marathons on Comedy Central. Make sure to watch these Christmas episodes before the show leaves Netflix in 2021!