If you grew up anything like I did, the holiday season was something you looked forward to each and every day leading up to it. No matter how old I get, there is always something so exciting about Christmas that brings out that nostalgic feeling so strong. One of my favorite traditions that I do to really unlock my inner child is going back and watching all of Disney Channel’s Christmas episodes from some of the iconic original T.V. shows. To include you in this tradition, below is a breakdown of some of Disney’s best Christmas episodes.
1. ‘The Suite Life of Zack and Cody’ (Season 1, Episode 21)
Growing up with a younger brother, who was not as interested in the princesses and love stories as I might have been, fighting over the remote for a show that peaked our own interests was common. However, ‘The Suite Life of Zack and Cody’ was a show we both could find areas of interest in. This Christmas episode brings back the true feel of the 2000s and is a great show for everyone of all ages and interests. From the twins’ rebellious antics in the Tipton, to London’s holiday shopping habits, there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy in this holiday filled episode.
2. ‘Hannah Montana’ (Season 3, Episode 5)
This option might come with a bit of bias. Being that I had everything from Hannah Montana pjs to a Hannah Montana microphone, this show holds a super special place in my heart. This episode especially. What I like about this episode is that it does a good job of sticking with the storyline the show was on, while including little Christmas details, like Billy Ray Cyrus assuring his Christmas tree is upright and steady, and Miley doing a little holiday shopping. Watching this episode had me sucked right back into the plot of the show, and I might be going back soon to binge watch the rest of it.
3. ‘Good Luck Charlie’ (Season 3, Episode 21)
Although ‘Good Luck Charlie’ got an entire Christmas movie, I wanted to touch more on the Christmas episode. This show was one my whole family could watch together. The feeling of that busy, casual, big family who had chaos consistently surrounding them during the holiday season was definitely relatable for all of us. The mom, Amy, frantically decorating while simultaneously trying to keep the house together, and the dad, Bob, just being there to assist when necessary while the kids go each and every way with their busy schedules. Although the whole episode has characters dealing with their own trials and tribulations, I love how the entire family comes together in the end to celebrate the holidays.
4. ‘Jessie’ (Season 3, Episode 7)
This particular episode is super special. It is a crossover episode between the characters of ‘Jessie’ and the characters of ‘Good Luck Charlie.’ Some of the most entertaining characters come together to celebrate Christmas. Of course, everything that could go south, does go south, and watching the characters navigate it all with one another is super entertaining. They all have such drastic personality differences that hilariously compliment one another. With a bit of a scavenger hunt, and some Christmas traditions all wrapped in one, this episode is definitely a must watch.
5. ‘Austin and Ally’ (Season 3, Episode 5)
Personally, this episode can be iconic solely for the amount of Christmas decorations included throughout the show. I love the wholesomeness of gift giving within the show, and the plot line of “giving back to those who aren’t as lucky as we are.” The show deals with several different mishaps, and just like many other episodes in this series, they come together for a huge musical number in the end. If you love Ross Lynch as much as I do, and will use any excuse to watch something he’s apart of, this is perfect.
6. ‘Phineas and Ferb’ (Season 2, Episode 22)
For all of our animated show lovers, ‘Phineas and Ferb’ has everything. I love how they change the usual theme song in this episode to be more Christmas themed. It is so clever and such a fun way to start an episode when it is the holiday season. I always enjoyed watching Candice and felt like I could really relate to her in all the chaotic ways that being an older sister entails. From Christmas carolers to snow storms, this episode celebrates Christmas in all of the fun, childish ways.
7. ‘Liv and Maddie’ (Season 1, Episode 10)
The episode starts off with several common Christmas traditions, decorating the house, and making a wish list. Similar to ‘Good Luck Charlie,’ the appeal of this episode for me was always the family dynamics within the show and having so many similarities between the characters in the show and my own family. From the struggles of trying to stay on the nice list to good old sibling holiday arguments, this episode is equally entertaining and relatable.
Although there are plenty more Disney Christmas episodes and movies that weren’t on this breakdown, these are just a few of my personal favorites that bring me right back to celebrating the holidays as a kid. There’s something about Christmas that brings such a huge wave of nostalgia to me and I love doing things to make that feeling stick around a little longer. I strongly encourage you to grab those around you whom you are celebrating the holidays with, and spend some time watching a few–-or all–-of these Christmas episodes.