4. Season 5, Episode 8: Previously Unaired Christmas
This episode is a wild ride from start to finish, and I don’t think in a good way. It’s an episode that had been “locked into a vault” for a year. It’s just… strange. And doesn’t follow any real plot? But it’s fun, I guess!
Highlights from the album:
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Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree;
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That’s it.
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I refuse to put “The Chipmunk Song” on any sort of Holiday playlist, and I’m not sorry.
3. Season 4, Episode10: Glee, Actually
This episode is the first Glee Christmas eipsode following the graduation of major players like Santana, Rachel, and Kurt, and it’s bizarre. But the reunion scene between Kurt and his dad, is the sweetest thing I ever did see, but it quickly takes a sad yet still turn when Burt reveals medical issues. Indeed, New York is an emotional roller coaster, complete with a surprise visit from Blaine, too. The rest of the episode has some Holiday flair, but is overall rather boring.
Highlights from the album:
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The ensemble number “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” a personal favorite of mine;
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A beautiful acapella version of “The First Noel;” and
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“White Christmas,” a true classic.
2. Season 2, Episode 10: A Very Glee Christmas
The original Glee Christmas episode is, in my opinion, the very best. It has the sweetest story lines, with New Directions participating in the fundraiser for homeless children by caroling classroom to classroom, to Brittany still believing in Santa, to the exploration of Kurt’s budding crush on Blaine with their “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” duet. This episode gets right to the Christmas spirit, in perfect, quintessential Glee fashion, with the right balance of humor and emotion.
Highlights from the album:
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Rachel’s dramatic solo rendition “Last Christmas,” for which the band was the only audience;
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“The Most Wonderful Day of the Year,” which opened the episode; and, of course,
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“Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” the scene for which I remember screaming through the entire first time I watched it. Be still, my Klaine heart.
1. Season 3, Episode 9: Extraordinary Merry Christmas
This episode as a choice for number 1 is maybe a little bit controversial, but I love this one. It opens with a jolly scene of tree decorating and song, followed closely Rachel not-so helpfully giving her beloved Finn a Christmas list and ensuing that he can “pick five.” But the real highlight of the episode is the Glee Club’s overtaking of the PBS Christmas special, where Kurt and Blaine, “best friends and holiday roommates,” host their fellow club members for an evening of Holiday Cheer in classic black and white. Nothing was ever more delightful.
Highlights from the album:
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Rory’s dulcet tones on “Blue Christmas;”
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“River,” one of my most favorite sad Christmas songs that Rachel firmly stated is “not depressing,” but “emotional;” and
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“Let It Snow,” an upbeat duet that warmed our hearts.