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It’s getting to that time of year again. Getting out of bed becomes harder as the temperature plummets and the Christmas break can’t come soon enough.
I have only recently got into American sitcoms (I was never a fan of Friends), but there seem to be a lot of good ones circulating at the moment. The following are my top Christmas Specials for some of the best programmes overseas, which you must watch if you’re after a lot of laughs in front of the T.V.
1) It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia- ‘A Very Sunny Christmas’
I must admit, I had never heard of this show until before the start of the summer this year but when I gave it a go, I loved every minute of it. The show has just started its 8th season since its pilot episode in 2005. Back then, the writers/producers/actors of the show Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day and Glenn Howerton had such a small budget, they barely had enough to feed themselves for lunch. Once Danny De Vito signed on as a regular on season 2, they have become a cult favourite due to their outlandish, crass and politically incorrect style.
In this episode, Mac realises that his family’s Christmas tradition of swapping gifts with the Neighbours (by sneaking into their houses) was actually just plain robbery. Dennis and Dee hate Christmas due to their father Frank always buying what they wanted for himself instead. To try and make him see the error of his ways, they all go to a party and conceal Frank inside the sofa so he can listen to all the party goers speak ill of him. Frank soon gets too hot under the couch so strips naked and eventually break out of the sofa, running through the party nude.
2) Curb Your Enthusiasm- ‘Mary, Joseph and Larry’
Possibly one of the funniest, yet cringe worthy, shows out there, Larry David never fails to get into horrifically awkward situations. In this episode Larry wakes up in the middle of the night for a late night snack. Seeing a plate full of freshly baked cookies on the side, he devours the whole lot and then goes to bed.
The next morning (Christmas Eve) his wife’s family, who are staying for Christmas, are screaming at Larry for eating all the cookies shaped as characters in the nativity scene. With not much time left, he goes out to find a replacement. He stumbles on a church with a live nativity scene and pays them all to come to his house. Of course, it wouldn’t be that easy for Larry…
3) The Simpsons- ‘’Tis the Fifteenth Season’
Every night after tea my kids always avoid helping with the washing up by watching an episode of The Simpsons. One night I decided to the same and watch an episode with them. It just so happened to be a Christmas special and I must admit, I laughed a lot.
After Homer is selfish when buying the family Christmas presents, he seeks to change his ways and become the nicest man in town by being overly generous. This causes Ned Flanders to be very jealous and they try to beat each other in how far their generosity can go.
4) The Office- ‘Secret Santa’
After loving Gervais’ original I was a bit wary at first of this US version of the show. But once it gets into its own thing, The Office is among the top TV comedies around at the moment. I could make numerous references to its Christmas specials but the Yankee swap has to be one of best. Michael decides to spice up the secret Santa presents by giving everyone the opportunity to steal other people’s presents for themselves- just because he didn’t like the oven mitt Phyllis had made for him. Using office holiday decorations, Jim pranks Dwight by covering his desk, and everything on top, in wrapping paper- see below.
There you have it, my favourite Christmas moments. Do you have any you feel need mentioning? Comment and share below.
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Estelle Page is a freelance interior designer and loves a comedy programme. She has only recently got into American comedy shows and finds them just as good as some of the British ones around at the moment. She recommends ambius.com for all your Christmas party decorations too.
