TV's Most Memorable Holiday Moments

In the densely packed pantheon of misconceived Star Wars ideas, there's nothing like The Star Wars Holiday Special. A 97-minute morass of equally dire live-action, variety show, and cartoon material, the 1978 special was the first serious blemish on the Star Wars phenomenon. The "holiday" is actually Life Day, but the banal Wookiee festival takes a back seat to Chewbacca's dowdy nuclear family, Bea Arthur and Carrie Fisher singing about love, and reality TV on Tattooine. It quickly became the franchise's unloved, unreleased stepchild despite its historic elements (including an early look at Boba Fett). George Lucas once said that if he had the time and a sledgehammer, he'd smash every bootleg copy he could find.
[Mark Wilson, Sci-Fi]

Yes, Festivus, the holiday “for the rest of us,” has grown far beyond its origins in the Seinfeld episode “The Strike,” and was actually created by Seinfeld writer Daniel O’Keefe’s father as a tradition for the O’Keefe family. But no matter how many people go out and buy Festivus poles (only unadorned aluminum) and participate in their own Airing of Grievances (telling family members about all the ways they’ve disappointed you over the year), the made-up holiday (celebrated December 23 as an alternative to Christmas) still finds its purest form in George Costanza’s father Frank, torturing his son with Feats of Strength and Festivus miracles.
[Josh Bell, TV Comedies]

Destined to go down in history as the "Schweddy Balls" sketch, this late-'90s Saturday Night Live sketch stars Molly Shannon and Ana Gasteyer as hosts of an extremely low-key NPR talk show. Guest host Alec Baldwin comes on as Pete Schweddy to share a very special holiday recipe, and holiday treats were never the same again. It's an extremely juvenile joke that's pretty easy to telegraph, but I'd be lying if I said it wasn't funny -- particularly considering how well everyone stays in character and maintains a straight face. Nowadays, it just isn't the holidays without Schweddy Balls.
[Patrick Bromley, Comedians]

Come the holidays, families of mixed faiths face a difficult decision about which path to follow. The Cohens, from Fox's former hit series The O.C., decided to blend their paths together and celebrate Chrismukkah, which Seth characterized as, "eight days of presents and one day of many presents." Celebratory details are thin, but in typical teen angst style, each annual Chrismukkah episode featured some sort of major roadblock that threatened the very foundation of this happy holiday. But whether it was someone slipping into a coma and seeing what life could've been like or getting "Bar-Mitz-vahkkahed" to make money for a needy friend, miracles were never in short supply each Chrismukkah in The O.C.
[Rachel Thomas, TV Dramas]

One of the highlights each year on the prime-time version of Deal or No Deal was the annual Christmas episode, which was usually two hours long, with some really deserving contestants. From parents of 13 kids to decorated military veterans, each contestant played the game in hopes of winning an extra-special Christmas gift. We saw the briefcase models dressed up in skimpy holiday outfits, and sometimes their cases held things like fruitcake and turkeys. The man himself, Santa Claus, even stopped by to give gifts to audience members. Game shows are always about having fun and winning prizes, themes that tie in perfectly with the holiday season!
[Carrie Grosvenor, Game Shows]

Mr. Hankey the Christmas Poo first appeared in a self-titled episode during South Park's first season. Poor Jewish Kyle was feeling sad about Christmas until his poo, Mr. Hankey, started speaking and singing to him. In season 3, Mr. Hankey hosted, "Mr. Hankey's Christmas Classics," a musical which allowed him to flush away any misgivings the children had about his character. He sang about being a present from down below and gave everyone kisses before he melted away. Proving his love comes from deep inside you, and spreading his holiday cheer wherever he hops, his "Howdy Ho!" will greet you every Christmas, especially if you have fiber on Christmas Eve.
[Nancy Basile, Animated TV]

Stephen Colbert, host of The Colbert Report, presents his version of a traditional holiday special, including special guests, musical numbers and a storyline so cheesy, you could see any pop star from the 1970s do just the same thing. For those who appreciate absurd humor, the final act is especially enjoyable, when the bear that has been stalking Colbert manages to get in the cabin. The two come to an understanding, however, and (at the mistletoe’s request) exchange a kiss. Colbert realizes his mistake in engaging in the snog: “Oh no! I forgot! I’m delicious!” A chase ensues and Colbert is saved by a knife-wielding Santa (played by George Wendt). It's now available on DVD at finer retailers near you.
[Tom Tennant, Talk Shows]