West Essex’s favorite TV specials to get into ultimate holiday spirit

These TV specials are perfect to pump up the holiday season.

By Gabrielle Kesh, Apprentice Editor

Illustration by Rebecca Klein

“Slapsgiving,” from “How I Met Your Mother”

It is 2007 and the first Thanksgiving that the gang is spending together — a tradition that they hope to uphold throughout the years. But as fans of the show understand, something crazy is always happening. Robin and Ted are in an awkward position from their breakup and don’t know how to act around one another. Meanwhile, Lily tries to plan the perfect holiday, but she keeps getting interrupted. Barney lost a bet to Marshall which means he can be slapped at any time. Marshall makes it seem as though this slap will come during Thanksgiving dinner. With Barney awaiting the consequences of his loss, Lily in a panic, and Robin and Ted’s drama, this episode gives the audience a laugh. The character chemistry is real and this episode is a fan favorite.

“It’s a hilarious show with a relatable life plotline,” senior Alexandra Apito said. “Every Thanksgiving I anticipate watching this episode for a laugh with my family.”


“A Very Glee Christmas,” from “Glee”

Holiday cheer floods through the halls of Mckinley High School along with classic Christmas tunes. This episode includes renditions of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” and “We Need a Little Christmas.”  Along with the music, Glee Club holds a secret Santa exchange where everyone struggles to find the perfect gifts. The manipulative Sue Sylvester, who aims to destroy the club, tries to find a way to get all the gifts for herself. The spirited music and interesting plot makes it one that never gets old.

“I love this one because in the end Sue realizes that what she is doing isn’t right and fixes her mistakes,” freshman Taylor Sindle said.

 

“The One With the Armadillo,” from “Friends”

It is the holiday season in New York and Ben is coming to stay with Ross. This gives Ross the idea to take the opportunity and expose his son Ben to his Jewish heritage. Ben has developed a love for Christmas, and thinks a holiday without Santa Clause to be a terrible idea. As this is going on, Rachel is figuring out her living situation. She is planning on living with Joey, but  Phoebe wants Rachel with her. This leads to Phoebe taking matters into her own hands, and causing some holiday commotion. This funny approach to the diversity of holidays keeps the viewer laughing. The episode may be dated, but it is still beloved.

“This episode provides a funny take on how parents can alter the beliefs of their kids on the holidays,” sophomore Juliana Hana said. “I watch it every year”.

 

“Blair Waldorf Must Pie,” from “Gossip Girl”

Even Manhattan’s most elite teenagers, with their extravagant lives, settle down for the holidays. But in this particular episode, no one is in the holiday mood quite yet: Best friends Blair and Serena get in a fight which causes them to break their annual Thanksgiving tradition. Serena and her family end up at Dan’s house, where an uncomfortable situation is created for the parents. Blair awaits her father’s homecoming, yet he doesn’t show. At the Archibald house, Thanksgiving is spent in the hospital after Nate’s father attempts to end his life. This episode tackles issues of neglect, betrayal, and suicide which makes it an intense watch. The episode is one that can not be forgotten.

“This episode is enjoyable to watch because there is drama with a holiday spin” junior Issy Eisen said.

 

“Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer,” from “Grey’s Anatomy”  

Everyone seems to be in the Christmas mood except for the doctors at Seattle Grace. They are dealing with a boy who needs a heart transplant but doesn’t want one, which sparks a controversial debate between Burke and Cristina. At the same time, Alex is preparing to retake his exam before the holiday starts and Izzy feels betrayed by her friends. Alex just broke up with her and she is struggling to get over him. While dealing with her feelings, she is helping a man who fell from his roof while hanging decorations. Everyone is dealing with a lot of chaos but are reminded of the true spirit of the Christmas holiday.

 

“Even though the characters are struggling with personal issues, the holiday helps relieve their stress,” sophomore Jordyn White said. “It taught me life lessons that I will never forget”.