Our take
More a festive variety hour than an episode, this is really a half-hour advertisement for a Christmas album, and the lack of a plot shows. The songs are another matter: the show's knack for pastiche makes the carols, ballads and duets genuinely catchy, and Santa and Jesus singing together is a highlight. For fans of the show's music it is an annual ritual; for anyone else, a curiosity.
What happens
Less a story than a Christmas variety show, this episode is hosted by Mr. Hankey, who introduces a run of festive songs performed by the people of South Park in the manner of an old-fashioned holiday special. Satan sings about Christmas time in Hell with help from Adolf Hitler, who also gives his own rendition of O Tannenbaum. Mr. Garrison lays into the way the rest of the world celebrates Christmas, Cartman sings his own personal version of O Holy Night, and Santa Claus and Jesus team up for a duet medley. Kyle tries to teach everyone about Hanukkah with a dreidel song, and the children sing about the jolliest piece of poo in town. Between the numbers come live-action spoof adverts. Mr. Hankey and his friends round the show off with one more song, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.
Can the kids watch it?
Not for children: rated 15 in the UK, with bleeped strong language and very crude songs, so for 15 and over.
Cast and crew
Starring
- Trey Parker as Stan Marsh, Eric Cartman, Mr. Hankey, Mr. Garrison, Satan, Santa
- Matt Stone as Kyle Broflovski, Kenny McCormick, Gerald Broflovski, Jesus
- Mary Kay Bergman as Sheila Broflovski, Shelly Marsh
- Isaac Hayes as Chef
Writer
- Trey Parker
Director
- Trey Parker