Our take
The second half pays off the first with a satisfying mix of romance and farce. The visiting boyfriend, the smug new partner and the snowball war all collide at the party, and the closing beat gives Michael's story a hopeful lift without tying it up. A strong, warm finish to the show's last Christmas with its original lead, and a reminder of how well the ensemble could juggle half a dozen stories at once.
What happens
Michael has had his classy Christmas party for Holly's return, but she is still dating A.J. and they live together, which leaves him miserable. Jim and Dwight's snowball war rages on. Darryl has brought his daughter Jada to the party and struggles to keep her entertained. Angela arrives with her boyfriend, a state senator, and is very pleased with herself, although Oscar is fairly sure the senator is gay. Pam finally gives Jim the comic book she has been drawing for him, after some unflattering reviews from colleagues. Then A.J. turns up to surprise Holly. At the end of the night Pam tells Michael that Holly has given A.J. an ultimatum: propose by the end of the year or they are finished, which gives Michael a small glimmer of hope.
Can the kids watch it?
Rated 12 on the UK DVD (both parts together) for moderate sex references; best for teenagers.