Our take
A warm, busy Christmas episode with a petty feud at its centre: who gets to wear the Santa suit at the office party, and who sulks about it all day. Michael's sulk is pure Michael, the bird-a-day gift for Erin is a lovely running gag, and the worry about the company gives the party a little weight. Not the show's finest Christmas, but an easy, cheerful half-hour with a properly festive finish.
What happens
Jim and Dwight are running this year's Christmas party, and Jim lets Phyllis play Santa, something she has wanted to do for years. Michael, who always plays Santa, is outraged and spends the day trying to upstage her. Andy has drawn Erin in the Secret Santa and gives her the Twelve Days of Christmas, which means a run of live birds arriving at reception that ruins her day rather than winning her over. Oscar has a crush on a new warehouse worker, Matt, and Pam tries to play matchmaker, while Jim and Dwight do their best to get the whole office into the holiday spirit. Hanging over everything is uncertain news from corporate about the company's future. In the end the party comes together with karaoke, a marching band and a little snow.
Can the kids watch it?
Rated PG on the UK DVD for mild injury detail; fine for most children of about ten and up.
Cast and crew
Starring
- Rainn Wilson
Writer
- Mindy Kaling
Director
- Randall Einhorn