The ’90s were considered a booming time period in the world of television. This is partly due to its abundance of family sitcom classics. Furthermore, family sitcoms from the ’90s created and produced some of the most memorable Christmas episodes in television history. These popular sitcom episodes featured warm storylines with benevolent characters. As such, they provided a feel-good value of entertainment for the entire family. With all of this in mind, there’s a joyous episode out there for every member of the family — regardless of age — to magically enjoy. Let’s take a look at the best ’90s family sitcom Christmas episodes.
Home Improvement: “Twas The Blight Before Christmas”
Home Improvement was one of the most popular sitcoms of the ’90s. As such, the series is responsible for a plethora of enjoyable holiday episodes. However,” ‘Twas the Blight Before Christmas” ranks in as the best. The decoration aspect pertaining to Christmas can sometimes be a competition, as conveyed perfectly in this classic episode.
Tim is once again attempting to win the annual Christmas lights contest in his neighborhood. However, Doc Johnson, Tim’s pesky neighbor, somehow decorates his house before Tim. In the end, it turns out that Randy, Tim’s son, has been sharing information about the lights with Doc’s granddaughter. As such, this episode makes for one of the funniest of the series and one of the best ’90s sitcom Christmas episodes.
Family Matters: “Have Yourself A Merry Winslow Christmas”
Family Matters was a memorable ’90s sitcom that centered around the importance of good family values. As such, the Family Matters’ Christmas episode “Have Yourself A Merry Winslow Christmas” beautifully portrays that image. The episode clearly paints the idea that rather than materialistic items, Christmas is about spending it with the people you love.
After Steve accidentally breaks Laura’s sacred tree ornament, she is understandably furious. Additionally, Steve’s family has left him alone for Christmas. When Laura banishes him from the house, Steve is forced to spend Christmas alone. However, Laura eventually undergoes a change of heart, and Steve spends Christmas with his favorite family. It’s a holiday episode full of warm nostalgia and family cheer.
The Nanny: “Oy To The World”
Family sitcoms in the ’90s were famous for taking cinematic risks and indulging in unorthodox approaches. As such, The Nanny takes a bold risk with its “Oy To The World” Christmas episode. Unlike the rest of the show’s episodes, this one is entirely animated. Furthermore, this Christmas special takes a creative spin on the typical storyline within the normal show.
When a selfish Brighton goes too far with his gift-requesting, Fran takes it upon herself to teach him what Christmas is all about. In doing so, she plans on taking him to a homeless shelter to show him how awful some people have it during Christmas time. However, a winter storm whisks Fran, Brighton, and Chester to the North Pole. The trio eventually encounters Santa, his elves, and above all else, the true meaning of Christmas: giving.
Everybody Loves Raymond: “The Toaster”
The hilarious family sitcom starring Ray Romano as the titular character featured a string of wildly memorable holiday episodes. In the show’s third season, “The Toaster” certainly doesn’t shy away from plenty of laughs. In an episode of wacky banter and unorthodox Christmas presents, members of the whole family can happily enjoy this Christmas classic.
It’s Christmas time, and Ray is looking for the perfect gift to give this glorious holiday season. Interestingly enough, he and Debra decide to give toasters as a present to the entire family. Furthermore, the toasters are specifically engraved for each member of the family. However, Frank and Marie, Ray’s parents, are unaware of the special addition to the normal appearing toaster. As such, they return the toaster in hopes to exchange the gift for a new coffee maker. After learning about the truth behind the gift, they strenuously attempt to get the toaster back. It’s an episode full of insane hijinks and memorable moments.
The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air: “Deck The Halls”
Along with warm, fuzzy storylines, ’90s family sitcoms were synonymous with absolute hilarity. As such, “Deck The Halls” from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air dishes up plenty of funny moments. Interestingly, the episode focuses on various experiences when it comes to the December holiday. Still, despite the obvious differences, there’s plenty to be enjoyed in this engaging episode.
Will realizes that his cousin, Ashley, has never experienced a true Christmas. Will, however, is used to staggering lights and decorations from growing up in Philadelphia. However, he understands that Christmas isn’t as magical in California. As such, Will decides to give Ashley a Christmas she’ll never forget. This includes decorating the entire mansion, much to the chagrin of the extremely posh neighborhood that the Banks reside in. Despite creating temporary enemies, Will shows the Banks what an actual Christmas is supposed to be like. It’s an episode full of hilarious moments and the spreading of the holiday spirit.
Full House: “Our Very First Christmas Show”
Full House is one of the most recognizable family sitcoms of the popular ’90s. With episodes full of important lessons and teachable moments, it’s not hard to understand why the series is so beloved. Furthermore, the Christmas episodes always rank at the top of annual lists. The “Our Very First Christmas Show” episode of Full House proves that exact reason why.
The entire Tanner clan (plus Jesse and Joey) are traveling to Colorado to spend Christmas with Danny’s extended family. However, a sudden blizzard forces their plane to have an emergency landing, grounding them at an airport for Christmas Eve. As such, Stephanie is concerned that Santa won’t be able to find them. When the entire airport full of people thinks this Christmas is ruined, Jesse convinces them that the true meaning of Christmas is being with friends and family. In the end, Stephanie and the rest of the family get the Christmas they never knew they needed, Santa included. As such, it’s the best ’90s family sitcom Christmas episode.
