And of course, what look at Christmas episodes would be complete without
The very first ever episode to air, and the first of many special Christmas episodes of the series, “Simpsons roasting on an open fire” introduces the sixth member of the Simpson family, who was to become so important in their various storylines, the dog Santa's Little Helper.
The Simpons: “Simpsons roasting on an open fire”
Deprived of a Christmas bonus at work, Homer is glad he can fall back upon the safety net of “The big jar”, the money Marge has scraped aside during the year towards the festive season. When he learns though that this money has all gone to remove a tattoo that Bart got against his mother's wishes, he is unwilling to tell his family that there is no money for Christmas, and keeps quiet about the lack of bonus. Desperate for extra money, he hears Barney talk about working as a mall Santa, and signs up. Unfortunately, after many deductions he's left with a lot less than he expected. Then Barney comes to the rescue again, giving him a tip on a dog racing down the track.
At the last moment though Homer changes his mind, hearing the name “Santa's Little Helper” being added to the race. Taking it as a sign he bids his full paycheque on the dog, but it performs terribly and he loses all his money, while Barney's dog, as he promised, wins the race. Heading home dejectedly, they see the dog, Santa's Little Helper, being kicked out by its owner and take him home, where he becomes the family dog, the best Christmas present the Simpsons have ever had.
QUOTES
Marge (writing): “
The magic of the holiday season has touched us all...”
Homer: “Marge! Haven't you finished writing that stupid letter yet?”
Marge: “
Homer sends his love...”
Marge: “All right kids. Let me have those letters and I'll send them to Santa at the North Pole.”
Bart: “Oh please: there's only one fat guy who brings us presents and his name ain't Santa!”
Smithers (over tannoy): “Attention all personnel! Please keep working during this announcement. And now, our boss and friend, Mister Burns!”
Burns (over tannoy): “Hello. I'm proud to announce that we've been able to increase safety here at the plant, without increasing the cost to the consumer or threatening the management pay rises. However, for you ... semi-skilled workers ... there will be no Christmas bonuses. Oh, and one more thing: Merry Christmas!”
Homer (trying to recall the names of Santa's reindeer): “Um... Dasher, Dancer .... Prancer ... Nixon ... Comet, Cupid ... Donna Dixon!”
Homer: “Thirteen bucks??”
Pay clerk: “That's right. Less social security, less employment insurance, less Santa training, less costume purchase, less suit rental, less Christmas club. See you next year!”
Bart: “Oh come on dad. This could be the miracle that saves the Simpsons. If TV has taught me anything, it's that miracles happen to poor kids at Christmas. It happened to Tiny Tim, it happened to Charlie Brown, it happened to the Smurfs and it's gonna happen to us!”
Lisa: “What's that, Aunt Patti?”
Patti: “Oh nothing dear. We're just trashing your father.”
Lisa: “Well I wish you wouldn't, because aside from the fact that has the same frailities as all human beings, he is the only father I have, and therefore he is my model of manhood, and my estimation of him will govern my own future prospects of my adult relationships. So I hope you take into account that any knock made against him is a knock against me, and I am much too young to defend myself against such onslaughts."
Patti: “Uh-huh. Go watch your cartoon show, dear.”
Bart: “Aw! Can we keep him dad? Please?”
Homer: “But he's a loser! He's pathetic! He's .... a Simpson...”
Simpsons (singing, over the end credits): “Then one foggy Christmas Eve, Santa came to say...”
Marge: “Take it, Homer!”
Homer: “Er, er, Rudolph get your nose over here, and you can guide my sleigh today....”