We’re counting down the days until Christmas by looking back at Christmas episodes from a variety of TV shows. Tonight we’re talking about “Santa” from New Girl. What Christmas episode tropes did this episode use? Let’s take a look.
Basic Info
Directed by: Craig Zisk
Written by: Luvh Rakhe
Episode Number: Season 2, Episode 11
Where to Watch It: Netflix
Santa Encounter
Early in the episode, everyone talks about Santa and Winston accidentally lets it slip out that he still believes in Santa deep down.
Later, when they’re pulled over by a jolly cop with a big white beard, Winston is sure it’s a visit from Santa. He’s delighted and asks, “Why is he here? He should be at home getting ready!”
Christmas Carolers
When Jess and the gang want to get into the children’s hospital to talk to Sam, they pose as Christmas carolers. Jess leads them in “O, Come All Ye Faithful” which she doesn’t actually know all the words to. Everyone chimes in singing different Christmas songs, including Schmidt singing a Hanukkah song.
Christmas Songs
At one point, Winston loudly sings “Up on the Housetop.”
Later, Nick decides to show his girlfriend Angie that he’s comfortable with her being a stripper by doing a striptease of his own. When he asks Winston to play a song for him, he plays “Deck the Halls,” but that doesn’t stop Nick from doing a sexy dance.
Christmas Decorations
While the group is making popcorn strings, Winston gets a cranberry stuck in his ear, allowing Lamorne Morris to be extra-hilarious this episode.
Christmas Party
The group decides to try to cram in as many of the Christmas parties they’ve been invited to as possible. The other are reluctant, but agree as soon as Jess volunteers to be the designated driver.
After she sees Sam at the first party, she runs away, but he also shows up at the second party because he wants to talk to her. There’s a very emotionally resonant scene as they talk about their feelings. He tries to kiss her and she stops him. She talks about how she’s always gullible and she isn’t going to do it anymore, which is a great set up for the pay off of everyone deciding to believe in Santa and for Jess to decide to believe Sam.