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 “A Benihana Christmas” from The Office. What Christmas episode tropes did this episode use? Let’s take a look.
Basic Info
Directed by: Harold Ramis
Written by: Jennifer Celotta
Episode Number: Season 3, Episode 10
Where to Watch It: Netflix
Christmas Songs
When Angela is being overly assertive about planning the Christmas party, Pam and Karen break off and form their own committee to plan a separate party, which ends up being more popular.
When Pam and Karen extend an olive branch and suggest combining parties, Angela asks if their karaoke machine has Christmas songs. She joins the other party and sings “Little Drummer Boy.”
Christmas Outfits
Michael, Kevin and Andy all wear special Christmas ties. Pam has Christmas earrings. Angela and Phyllis both wear Christmas themed lapel pins.
Christmas Food
When Michael greets Pam, he says, “Hey! I would like a nice slice of Christmas Pam. Side of candy Pams. And perhaps some Pam chops… with mint.”
Later, Andy takes Michael to Benihana where he asks for a “nog-a-sake.” He explains it’s eggnog and sake and that many places won’t make it because eggnog is season.
At Angela’s party, she has double fudge brownies. This causes Kevin to feel conflicted, saying, “Angela’s party has double fudge brownies… but it also has Angela.”
Toys
The office has a box for a toy drive. Michael brings his old bike, passing it off as new despite people pointing out that the tires are worn and the paint is chipping. At the end of the episode, the date he brought to the Christmas party ends up taking the bike.
Cancelled Christmas
After Michael gets dumped, he declares that Christmas is cancelled. Fortunately, he’s too busy going to Benihana and getting drunk to enforce this and the Christmas parties go on.