9 Hidden Easter Eggs & References in The Simpsons 2024 Holiday Special Connected to Past Christmas Episodes

Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for The Simpsons season 36’s special “O C’Mon All Ye Faithful.”

The latest Christmas special from The Simpsons, titled “O C’Mon All Ye Faithful,” stands out as a wholly original creation, yet it pays homage to many beloved moments from past holiday episodes. Although the renewal of season 37 has yet to be confirmed, the series continues to evolve creatively. Despite its long-lasting legacy, the show has reinvigorated itself since its lowest point around season 33. It now emphasizes character-driven narratives that highlight emotional depth rather than relying solely on slapstick humor, leading some viewers and critics to suggest that The Simpsons is experiencing a renaissance.

After an impressive run of over 770 episodes, the transformations in season 36 demonstrate the show’s commitment to innovation. In episode 6, “Women in Shorts,” the series explored an anthology format featuring numerous prominent female characters from Springfield. Following that, the subsequent episode served as a Treehouse of Horror special, creatively integrating the works of Ray Bradbury into the world of The Simpsons. These fresh approaches in season 36 signal a pleasant deviation from the usual storytelling methods, and the holiday special continues to reference iconic moments from the show’s past.

9 The Ending Of “C’Mon Ye Faithful”Recreates The Simpsons’ First Episode

Homer and Santa's Little Helper from the pilot episode

The holiday special ends with a heartwarming scene of Marge and Homer cuddling by the Christmas tree, while Lisa and Bart watch for Santa, echoing the closing moments of the series’ pilot episode, “Simpsons Roasting On An Open Fire.” This nostalgic callback serves as a testament to the show’s enduring spirit as it celebrates the family together during the holidays, 35 years after the original airing. The presence of Grampa was notable in the first episode, highlighting the shifts in family dynamics throughout the years, but the strong familial bond remains intact.

While the series has faced criticism for maintaining a somewhat static formula over the years, this festive reunion underscores why that consistency can be viewed positively. The sense of togetherness and tradition during holidays in the Simpson household adds depth to the series, proving that some elements of life in Springfield are timeless.

8 Homer Has Been Santa Before

Homer Played Santa When He Saved Springfield From Funzo

The storyline of “O C’Mon All Ye Faithful” revolves around British mentalist Derren Brown’s efforts to revive the Christmas spirit in Springfield, leading to a comical twist where Homer believes he is Santa Claus after Brown’s suggestions. While this is a new twist for Homer, he has donned the Santa suit before, notably in season 11’s “The Grift of the Magi,” where he wore it while attempting to steal Funzo dolls to protect the town’s treasured toys from destruction.

This unique blend of festive themes, satire, and humor has allowed “The Grift of the Magi” to become one of The Simpsons’ most beloved holiday specials, illustrating the show’s ability to tackle serious themes within a comedic framework.

7 Bart Tries To Connect With Marge Over The Christmas Spirit

Marge and Bart’s Relationship Framed The Show’s Best Christmas Special

Throughout “O C’Mon All Ye Faithful,” the relationship between Marge and Bart is particularly poignant, especially when Bart decides to prank the Flanders family to reignite their faith. Initially disheartened, Marge realizes Bart’s actions stem from a desire to restore Ned’s faith, echoing sentiments found in “Marge Be Not Proud,” the series’ most emotional Christmas episode, which also delved into the mother-son dynamic amid misunderstandings and challenges.

6 Lisa’s Conversion To Buddhism Is A Simpsons Holiday Tradition

Lisa First Questioned Her Faith At Christmas

Within the special, Lisa’s dialogue with Ned touching upon her Buddhist faith serves as a callback to her original conversion in season 13’s “She Of Little Faith.” As Ned grapples with belief, Lisa provides a metaphorical parable to bolster his spirits, highlighting her own unwavering commitment to her beliefs and offering character development as she navigates her faith amidst the holiday spirit.

5 Gil Gets A Christmas Redemption

Gil Was The Focus Of An Earlier Simpsons Christmas Special

In “O C’Mon All Ye Faithful,” Gil’s character arc takes a hopeful turn as the documentary crew captures him in a light that rebuilds his self-image, contrasting sharply with his past appearances, such as in season 18’s “Kill Gil, Parts 1 and 2,” where he struggled to find belonging and faced multiple setbacks during a festive season.

4 “C’Mon Ye Faithful”Even References Non-Christmas Episodes

The Simpsons Christmas Special Features A Nod To One Season 1 Outing

In a clever nod to earlier seasons, Homer’s cynical view of his gift-giving skills includes a reference to buying Marge a bowling ball, alluding to the tension that arose in season 1’s “Life on the Fast Lane.” Such callbacks to the show’s rich history add layers of humor and nostalgia to the holiday special’s narrative.

3 The Simpsons Fixes An Infamous Non-Christmas Plot With One Twist

Homer’s Hypnosis Goes A Lot Better The Second Time Around

This season 36 special revisits themes of hypnosis with a lighthearted approach, contrasting previous narrative arcs where Homer uncovered disturbing memories. By allowing Homer to have fun with the idea of being Santa instead, the show reinvigorates a potentially morbid story arc into a more comedic experience.

2 Moe’s Darkest Holiday Tradition Returns In “O C’Mon All Ye Faithful”

The Simpsons Season 36’s Holiday Special Proves Moe Has Found Meaning

Traditionally, Moe has been the subject of dark humor surrounding depression during the holidays. In this special, there’s a shift where he admits that the spirit of Christmas, sparked by Homer’s antics, has renewed his zest for life, effectively transforming a bleak trope into a more optimistic narrative.

1 Homer & Flanders’ Differences Have Fueled Simpsons Christmas Specials Before

Homer and Flanders Were Contrasted Throughout Two Christmas Episodes

In past Christmas specials, the contrasting natures of Homer and Ned Flanders have played a central role, encapsulating the humor of their differences. In this holiday special, their dynamic remains at the forefront, with Homer embodying the spirit of Santa while Ned struggles with his faith. The culmination of their contrasting perspectives leads to a heartwarming resolution, reaffirming seasonal themes of redemption and happiness.

Catch new episodes of The Simpsons airing every Sunday at 8 PM on Fox.

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