8 Funny Black Television Christmas Episodes of the ’90s
Looking for an unapologetically “Black Christmas,” just like the ones we saw in our favorite black television sitcoms of the ’90s? We can help.
Many of us may not have a snowy, white Christmas this year, but it can definitely be an unapologetically “Black Christmas,” just like they were in our favorite black television sitcoms of the ’90s.
Of course, there’s nothing I love more than having a lazy day to watch my favorite movies and TV shows from the ’90s. Back then, African-Americans were gaining more and more roles on mainstream television in non-stereotypical roles. And it was beautiful and good.
Black television was at its peak, then suddenly faded away for much of the early 2000’s. Today, it’s slowly coming back, but all I can think of are the glory days when popular shows like Family Matters, Living Single and The Wayans Brothers were on my primetime watchlist.
If you’re feeling nostalgic like me, then binge watch these popular Christmas specials of Black television’s past:
1. Living Single: “Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it snow … Dammit”
All of the girls and guys head to a Canadian cabin where Overton spent many childhood vacations. A cranky Mountie spoils all of Overton’s attempts at celebrating his family’s Christmas traditions and he becomes upset. Maxine and Kyle lust after each other and Khadijah and Regina feud over a man. In the end, Synclaire manages to bring back the holiday cheer.
2. Family Matters: “It’s beginning to look a lot like Urkel”
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Urkel manages to ruin an expensive crystal ornament that Laura just bought for her mother, Harriette. After she yells at Urkel and hurts his feeling, she wishes that Urkel would know what it’s like being her. In a weird twist of fate, her wish is answered by a guardian angel. The two swap places in an alternate reality and Laura becomes “Laura Urkel” while Steve becomes “Steve Winslow”.
3. Fresh Prince of Bel Air: “Deck The Halls”
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After hearing Ashley has never experienced a real Christmas, Will decides to give her one she’ll remember forever. Apparently, the family is not big on the holiday and the neighbors start complaining about Will and Ashley’s cheap “Kmart” quality decor. Hilarity ensues when Carlton’s caroling group comes to the door and the big reveal is Evander Holyfield’s appearance.
4. Kenan & Kel: “Merry Christmas Kenan”
Kenan dresses as Santa for children in a department store after the original Santa is knocked unconscious by a bratty little boy. Kel joins in as his official elf. Eventually, Kenan ends up helping a poor, single mom celebrate Christmas with her children and acts as their own personal Santa Claus.
5. Martin: “I Saw Gina Kissing Santa Claus”
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When Tommy convinces Martin to pose as Santa for a Big Brothers program, Martin tells the story of the first Christmas where he is Joseph and Gina is Mary. Tommy and Cole appear as the wise men and Pam sings a beautiful rendition of ‘Silent Night’. Overall, it’s a hilarious, light-hearted episode.
6. Sister, Sister: “Christmas”
Tia and Tamera get a visit from their Grandpa played by the iconic Sherman Hemsley. Once they find out that Grandpa is being hounded by a loan shark, the two sisters and Lisa decide not to buy each other Christmas gifts and help settle the debt instead.
7. Moesha: “A Class Act Christmas”
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Moesha dreads having to work on Christmas Eve and upset that her dad brought home a used tree. Just when she thinks Christmas can’t get any worse, the store where she works is robbed by no other than “Santa” himself.
8. The Wayan’s Brothers: “Psycho Santa”
Pops is disappointed when he learns Marlon and Shawn rather go on skiing date with some ladies they are seeing. But neither Pops or the boys’ Christmas go according to plan. Instead, a crazed, dress-up “Santa” takes the guys hostage for not having any holiday spirit.
Next: Tunes for Tuesday: Khia’s “Santa Baby” Hip-Hop Remix
What are you binge watching this Christmas weekend? Hulu or Netflix or are you heading out to the theaters? Let us know in the comments section below! Happy Holidays!