The Simpsons deliver holiday cheer in this Christmas-themed trilogy. In The First -El, - when Reverend Lovejoy's car breaks down en route to Christmas mass, Homer takes over the sermon and delivers his version of the birth of Christ to his parents Joseph and Mary. - I Saw Grampa Cussing Santa Claus - finds Grampa reminiscing about his daredevil days as a WWII fighter pilot, when he was stranded on an island alongside his gunner, Burns. Grampa recalls mistaking Santa Claus for an enemy aircraft and gunning him down from the sky. Realizing their mistake, Grampa helps Jolly Ol' St. Nick to safety, only to have Burns steal the sleigh and escape the island - leaving Grampa stranded again. The final installment, -The Nutcracker - Sweet,- which finds the townspeople of Springfield preparing for Christmas Day, is set to the tune of the famed Nutcracker ballet.
FAN DESK VERDICT An all-timer. This is the episode you show someone to explain why The Simpsons matters — clear the evening and watch it properly.
The Simpsons S17E09 (“Simpsons Christmas Stories”) first aired on December 18, 2005.
In the US, The Simpsons season 17 — including this episode — is available on FX, Hulu, Disney+, fuboTV, DirecTV On Demand, Spectrum On Demand, YouTube TV, FOX One Amazon Channel, Hulu on Disney+, Amazon, Fandango at Home, and AppleTV.
The Simpsons S17E09 (“Simpsons Christmas Stories”) was directed by Steven Dean Moore and written by Don Payne.
Fans rate The Simpsons S17E09 (“Simpsons Christmas Stories”) 8.5/10, which puts it in the essential tier for The Simpsons.