The holidays are a time for joy, family, and, of course, television specials. Two of the most beloved sitcoms of the 90s, Full House and Family Matters, have given us countless Christmas episodes that still warm our hearts every year. Whether it’s Danny Tanner trying to create the perfect Christmas for his daughters, or Carl Winslow navigating holiday chaos with the quirky Steve Urkel, these episodes have become a staple of holiday viewing.
But which ones stand out the most? Today, we dive deep into every Christmas episode of Full House and Family Matters, ranked by IMDb ratings. Grab your favorite holiday snacks, settle in, and let’s count down the top Christmas moments from these iconic shows.
The Magic of Christmas in Sitcoms
Before we jump into the rankings, let’s talk about why Christmas episodes in sitcoms like Full House and Family Matters hold a special place in our hearts. Christmas episodes are often filled with warmth, nostalgia, and life lessons, making them memorable moments for families. These episodes explore themes of giving, togetherness, and sometimes even humorous holiday mishaps that make them timeless.
Now, let’s take a look at how IMDb, the ultimate source for television ratings, views the Christmas specials of these two beloved shows.
Christmas Episodes of Full House: The Ultimate Holiday Countdown
1. “Our Very First Christmas Show” (Season 1, Episode 13)
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
The very first Christmas episode of Full House set the tone for the series. With Danny Tanner (Bob Saget) determined to make the holiday special for his daughters, even though they’ve just lost their mother, this episode explores grief, love, and family bonding. It’s a poignant reminder that Christmas is about cherishing the people around you, and it tugs at the heartstrings while keeping the humor intact.
Why It Stands Out
What makes this episode so memorable is how it balances heartfelt moments with comedy. From Michelle’s adorable attempts at Christmas cheer to Danny’s fatherly determination to create a perfect holiday, this episode brings a perfect mix of emotions and laughs.
2. “The Miracle of Thanksgiving” (Season 2, Episode 8)
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
While technically a Thanksgiving episode, this special captures the holiday spirit with its focus on family traditions and togetherness. Danny and the family struggle to get everything ready for a Thanksgiving dinner, only to have things go wrong in typical Full House fashion.
Why It Stands Out
The chaos surrounding the Thanksgiving dinner becomes a metaphor for how sometimes the perfect holiday moment isn’t about everything going as planned but about being with the people you love.
3. “A Very Tanner Christmas” (Season 7, Episode 11)
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
In this holiday special, the Tanners find themselves once again pulling together as a family to create a memorable Christmas despite the challenges that arise. As expected, they learn valuable life lessons about family, love, and the importance of staying connected during the holiday season.
Why It Stands Out
The warmth and humor of this episode resonate with fans, as it brings all of the family dynamics together in a way that feels both nostalgic and heartwarming.
Christmas Episodes of Family Matters: Ranking the Best Holiday Specials
1. “Have Yourself a Very Winslow Christmas” (Season 4, Episode 12)
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
This is hands-down the most beloved Christmas episode of Family Matters. With the Winslow family dealing with Steve Urkel’s ever-present antics, the holiday season brings some heartwarming lessons about family and togetherness. The episode centers around Carl trying to make Christmas special for his family, despite the chaos caused by Urkel’s unpredictable nature.
Why It Stands Out
The magic of this episode lies in its balance of comedy and heart. Urkel’s over-the-top antics provide the laughs, but the emotional moments, especially the family’s heartfelt togetherness, make it a standout. Carl’s growing affection for Steve, despite his quirks, is a memorable part of the show’s overall arc.
2. “O Come All Ye Faithful” (Season 7, Episode 11)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
This episode focuses on the Winslow family’s Christmas preparations, with a comedic yet touching subplot revolving around Steve Urkel’s attempts to win the heart of his crush, Laura. As usual, Urkel’s plans go awry, but the family comes together in the end, reminding us all of the importance of family during the holidays.
Why It Stands Out
This episode captures the spirit of Christmas while highlighting the humor that made Family Matters so endearing. Steve’s antics may be exaggerated, but his sincere desire to bring joy to the family makes him a lovable character.
3. “Jingle Bell Rock” (Season 9, Episode 12)
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
In this episode, the Winslows face a variety of holiday-related challenges, including Steve’s obsession with trying to impress Laura and Carl’s worries about the family’s holiday plans. It’s a perfect blend of holiday chaos and emotional moments.
Why It Stands Out
The humor is classic Family Matters, and the sentimental moments between the family members bring the episode together beautifully. It’s a great example of how the show blends slapstick humor with touching moments about family.
Full House vs. Family Matters: A Holiday Showdown
What Makes These Christmas Episodes Special?
Both Full House and Family Matters are beloved for their ability to blend humor with heartfelt family moments, and their Christmas episodes are no exception. Full House often focuses on the emotional aspects of the holidays, exploring the importance of family traditions and dealing with loss, while Family Matters brings its trademark blend of quirky humor and life lessons.
How Do They Compare?
When it comes to IMDb rankings, Family Matters edges out Full House by a slim margin in terms of its top-rated Christmas episodes. Family Matters’s holiday specials tend to have a little more slapstick humor mixed in with the holiday warmth, while Full House focuses on more sentimental and emotionally-driven stories.
Which Christmas Episode is the Best?
The most highly rated Christmas episode across both series is Family Matters’ “Have Yourself a Very Winslow Christmas,” with an IMDb score of 8.5/10, which is a testament to the strong emotional core of the episode, paired with the antics of Steve Urkel. On the other hand, Full House’s first Christmas episode, “Our Very First Christmas Show,” continues to resonate with fans due to its heartfelt portrayal of family and loss, earning it a solid 8.2/10.
The Lasting Impact of Christmas Episodes in TV History
The Christmas episodes of Full House and Family Matters continue to be a source of comfort for fans every holiday season. These episodes not only showcase the importance of family but also remind viewers of the joy that comes with being together during the most wonderful time of the year.
Despite their differing tones, both shows excel at capturing the essence of the holiday spirit, proving that whether it’s a lesson about family bonding or an over-the-top comedy moment, Christmas is the perfect setting for these unforgettable moments.
Conclusion: Why These Christmas Episodes Are Timeless
No matter where you fall on the Full House vs. Family Matters debate, there’s no denying that both shows have given us some of the most memorable Christmas episodes in TV history. From heartfelt moments to laugh-out-loud antics, these specials continue to bring joy to audiences young and old.
So, next time you’re curling up with a cup of cocoa, remember that these Christmas episodes are the perfect way to spread some holiday cheer—whether you’re in the mood for sentimental reflections or holiday mischief.
FAQs
1. What is the best Christmas episode of Full House?
The best Christmas episode of Full House is “Our Very First Christmas Show” from season 1, which focuses on family bonding during the holidays.
2. What makes Family Matters’s Christmas episodes so special?
Family Matters’ Christmas episodes are filled with humor, heartwarming family moments, and Steve Urkel’s antics, making them beloved holiday specials.
3. How do the Christmas episodes of Full House and Family Matters compare?
While Family Matters’s Christmas episodes tend to have more slapstick humor, Full House leans into emotional and sentimental moments about family, grief, and love.
4. Why is “Have Yourself a Very Winslow Christmas” so popular?
This episode is popular due to its perfect blend of heartwarming family moments and classic Urkel comedy, which resonates with viewers year after year.
5. Are these Christmas episodes still popular today?
Yes, these episodes are still very popular and are often watched by fans every holiday season, proving their timeless appeal.
