The X-Files was remarkable for how well it handled different types of stories. Some episodes, like “Squeeze” or Stephen King’s “Chinga,” were genuinely frightening, while others were intentionally funny, such as “Jose Chung’s From Outer Space” and “Hollywood A.D.” The show consistently kept viewers guessing, and wasn’t afraid to experiment, even offering special holiday-themed episodes.
Throughout its run, The X-Files delivered two memorable Christmas episodes, each with a distinct style. “Christmas Carol” (Season 5) was a serious episode that drew heavily on the show’s established mythology, while “How the Ghosts Stole Christmas” (Season 6) offered a humorous take on the holidays. Both episodes became fan favorites and are considered among the best The X-Files has to offer, making them ideal for holiday re-watching.
Season 5, Episode 6, “Christmas Carol”
20th Century Studios
As a long-time fan, I always appreciate when episodes really focus on Scully, and this one, “Christmas Carol,” definitely does that – Mulder takes more of a backseat this time. We know Scully’s past is complicated, especially what happened to her in Season 2 and how it affected her ability to have children. In this episode, she’s visiting her brother for the holidays and meeting her very pregnant sister-in-law. It really gets Scully thinking about family – something she hasn’t spent much time considering before, but now, seeing her sister-in-law, she’s forced to confront everything she’s lost.
In the “Christmas Carol” episode of The X-Files, Scully receives a strange phone call that reminds her of her late sister, Melissa. The voice guides her to a young girl named Emily, and Scully feels driven to help her, especially after discovering Emily with her deceased mother. The mystery deepens as Scully notices a strong resemblance between Emily and Melissa as a child. As the show’s traditionally skeptical character, Scully’s personal struggles with infertility lead her family to believe she’s letting grief cloud her judgment and cause her to jump to conclusions.
This episode offers an X-Files take on A Christmas Carol, featuring three significant memories experienced by Scully. She first revisits a childhood moment where she tries to rescue a rabbit from her brother, Bill. Next, she remembers receiving the crucifix necklace she always wears – a gift from her mother to her and her sister. Finally, she recalls a heartwarming moment with her sister, who encouraged her before she began training at Quantico, helping to build her confidence.
The episode “Christmas Carol” depicts the family exchanging gifts, and Scully learns a shocking truth: Emily is her biological daughter. This discovery continues into the next episode, “Emily,” creating a two-part story focused on a complex and emotional narrative. “Emily” moves away from the holiday spirit of “Christmas Carol,” turning Scully’s initial revelation into a frightening situation with serious consequences for her. Though the storyline is often dark and unsettling for Scully, it remains popular with fans due to its powerful emotional resonance.
Season 6, Episode 6, “How the Ghosts Stole Christmas”
20th Century Studios
“How the Ghosts Stole Christmas” is a funny standalone episode of The X-Files that flips the script on A Christmas Carol. It follows Mulder and Scully as they investigate a haunted house on Christmas Eve, only to find the ghosts – played by Ed Asner and Lily Tomlin – are playfully tormenting them. Like How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the episode’s title hints at the ghosts’ mischievous intent. These ghosts, who died on Christmas Eve years ago, now try to influence others to do the same, and Mulder and Scully are their next targets.
This episode focuses on a haunting that usually targets couples, but it also playfully highlights how much Mulder and Scully rely on each other. They spend Christmas Eve together, with Scully even prioritizing being with Mulder over family obligations. This shared closeness makes them easy targets for the ghosts in the house. As they’re separated and each face a ghostly encounter, the episode uses humor to explore deeper questions about their lives and relationship.
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“How the Ghosts Stole Christmas” cleverly uses Mulder and Scully’s flaws to create conflict, but ultimately shows how their teamwork helps them succeed. Its lighthearted, self-contained story and humorous tone make it a perennial favorite, especially during the holidays. The episode is memorable for a sweet moment where Mulder and Scully exchange gifts, offering viewers a heartwarming glimpse of their close partnership and the found family they’ve become, adding emotional depth to the already funny story.
“How the Ghosts Stole Christmas” is a popular episode of The X-Files, frequently praised as one of its most humorous. But beyond the laughs, the episode offers a charming look at the dynamic between Mulder and Scully, making it a holiday favorite for many viewers who rewatch it every year.
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2025-12-23 20:08