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What is the meaning of Christmas?
Thats a trick question, of course.
But what if its not?
These are the existential quandaries explored in Abeds Uncontrollable Christmas, the stop-motion holiday episode ofCommunity.
Much like the season itself, Abeds Uncontrollable Christmas is nostalgic, sweet, salty, and disorienting.
before realizing hes the only one who can see that theyre all in stop-motion.
The study groups confusion makes the days significance an even bigger mystery.
Its also the first indication that something is wrong.
Instead of the cozy cheer associated with stop-motion specials, we watch a beloved character break with reality.
So the group takes off for Abeds Winter Wonderland.
He also warns that anyone acting against the theme will be removed with a Wonka-style song-lesson.
(For three members of the group, this proves true.)
But whats really going on here?
It all goes back to that old therapy chestnut: Mom.
Although raised Muslim by his father, Abed inherited his Polish mothers love of Christmas.
As it turns out, she isnt coming this time, choosing instead to stay with her new family.
This abandonment and the unexpected loss of tradition are what triggered his whimsical hallucinations.
Eventually forced to confront the unwelcome changes, Abed slips into a state of catatonia.
the complete study group, including those Abed had dispatched earlier, reappears to support him.
The group steals the Christmas tree and menorah from Greendales library and watchesRudolphtogether in Abeds dorm room.
Hey, look, its still a weird but heartwarming episode ofCommunity.
FromA Christmas Storymarathons to seasonal Candy Crush loading screens, the holidays can already feel inescapable.
Making the yuletide gay?
They may look different than they used to, but thats okay.
Embracing change doesnt mean erasing history, and inventing new traditions doesnt invalidate our old ones.
It can still be the Dean Peltonapproved nondenominational season if we want it to be.
Even if adjusting our perception hurts, well get through it if were there for one another.
Maybe that messy, painful, beautiful truth is the one meaning that matters.
