Christmas time is here, which means television is filled with holiday specials, movies and events built around the season. Here are my holiday seasons top three individual television Christmas episodes!

3. Hey Arnold- A Hey Arnold Christmas

This classic animated Nickelodeon show had plenty of memorable characters (who can forget Stoop Kid?) and moments, but this Christmas special stands out. Arnold finds out his neighbor Mr. Hyunh is upset because he became separated from his daughter in the Vietnam war around Christmas years ago. Arnold sets out to try to find Hyunh’s daughter, which can only be accomplished if Arnold can complete a Christmas list for an adoption agency employee. At the last moment, the normally selfish Helga gives up her boots to complete the last item on the list, so Mr. Hyunh can be reunited with his daughter. The episode is a take on the Christmas classic “The Gift of a Magi,” and is poignant with a great message.

2. South Park- Mr. Hanky The Christmas Poo

Those who are not fans of the show dismiss it because of crude humor and bad animation, but are missing the best satire in American television. This episode features talking fecal matter, but the message is about how politically correct the holiday has become and how it alienates people of different religions. It is the most pointed criticism of the American culture probably since Charlie Brown.

1. Seinfeld- Festivus

This episode features a holiday created by Frank Costanza, because he was sick of the commercialization of Christmas. The Festivus celebration includes an aluminum pole (instead of a Christmas tree), an airing of grievances (where everyone sits around a table and tells each other how they have disappointed each other that year) and absolutely no tinsel.

Dan Cusack can be reached at 581-7944 or [email protected].