Bless this mess: The best holiday movies and TV shows about dysfunctional families
There are holiday movies and TV episodes that truly capture the beauty and spirit of the holidays, but that is not what the following is about. Right now, it’s time to celebrate the families that feel a bit more real because of how they get on one another’s nerves as soon as the holidays roll around. Yup, these are the best holiday movies and episodes about dysfunctional families.
“White Trash Christmas,” 'Roseanne'
The Conners are best known for their Halloween episodes, but they really outdid themselves in "White Trash Christmas" when their signature Conner "charm" made their neighbors' lives miserable due to their holiday decor.
'Almost Christmas'
Almost Christmas reminds everyone who grew up in a home where the fighting started within seconds of arriving for the holidays.
“Hal's Christmas Gift,” 'Malcolm in the Middle'
Malcolm in the Middle spawned many hilarious episodes over several seasons, but there is a special place in fans' hearts for the homemade gift debacle of "Hal's Christmas Gift.”
'Home Alone'
The McCallister family may have all the money in the world to have destination holidays, but from the bickering before the flights to the fact that they managed to leave a child behind, they’re the definition of dysfunctional.
“You Better Watch Out,” 'Married… with Children'
The Bundys helped usher in a whole new type of family in the late ‘80s. They were far from the wholesome Tanners on Full House — so much so that even their holiday episodes were rude and crude, including the one when a mall Santa winds up in their backyard.
'Elf'
Buddy had to face reality and come to terms with reconnecting with a family he never knew he had.
“A Very Sunny Christmas,” 'It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia'
Watching It's Always Sunny do its own twisted version of A Christmas Carol is a holiday tradition many should start.
'The Santa Clause'
Not this holiday classic starting with a distant dad taking out Santa Claus…
“Secret Santa,” ‘The Office’
Work families are just as important as biological ones, and they’re just as crazy. Case in point: every single Christmas episode of The Office.
'Four Christmases'
Traveling to four different locations because both of your parents are divorced and the idea of one locale for the holidays just can’t be done. Sounds exhausting — and like the plot of this Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn movie.
“Afternoon Delight,” 'Arrested Development'
Will Arnett is a gem as the insufferable Gob during this episode, where he winds up firing everyone at the Christmas party.
'Jack Frost'
The dad is a snowman. Does nobody have an issue with this?
“Interlude II,” 'The Righteous Gemstones'
While this episode doesn't quite highlight the insanity of this evangelical family, it does give fans a nice flashback during the holiday season, as well as an appearance by everyone's favorite uncle, Baby Billy!
'Why Him?'
If there is anything more awkward than one's family meeting their new partner over the holidays, we don't want to know about it.
“The Christmas Tree,” 'The Middle'
Figuring out how to spend time together, an allergic reaction, and the dreaded wrapping paper sales. This episode has everything one doesn’t want during the holidays, which makes it that much better.
'Daddy's Home 2'
Nothing beats grandparents who can’t stand one another, right?
“Mr. Hankey, the Christmas Poo,” ‘South Park’
The Grinch, Santa, Rudolph, and because of South Park, a piece of poo is forever ingrained into the fabric of the holiday season.
'The Ref'
One has to wonder who was worse off: the Wet Bandits in Home Alone, who got physically tortured, or Gus in The Ref, a man who got mentally tortured after taking a family (who needed therapy) hostage.
“Christmas Through Your Eyes,” ‘The Vampire Diaries’
There is nothing functional about a bunch of werewolves and vampires with a lot of animosity.
'Christmas Vacation’
Nothing ever seems to go that right when the Griswolds are involved, especially Christmas.
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