Apart from the early 'shorts' on the Tracy Ullman show, this was the first full length Simpsons episode, which first aired in December 1989. In terms of iconic status among the hundreds of Simpsons offerings this one is perhaps more functional than spectacular, serving to both introduce and complete the family (with the addition of Santas Little Helper). It's a reasonable romp with some great set plays, Marges hiding of the Christmas money in her hair, Barts getting a tattoo and needing it removed and Homer tryin and failing to play Santa all raise a smile,if not a belly laugh.
There are some oddities that do stand out however. When we see Lisa perfuming on stage in the Christmas padgent she is portrayed as an accomplished dancer capable of juggling fire clubs. This amazing skill is then never referenced again! Also, as throughout the first season, the animation is of a decidedly lower quality than it would become, and this is particularly apparent in Lisa's worrying lack of underwear in the dance scene. The animation in the power plant is also fairly dodgy.
These blips aside it is perhaps most important as a clear indication of the genius that was to come. Homers awkward conversation with Patty on the phone is amusing as is Barts response to the switching on of the Christmas lights - " it's craptacular dad". I think however the quote of the episode has to come from Homer, when he questions the children's desire to take home their future pet from the race track. "he's a loser, he's pathetic, he's..... a Simpson".
The episode also introduces the often dark and sinister theme of poverty that returns throughout the Simpsons. Homers needing to work an extra job followed by his desperate trip to the dog track to provde his family with a suitable Christmas tells us, I think all we need to know about Homer- although he is terminally stupid and boorish, he loves his family more than anything else.
3/5 in my humble opinion
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