TV LAND — With much of the country experiencing record heat waves, we’ve eaten all the ice cream possible and tried to stay hydrated while hiding out inside or in the shade. But what we really need right now is a little Christmas.
Popularized by the 1940 film “Christmas in July”, the concept is meant to bring some holiday sparkle into the long days of summer. And what better way than to watch some joyful Christmas TV episodes from the comfort of your air-conditioned home?
"Downton Abbey:" "Christmas at Downton Abbey"
Season 2, Episode 9
The extra-long episode contains everything a magical Christmas episode should — a murder trial, contacting the spirits in the world beyond, deception, a pregnancy announcement and a proposal. Well, it contains everything a "Downton Abbey" episode should.
The climax of the episode in the softly falling snow is so beautiful it more than makes up for some of the melancholy realities of the soapy show.
The episode is available now on Amazon Prime Video.
"The O.C.:" "The Best Chrismakkah Ever"
Season 1, Episode 13
Seth Cohen (Adam Brody) wants to have it all: A mashup holiday of his own invention and two beautiful girls who both like him.
Unfortunately, the objects of his affection don’t see it that way, and both Summer and Anna demand he make a choice. Meanwhile, Ryan and Marissa have drama — again. Even though it has twice the resistance of any normal holiday, Chrismakkah has to end well.
The episode is available to stream now on Hulu.
Season 2, Episode 11
Saddened by her breakup with Sam, Jess (Zooey Deschanel) decides the Loft Gang are going to attend several holiday parties together so she can be distracted. Along the way, they all learn a thing or two about acceptance, second chances and whether or not Santa’s real.
"New Girl" is available to stream on Netflix.
"Glee:" "Extraordinary Merry Christmas"
Season 3, Episode 9
The New Directions glee club is torn between fame through a cable access Christmas special and singing at a homeless shelter to spread holiday cheer. The show the kids make for cable is downright hilarious, but the decision in the end to sing for the less privileged will bring a tear to your eye.
You can stream 6 seasons of "Glee" on Netflix now.
"Supernatural:" "A Very Supernatural Christmas"
Season 3, Episode 8
For two orphans who are out on the road killing monsters, there’s not a lot of Christmas cheer for "Supernatural" main characters Sam and Dean. But this episode shows (in between ritualistic killings by a Pagan couple) the history of the brothers always leaning on each other, as well as the origin of Dean’s (Jensen Ackles) signature necklace.
"Supernatural" is available to stream on Netflix.
"Parks and Rec:" "Citizen Knope"
Season 4, Episode 10
Following Leslie (Amy Poehler) and Ben’s (Adam Scott) relationship reveal, they’re both out of their government jobs before the holidays.
Bored and full of her signature energy, Leslie forms a citizens' activism group while also managing to round up incredibly thoughtful and personalized gifts for her friends. They, in return, dedicate hours to build her the perfect gingerbread present.
You can stream "Parks and Recreation" on Netflix now.
"Community:" "Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas"
Season 2, Episode 11
In one of the most absurd episodes of the wacky community college-based show, Abed’s (Danny Pudi) search for the meaning of Christmas means the study group becomes stop-motion animated like the classic Christmas specials — complete with songs.
It ultimately results in a discovery that Christmas is whatever you want it to be.
"Community" is available to stream on Hulu.
Season 3, Episode 7
When it is revealed that Jane (Eliza Coupe), who has always celebrated her birthday on July 16, is actually a Christmas baby, her husband, sister and friends vow to make her birthday as non-Christmas as possible — despite their desires to celebrate the holiday as usual.
"Happy Endings" is available to stream on Hulu.
