'Tis the time to rewatch Holiday Special episodes of your favorite shows. If you are a Star Trek fan, though, you are probably aware the franchise doesn't really have Christmas, Hanukkah or other Holiday-themed episodes.
As the show's legendary opening catchline highlights, the motto of its space explorer protagonists is "to boldly go where no man has gone before," which means Gene Roddenberry's franchise does not have a permanent location and, in turn, the scope for showing a specific faith or festivity.
However, this does not mean the show lacks festive spirit and warmth. There are episodes where the crew of the starship Enterprise celebrates glad tidings, and ties with new-found families and friends. Importantly, several episodes are inspired by Christmas-themed stories.
Here are some episodes of Star Trek that let you get into a festive mood.
'All Good Things...' in Star Trek is inspired by Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol
While there are no direct Christmas storylines on Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 7, Episodes 25 and 26 draw inspiration from the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. Like the protagonist of Dickens' story, Ebenezer Scrooge, Captain Jean-Luc Picard has an adventure jumping through three time periods — the past, present, and future.
Picard is helped by his crew members in all different timelines, including his former enemy Q. Typically, just as in the end of most Christmas movies, Picard sits down with his crew for a game of poker, soaking in the Christmas spirit.
Star Trek: Voyager has an episode celebrating Ancestor's Eve
Star Trek: Voyager Season 5, Episode 23 created a new holiday called Ancestor's Eve. Celebrated at 11:59, the festival is meant to honor ancestors of the protagosists.
The holiday originated when Captain Kathryn Janeway began to investigate into the life of her ancestor, Shannon O'Donnell, who she believed was an astronaut. It is later revealed Shannon led a normal life, where the Millenium Project offered her a job if she could convince Henry, the bookstore owner, to sell his store (and make way for the Project).
Shannon has to accomplish the task by 11:59 on New Years Eve. The past incident becomes inspiration for the holiday.
Star Trek's first musical episode also makes for a perfect alternate Christmas episode
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 2, Episode 9 titled Substance Rhapsody is the franchise's first-ever musical episode, making perfect for a Christmas watch with the family.
After an improbability field, everyone aboard the USS Enterprise breaks into a music and dance number, where every character goes about with their daily activities musically!
At the end of this episode, Captain Christopher Pike's crew comes together for a final number, reminiscent of classic Christmas films.
A Star Trek: Discovery episode celebrates their new found family
Embracing tragedies and celebrating the Holidays with a chosen family outside your real one is a theme common in many Christmas movies. The Star Trek: Discovery episode titled Forget Me Not has the crew time-jump 900 years ahead, making them lose ties with their family members.
Sensing sadness, Saru organizes a team dinner with the Bridges crew, where the protagonists get scope for some family drama (like every dinner ever) and forget about the pain of not being able to see their family for a while. The episode is a perfect watch when you are away from your family during the festive season and need some cheer.
Also Read- Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 5 - Release date
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