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"Express Christmas"
Modern Family episode
Phil (Ty Burrell) comes up with the idea of "Express Christmas"
Episode no.Season 3
Episode 10
Directed byMichael Spiller
Written byCindy Chupack
Production code3ARG10
Original air dateDecember 7, 2011 (2011-12-07)
Episode chronology
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Modern Family season 3
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"Express Christmas" is the tenth episode of the third season of the American sitcom Modern Family, and the series' 58th episode overall. It was aired on December 7, 2011. The episode was written by Cindy Chupack and directed by Michael Spiller. Express Christmas is the second Christmas episode of the series.

In the episode, while the entire family is together on December 16, they suddenly realize that circumstances will prevent them from being together for Christmas Day on December 25. Phil instantly comes up with a plan: members of the family are paired up and challenged to work together on specific assignments to obtain an object or perform a task that afternoon so that a makeshift emergency ('Express') Christmas, to be held that evening, will seem just like a "Traditional Christmas." Each of the missions ends in disaster - but in their pursuits, the family is brought closer together as a result.

The episode received positive reviews.

Plot

[edit]

The episode starts with the whole family lounging around Jay (Ed O'Neill) and Gloria's (Sofía Vergara) pool. Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) announces that their mother canceled for Christmas because she will go for a cruise with her new boyfriend. Claire (Julie Bowen) is also upset with the cancellation, not because she will miss her, but because she did not even know about her mother having a boyfriend. Mitchell points out that their mother had previously mentioned him in a Christmas Family Newsletter, which Claire finds impossible to read. Discussion continues between family members regarding everyone's plans: Jay notes that on the day of Christmas he, Gloria and Manny (Rico Rodriguez) will be traveling to Mexico. The family realizes that this day (December 16) will be the last time the whole family will be together before New Year. Phil (Ty Burrell) has the idea of them celebrating Christmas that day, names it "Express Christmas," and enthusiastically attempts to get the rest of the family behind the idea.

Everyone gathers indoors as Phil, who is excitedly looking forward to this challenge, gets all the family members into groups so that everyone has something to do and get everything ready for their Christmas Day. Mitchell and Alex (Ariel Winter) go for a tree along with Lily (Aubrey Anderson-Emmons); Phil and Manny go to the grocery store; Jay and Cameron (Eric Stonestreet) are responsible for wrapping the gifts; Claire and Haley (Sarah Hyland) go to the store to buy the last minute gifts and Gloria with Luke (Nolan Gould) need to find the Christmas angel for the tree and the ornaments that are packed in the house's attic.

Mitchell and Alex, with Lily in tow, search for the perfect tree - an 8' tall Douglas Fir - in an urban tree lot. A tree salesman who has been watching them, tells them he thinks where they could find what they are looking for. They mistakenly think that he is pointing them to a group of artificial pink trees. Alex, immediately standing up for her uncle, tells the salesman that just because he is "clearly" gay does not mean they have to buy a pink tree. The salesman states he was talking about the truck pulling in behind those trees, which were loaded with 8' tall Douglas Firs. Being clearly embarrassed by their overreaction, but seeming to want to hold on to their dignity at the same time, they buy another tree they had previously dubbed unsuitable and load it onto the car, even offering to load it onto the car themselves. As a result of this, the tree falls off the rack and into traffic, where Gloria and Luke just happen to be passing that moment, and run over the tree destroying it. After some hopeful quips between Mitchell and Alex of salvaging the tree, a truck following Gloria's car destroys what was left of it. Instead of stopping, Gloria speeds on ahead, instructing Luke to never look back.

Gloria and Luke have to find the Christmas ornaments but Gloria is afraid to get into the attic because there are many spiders in there. They manage to find everything they are looking for, including the angel Mitchell and Claire want that their mother made for them when they were kids. On their way home, Gloria sees a spider on the angel and she throws it out of the car. The angel gets run over just like the tree and it breaks. Gloria "glues" the head back with chewed gum but Mitchell notices.

Claire and Haley are at the store to buy the gifts. They find everything they have on their list, except the nightlight for Lily. While Claire is heading to the register, Haley goes to find the nightlight. She gets there but there is only one left and it is taken by another man. Haley, to get it from him, she dressed up like an employee and she offers to bring his items to the register while he shops. She gets to Claire with the nightlight and they now have everything they wanted.

Cameron and Jay wrap the presents and while they do it, Cameron tries to have an emotional moment with Jay. He gives him a present and when Jay opens it, there is a cork in the box. Cameron tells Jay that it is from a moment they drank wine together but Jay does not remember which one. Cameron gets all teary and explains Jay that it was from the time they watched their first football game together. Jay offends Cameron that he is too attached to things and Cameron leaves the room.

Phil and Manny finish with the groceries and they now wait to meet with a guy at the parking lot, having arranged to buy a rare baseball card (a gift for Jay) on Craigslist. Manny though freaks out with the whole situation (Luke convinced him that child-snatching is very common) and he just wants to go back home. The guy gets there and while he tries to get a higher price from Phil, Manny whips out his mom's stun gun but he accidentally zaps Phil. The guy takes the money and the turkey Phil bought for the dinner, however Phil's hand goes into spasms and he ends up crushing the card.

The family finally gathers back together at Phil and Claire's home; the tree is in pieces; the angel is ruined; Claire does not have a turkey to cook and Phil is still vibrating after Manny zapped him with the stun gun. Everyone is disappointed and angry with each other since nothing has gone right so Jay makes a proposition; instead of celebrating Christmas they could all go to a Chinese restaurant and celebrate Jewish Christmas. Everyone agrees, desperate to put the disaster behind them, however when they get outside they find that Jay has covered the whole front of the house with fake snow. The arguments and problems are forgotten and the family has a wonderful early Christmas, and Gloria says in her interview that as long as you have family around you every day can be December 16.

Afterwards, Phil gives Jay his back-up present; dog antlers for Stella (which he picked up at a gas station). Although Phil doesn't expect much of a reaction, Jay loves them.

Reception

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Ratings

[edit]

In its original American broadcast, "Express Christmas" was watched by 12.20 million; down from the special Thanksgiving episode.[1]

Reviews

[edit]

"Express Christmas" received positive reviews.

Leigh Raines from TV Fanatic rated the episode with 4/5. "My two favorite parts of the episode, not counting the tear-inducing snow scene, were Phil's explanation of Craigslist's shadiness before Manny tasered him and Haley working her magic at Target."[2]

Christine N. Ziemba from Paste Magazine gave the episode 7/10 saying that "The new dynamics between characters were refreshing, even if some of the storylines fell flat."[3]

The review from Wetpaint was really good. ""Express Christmas," had everything with love about Modern Family: plenty of jokes, mishaps, Phil-isms, Gloria mispronounciations, bickering, and heartwarming good cheer."[4]

Despite these positive reviews, Noel Murray of The A.V. Club rated the episode a C−.[5]

References

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Express Christmas

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Express Christmas" is the tenth episode of the third season of the American sitcom , serving as the series' 58th episode overall and the mid-season finale. Originally aired on ABC on December 7, 2011, the 22-minute episode was directed by and written by and . It centers on the Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker family, who discover conflicting holiday plans will keep them apart on Day, prompting Phil Dunphy to propose a rushed "Express Christmas" celebration nine days early to ensure they can exchange gifts and spend time together. The episode features the core ensemble cast of Modern Family, including Ed O'Neill as Jay Pritchett, Sofía Vergara as Gloria Pritchett, Julie Bowen as Claire Dunphy, Ty Burrell as Phil Dunphy, Jesse Tyler Ferguson as Mitchell Pritchett, Eric Stonestreet as Cameron Tucker, Sarah Hyland as Haley Dunphy, Nolan Gould as Luke Dunphy, Ariel Winter as Alex Dunphy, Rico Rodriguez as Manny Delgado, and Aubrey Anderson-Emmons as Lily Tucker-Pritchett. Key subplots revolve around the family's efforts to acquire a , shop for presents at a Target store, and navigate interpersonal tensions during the accelerated festivities, blending humor with the show's signature style. Notable guest appearances include as a tree salesman. Reception for "Express Christmas" has been generally positive, with the episode earning an 8.0 out of 10 rating on based on over 2,900 user votes, praised for its festive spirit and dynamics despite some of contrived elements. Critics highlighted the episode's efficient pacing and comedic set pieces, such as the chaotic shopping trip, though some noted inconsistencies in character actions as a minor flaw. As part of 's third season, which averaged strong viewership and contributed to the series' multiple , this holiday-themed installment remains a fan favorite for capturing the show's blend of heartfelt moments and situational comedy.

Production

Development

"Express Christmas" was written by and , who joined the writing team for the third season of and contributed to its holiday-themed episode. The episode, bearing production code 3ARG10, was directed by . As the second Christmas special in the series following the first-season episode "Undeck the Halls," it was conceived to further explore the Pritchett-Dunphy family's dynamics amid holiday pressures. Airing on December 7, 2011, it served as a narrative pivot point in the season's arc.

Filming

The principal filming for "Express Christmas" took place at 20th Century Fox Studios in , , where interior scenes depicting the family homes and chaotic holiday preparations were shot on soundstages. These controlled environments allowed for the typical of the sitcom's format, capturing the ensemble dynamics during tasks like decorating and gift wrapping. Exterior shots, essential for the episode's "Express Christmas" preparations, were filmed at various Los Angeles locations to convey the rushed holiday atmosphere. Sequences involving tree procurement occurred at a local Christmas tree lot, highlighting the outdoor chaos as characters struggled with selecting and transporting the tree, which ultimately led to its destruction when it fell from the vehicle and was damaged. Similarly, the shopping frenzy at a big-box retailer for presents was captured on location to emphasize the episode's frenetic pace. A key technical challenge during production was simulating snow effects for the climactic outdoor reveal, where Jay arranges for artificial snowfall over the family lawn to salvage the celebration. Crews employed a snow machine to create the illusion in Southern California's typically snow-free climate, ensuring the holiday magic without relying on natural weather. Managing prop destruction, such as the repeated setup and takedown of the Christmas tree and its angel topper amid comedic mishaps, required careful coordination to avoid delays in the tight schedule. The episode was filmed in late 2011, aligning with the show's production timeline shortly before its December 7 airdate, while accommodating cast schedules amid the approaching holiday season. Director Michael Spiller's approach emphasized precise comedic timing in these action-oriented sequences. This compressed shoot maintained the series' rapid pacing without compromising the visual representation of holiday pandemonium.

Cast

Main cast

The main cast of "Express Christmas," the tenth episode of 's third season, features the core ensemble portraying the interconnected Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker family, all of whom had been established since the in 2009. These actors reprise their roles from the first two seasons, showcasing the characters' evolving dynamics amid family holidays.
ActorCharacterDescription
Ty BurrellPhil DunphyThe enthusiastic and known for his optimistic and childlike energy in family interactions.
Julie BowenClaire DunphyThe detail-oriented homemaker and mother who strives to maintain order and efficiency in household matters.
Ed O'NeillJay PritchettThe gruff, no-nonsense patriarch and owner of a closet manufacturing business, navigating generational family ties.
Sofía VergaraGloria PritchettJay's vibrant second wife, a Colombian immigrant whose passionate and culturally rich personality adds flair to the family.
Jesse Tyler FergusonMitchell PritchettJay's reserved lawyer son, in a committed relationship and focused on balanced family life.
Eric StonestreetCameron TuckerMitchell's outgoing partner, a with dramatic flair and deep family loyalty.
Sarah HylandHaley DunphyThe eldest Dunphy daughter, a teenager exploring and social pursuits.
Nolan GouldLuke DunphyThe youngest Dunphy son, quirky and inventive in his approach to everyday challenges.
Ariel WinterAlex DunphyThe middle Dunphy daughter, academically gifted and often the voice of reason among siblings.
Rico RodriguezManny DelgadoGloria's mature son from her first marriage, blending wisdom beyond his years with youthful curiosity.
Aubrey Anderson-EmmonsLily Tucker-PritchettThe adopted daughter of Mitchell and Cameron, portrayed with sassy precocity following her recasting in season three from the original twin actresses Ella and Jaden Hiller.
By the third season, these performers had solidified their portrayals through over 50 , allowing for nuanced development of the characters' interpersonal relationships and holiday traditions.

Guest appearances

The "Express Christmas" of Modern Family features a small number of guest appearances, primarily consisting of minor characters who contribute to the episode's holiday-themed subplots involving shopping and acquisitions. These roles enhance the comedic chaos of the family's rushed preparations without overshadowing the main ensemble. Ron Roggé portrays the Craigslist Guy, a seller who engages in a with Phil Dunphy over a collectible item, adding a layer of haggling humor to the express holiday setup. Eric appears as the Tree Salesman, assisting Mitchell and Alex in selecting a from available stock, which underscores the time-sensitive mishaps in the family's decorating efforts. Kamen Edwards plays a Shopper in a brief retail scene, representing the background frenzy of holiday crowds that amplifies the episode's atmosphere of urgency and disorder.

Plot

With conflicting holiday travel plans pulling the Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker family in different directions, they realize they will not be together on Day. To ensure they can celebrate as a group, Phil proposes an "Express " on December 16, compressing the holiday traditions into a single afternoon of shopping, decorating, and festivities. The family divides into teams to handle various tasks. Mitchell, Alex, and Lily head to a tree lot to select a . Alex, ever the perfectionist, argues with the salesman over finding a perfectly symmetrical , but they eventually settle on one. However, the tree falls off their car roof on the drive back and is destroyed when Gloria and Luke accidentally run it over while driving. Gloria and Luke venture into the attic to retrieve the family's Christmas decorations, including a cherished glass tree-topper. Terrified by a spider, they drop and shatter the angel, rendering it unusable. Phil and Manny are tasked with buying groceries, including a , and acquiring a special gift—a —from a seller. Paranoia leads Manny to tase Phil with his stun gun during the exchange, mistaking the situation for a and ruining the card in the process. Claire and Haley tackle the gift shopping at a crowded Target store. Struggling with an extensive list, Haley uses her charm and quick thinking—impersonating a store employee—to secure a popular ladybug for Lily, much to Claire's initial dismay but eventual pride. Meanwhile, Jay and Cameron set up a wrapping station in the garage. Cameron attempts to forge a deeper emotional connection with the reserved Jay, leading to humorous tension, including an awkward sweat-stain gag. As mishaps pile up—no tree, no topper, and a botched turkey defrosting attempt—the family nearly abandons the Express Christmas. Jay steps in to salvage the day by hiring a snow machine to create a in the backyard, allowing the family to gather for gifts, dinner, and a heartfelt celebration nine days early.

Broadcast and reception

Viewership

"Express Christmas" premiered in the United States on ABC on December 7, 2011, as the mid-season finale of Modern Family's third season. The episode attracted 12.20 million total viewers and earned a 5.1 rating in the adults 18-49 demographic, tying for second place for the night behind only the results show for . Nielsen data indicated a rating of approximately 7.8 with a 12 share for the premiere, reflecting strong performance in a competitive night slot. This marked a solid showing in the , where the episode outperformed many competing scripted programs and benefited from its holiday theme during the early broadcast window. Compared to other third-season episodes, the viewership was close to the season average of 12.09 million, though slightly lower, with the festive timing credited for sustaining high engagement amid the holiday buildup. In 2011, was at a ratings peak, having topped the charts as the highest-rated scripted series in the 18-49 demographic during the prior season and continuing to lead comedies into 2011-12.

Critical response

"Express Christmas" received generally positive reviews from critics, with an average rating of around 7-8/10 across major outlets. TV Fanatic awarded the episode 4 out of 5 stars, praising its emphasis on bonding and unexpected emotional moments, such as Jay's gesture with fake snow that brought viewers to tears. Paste Magazine highlighted the comedic timing in physical gags like Phil's accidental crumpling of a and the dynamic among pairs, reminiscent of a race-like challenge. In contrast, issued a C− grade, critiquing the episode's predictability and contrived situations, including rote cultural stereotypes and a rushed heartwarming conclusion that felt unearned. Critics commonly praised the episode's effective use of holiday chaos to generate laughs, particularly through subplots involving frantic shopping and decorating mishaps that showcased the ensemble cast's chemistry. Strong performances in these subplots, such as Ty Burrell's as and the pairings like Haley and Claire overcoming bickering for , were noted as highlights that kept the energy high. However, some reviews pointed to formulaic elements in the family conflicts, with predictable escalations like Gloria's erratic driving and Manny's feeling overly broad and distant from character depth. The emotional payoff was mixed, as the hasty resolution to the chaos undermined potentially touching moments, such as Haley's tradition of "Christmas gum," leaving some critics wanting more natural progression. Aggregated user scores reflected stronger approval, with users rating the episode 8.0 out of 10 based on nearly 3,000 votes, appreciating its humor despite occasional unrealistic elements.

References

  1. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/modern_family/s03/e10
  2. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2096098/
  3. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2096098/plotsummary/
  4. https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/1421-modern-family/season/3/episode/10/cast?language=en-US
  5. https://tv.apple.com/us/episode/express-christmas/umc.cmc.7gbvii6lqw35b5z4v2os4bqob?showId=umc.cmc.cmw0vccgg7hpwfa3wgvvu5q0
  6. https://www.avclub.com/modern-family-express-christmas-1798170773
  7. https://screenrant.com/modern-family-christmas-episode-ranked/
  8. https://www.seeing-stars.com/locations/ModernFamily.shtml
  9. https://giggster.com/guide/movie-location/where-was-modern-family-filmed
  10. https://www.vulture.com/2011/12/modern-family-recap-express-christmas.html
  11. https://ew.com/recap/modern-family-recap-express-christmas/
  12. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1442437/
  13. https://screenrant.com/modern-family-cast-character-guide/
  14. https://movieweb.com/modern-family-cast-and-character-guide/
  15. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/modern-family-replaces-baby-lily-222692/
  16. https://screenrant.com/modern-family-lily-age-older-plot-hole/
  17. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2096098/fullcredits/
  18. https://modernfamily.fandom.com/wiki/Express_Christmas
  19. https://www.tvmaze.com/episodes/4626/modern-family-3x10-express-christmas
  20. https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/1421-modern-family/season/3/episode/10/cast
  21. http://www.thefutoncritic.com/ratings/2011/12/27/live-plus-7-day-ratings-abcs-modern-family-sets-a-record-as-tvs-biggest-gainer-in-dvr-playback-200024/20111227abc01/
  22. https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/modern-family-ratings-2011-2012/
  23. http://www.thefutoncritic.com/ratings/2011/03/14/abcs-modern-family-emerges-as-the-weeks-number-1-scripted-show-in-young-adults-via-time-shifted-viewing-306313/20110314abc02/
  24. https://www.tvfanatic.com/modern-family-review-express-christmas/
  25. https://www.pastemagazine.com/tv/modern-family/modern-family-review-express-christmas-episode-310
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