Re-Launch, Reboot, or Re-Imagine Retro Review: Supernatural (S3 – EP8) A Very Supernatural Christmas Spread the love As the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect time to revisit one of Supernatural‘s most memorable festive episodes. Can you believe it’s been nearly 20 years… by Richard Strike December 13, 2025 Spread the love As the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect time to revisit one of Supernatural‘s most memorable festive episodes. Can you believe it’s been nearly 20 years since Sam and Dean Winchester faced holiday horrors in “A Very Supernatural Christmas”? Let’s dive into this classic episode and see why it still resonates with fans today. Episode Recap In this Christmas-themed adventure, Sam and Dean are pulled into a case that mixes supernatural scares with holiday cheer — though not in the traditional sense. From eerie decorations to sinister twists, the Winchesters must navigate a season meant for joy while confronting malevolent forces that threaten more than just Christmas spirit. Iconic moments and clever scares make this episode a standout in the early seasons. The Pagan Gods: Madge and Edward Carrigan The episode introduces viewers to Madge and Edward Carrigan, portrayed by Merrilyn Gann and Spencer Garrett, respectively. Initially appearing as a perfect suburban couple, they are revealed to be pagan deities of the Winter Solstice. Once revered by many, their power waned with the rise of Christianity, leading them to resort to human sacrifices to regain their strength. Their ritualistic practices involve using meadowsweet wreaths, a plant with deep roots in pagan traditions, to lure victims. This detail adds a layer of authenticity to the episode’s exploration of ancient beliefs and customs. Behind the Scenes & Fun Facts Eric Kripke’s Vision: Series creator Eric Kripke aimed to craft “the most violent Christmas special in the history of television.” Drawing inspiration from the myth of the anti-Claus, the writers incorporated the mythology of pagan gods like Hold Nickar, believed to be the precursor to Santa Claus. Kripke noted that this lore was “one of [their] most accurate” since many Christmas traditions have pagan origins. Wikipedia Writing Team’s Contribution: While Jeremy Carver penned the episode, the writing staff contributed their ideas to the storyline. Within five minutes of brainstorming, they envisioned three scenes they had to do: the teaser, where a grandfather pretending to be Santa is pulled up the chimney and slaughtered; a boy witnessing the Santa-dressed villain brutally killing his father and then eating one of the cookies for Santa; and the Winchesters killing someone with a Christmas tree. Wikipedia Visual Effects Choices: After Madge’s death, the script described Edward as screaming her name “in all his godlike glory.” The visual effects department interpreted this literally, creating a transformation into a tree creature. However, this was deemed “a little too on the nose” and ultimately not used. Wikipedia Why It’s Worth Watching Today Nearly two decades later, the charm of this episode remains intact. It’s a perfect mix of nostalgia, clever storytelling, and holiday fun — a reminder of why Supernatural captured the hearts of so many. Whether you’re revisiting or watching for the first time, this episode is a festive treat for fans old and new. Share Your Thoughts What’s your favorite moment from “A Very Supernatural Christmas”? Do you love the scares, the humor, or the Winchesters’ antics most? Let us know in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you! Tags Source: https://www.scifipulse.net/retro-review-supernatural-s3-ep8-a-very-supernatural-christmas/