👻 The Woodstone Holiday Tradition: Why We Can’t Get Enough of Ghostmas
Can we all just admit that the holiday season doesn’t officially start until the residents of Woodstone Mansion try to ruin—and then inevitably save—Christmas? If you’ve been following the chaotic, heartwarming, and occasionally supernatural journey of Sam and Jay, you know that the writers of Ghosts (the US version) have a special talent for holiday episodes. They manage to blend the “Hallmark” aesthetic with the biting wit of a Revolutionary War captain and the pantsless antics of a 90s finance bro.
As we approach the middle of Season 5, the hype for Episodes 9 and 10, collectively titled “Merry Ghostmas,” is reaching a fever pitch. This isn’t just another weekly installment; it’s a two-part holiday event designed to tug at our heartstrings while making us laugh at the absurdity of afterlife roommates. Let’s dive into the preview, the potential plot twists, and why this double-feature might be the highest-rated event of the season.
📺 The “Merry Ghostmas” Setup: A Double Dose of Spirit
Most sitcoms settle for a quick 22-minute holiday gag, but Ghosts Season 5 is going big. By dedicating two full episodes to the “Merry Ghostmas” arc, the creators are giving us a cinematic experience right in the middle of our December schedule.
The Two-Part Structure
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Episode 9: Likely focuses on the “inciting incident”—the arrival of a difficult guest or a ghost-related catastrophe that threatens Jay’s dream of a perfect, traditional Christmas dinner.
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Episode 10: The resolution, where the emotional stakes peak. Expect a massive group “Ghostmas” song, a heartfelt realization from one of the core spirits, and perhaps a small holiday miracle that only Sam can see.
🏠 Sam and Jay’s Battle Against Holiday Chaos
For Sam and Jay, the holidays aren’t just about tinsel and eggnog; they’re about managing the expectations of a house full of people who have been dead for centuries. Jay, ever the optimist (and the culinary genius of the house), usually wants to recreate a classic “Norman Rockwell” Christmas. Sam, however, acts as the harried translator for a dozen ghosts who all have different ideas of what the holidays mean.
Jay’s Culinary Ambitions
In the “Merry Ghostmas” preview, we see Jay obsessing over a specific holiday menu. Since he can’t see the ghosts, his struggle is always the most relatable—he’s fighting invisible forces (literally) to keep his soufflé from falling. Will Trevor try to mess with the kitchen timer again? Or will Hetty find a way to criticize the modern lack of pheasant?
Sam’s Emotional Tightrope
Sam often bears the brunt of the ghosts’ emotional baggage. For spirits who can’t leave the property, the holidays can be a bittersweet reminder of the families they left behind. Part of the “Merry Ghostmas” charm will surely involve Sam helping a ghost like Sass or Isaac find peace with a memory from their past lives.
⚔️ Isaac and Nigel: A Ghostmas Reconciliation?
After the dramatic fallout of their wedding-that-wasn’t, the relationship between Captain Isaac Higgentoot and Nigel Chessum has been… awkward, to say the least.
H3: The Ghost of Christmas Past Relationships
Could “Merry Ghostmas” be the setting for a true reconciliation? Holiday episodes are notorious for “mistletoe moments.” While Isaac has been trying to embrace his new “single” life (with varying degrees of success), the sentimental nature of Christmas might push him to finally make amends with Nigel—or at least find a way to coexist without the heavy layer of Revolutionary-era shade.
🏛️ Hetty and Trevor: The Mistletoe Mystery
The “will-they-won’t-they” (or rather, “they-definitely-did-but-won’t-admit-it”) dynamic between Hetty and Trevor remains a fan favorite.
H3: High Society Meets Wall Street
Trevor loves a good party, and Hetty loves traditional decorum. The preview hints at a clash over the “Woodstone Holiday Ball.” Imagine Trevor trying to introduce “Beer Pong” to a Christmas party while Hetty insists on a strictly choreographed cotillion. The friction between these two is the engine of some of the show’s best comedy, and Ghostmas is the perfect stage for their sparks to fly.
🏹 Flower and Thor: A Very Viking Holiday
Now that Flower is back from the well, her relationship with Thorfinn is a major focus. Thorfinn’s idea of Christmas is, understandably, more “Yule” and less “Santa.”
H4: Fighting for Tradition
We expect Thor to insist on Viking traditions—perhaps a ceremonial hunt (difficult for a ghost) or the burning of a giant log. Flower, in her delightfully dazed way, will likely follow along, perhaps adding some 60s peace-and-love vibes to Thor’s aggressive celebration. Their dynamic provides the “burstiness” the show needs—sudden shifts from Thor’s booming shouts to Flower’s quiet, confusing observations.
🎶 The Musical Element: Will There Be Carols?
Ghosts has never been afraid of a musical moment. With a cast full of Broadway talent (hello, Danielle Pinnock and Brandon Scott Jones!), a holiday special is the perfect excuse for a performance.
Alberta’s Time to Shine
Alberta Haynes, our resident jazz age diva, is the natural lead for any musical numbers. The preview suggests a scene where the ghosts try to “sing along” with a modern caroling group. The hilarity, of course, comes from the fact that only Sam can hear the ghosts’ soulful (and much better) harmonies over the amateur humans.
🕵️ Mystery Guest: Who is Coming to Woodstone?
No holiday special is complete without a guest who stirs the pot. Rumors suggest a distant relative of Jay’s or a high-strung travel blogger might check into the B&B during “Merry Ghostmas.”
The Human Obstacle
The presence of a human who doesn’t know about the ghosts always adds a layer of “farce” to the show. Sam has to explain away flying objects, “haunted” music, and Jay’s habit of talking to empty chairs. If the guest is particularly skeptical, it forces Sam into increasingly ridiculous physical comedy.
🕊️ The “Sucking Up” Scare: Could We Lose a Ghost?
Season 5 has been hinting that the status quo at Woodstone is never permanent. While holiday episodes usually end on a high note, Ghosts loves a good cliffhanger.
H4: The Bitter with the Sweet
Is it possible that “Merry Ghostmas” involves a ghost finally finding the closure they need to “get sucked up”? While fans would hate to lose a member of the core cast, the show constantly reminds us that the ghosts’ ultimate goal is to move on. If a ghost makes a profound realization during Episode 10, we might be left wondering if they’ll still be there when the tinsel comes down.
🎁 Production Value: Woodstone in the Snow
One thing Ghosts does exceptionally well is atmosphere. The production design for the holiday episodes usually goes above and beyond.
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Cinematography: Expect warm, amber lighting inside the mansion contrasted with a “winter wonderland” exterior.
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Costumes: The ghosts are trapped in their death-day outfits, but they often find ways to “accessorize” for the holidays. Seeing Isaac with a tiny sprig of holly on his lapel or Sass with a festive headband (provided by Sam) adds to the visual charm.
📈 Why Season 5 is a Turning Point for the Series
By the time we reach Episode 9 and 10, Season 5 has already established several major arcs. “Merry Ghostmas” serves as the mid-season anchor.
The Evolution of the B&B
The B&B is now a functioning business. The holiday episodes show us how Sam and Jay have matured as business owners. They aren’t just surviving the ghosts; they are thriving with them. This shift in the power dynamic—from Sam being overwhelmed to Sam being the “mom” of the group—makes the emotional payoffs in the holiday special feel earned.
✨ The Magic of the “Merry Ghostmas” Script
The writing in Ghosts thrives on perplexity. It asks questions about life, death, and regret while simultaneously making jokes about Thor’s hatred of cod.
Balancing Humor and Pathos
The “Merry Ghostmas” script reportedly leans heavily into the idea of “Found Family.” For many people, the holidays aren’t about biological relatives but about the people (or ghosts) you choose to spend your life with. This theme resonates deeply in a show about a group of strangers from different centuries stuck together for eternity.
Conclusion
Ghosts Season 5, Episodes 9 and 10, “Merry Ghostmas,” promises to be the definitive television event of the holiday season. By doubling the runtime, the creators are allowing for a deeper exploration of the ghosts’ backstories, a potential reconciliation for Isaac and Nigel, and a showcase for the show’s unique blend of physical comedy and heartfelt drama. Whether Jay succeeds in his quest for the perfect dinner or Alberta steals the show with a holiday anthem, one thing is certain: Woodstone Mansion is the only place we want to be this Christmas. Don’t forget to set your DVRs for this two-part extravaganza—it’s going to be “spirited” in more ways than one!
❓ 5 Unique FAQs After The Conclusion
Q1: Is “Merry Ghostmas” a single long episode or two separate nights?
A1: While they are titled as Episodes 9 and 10, they are typically aired as a one-hour back-to-back event on CBS, serving as a mid-season finale or special holiday presentation. Check your local listings for the specific air date in December 2025.
Q2: Will any ghosts from the UK version of Ghosts make a cameo?
A2: While there have been no confirmed reports of a crossover for “Merry Ghostmas,” fans have been clamoring for a meeting between the two casts. However, the US show tends to stick to its own established lore, so a cameo remains a “holiday wish” rather than a confirmed fact.
Q3: Does Jay finally get to see the ghosts in this special?
A3: As of the preview for Season 5, Jay remains “ghost-blind.” However, the show often plays with “near-miss” moments where Jay almost perceives them. While it’s unlikely he’ll gain the “gift” permanently, holiday specials often feature a moment where Jay feels their presence in a meaningful way.
Q4: Is Flower fully integrated back into the group for the holiday special?
A4: Yes! After her return from the well earlier in the season, Flower is a full participant in the house activities. Her “Ghostmas” arc is expected to focus on her rekindled romance with Thorfinn and her unique interpretation of holiday “peace.”
Q5: Are there any new ghosts being introduced in Episode 9 or 10?
A5: The preview hints at a “surprise visitor.” This could be a new ghost tied to the property’s history that Sam discovers while decorating a previously ignored corner of the attic, or it could be a visiting human with a surprising connection to one of the resident spirits.
