Tensions flare when both Michael and Phyllis come to the office as Santa Claus.
- Becoming the Mask: Originally, Ryan's photography hobby was just a scam to get Kelly and Erin to pose topless for him, but it seems he believes he actually is an artist now.
- Big "YES!": The office cheers when they find out that they are actually keeping their jobs.
- Call-Back:
- Ryan still believes himself to be a photographer just like in "Double Date".
- Michael mentions Stanley cheats on his wife, which was revealed in "Gossip".
- Cannot Keep a Secret: David Wallace tells Michael that the company has been sold, with the obvious implication that this news is not supposed to be public yet. Michael, once again, is unable to keep it secret for more than ten minutes.
- Didn't Think This Through:
- Jim decided to let Phyllis be Santa at the office Christmas party without letting Michael know beforehand.
- Andy's Secret Santa gift to Erin is the Twelve Days of Christmas, and the thirty birds of the song wreck havoc with her.
- Michael beckons Kevin to sit on his lap.
- David Wallace should know by now that Michael Scott cannot keep a secret for more than five seconds.
- Hope Spot: It seems Andy will be spared from Erin's wrath when Phyllis tells him she'll just tell Erin Michael was her Secret Santa. Unfortunately, Michael reveals the truth before Phyllis gets the chance.
- In-Series Nickname: Madge is known as Garfield because she can eat a whole pan of lasagna.
- Malaproper: Michael thinks Jesus can heal "leopards", not lepers, and thinks Phyllis taking his role of Santa is called "uslurping".
- Poor Communication Kills: The plot kicks off thanks to Jim deciding to let Phyllis be Santa this year without consulting Michael about it or even telling him after the fact.
- Sarcastic Confession: Andy admits to being Erin's secret Santa this way.
- Terrible Artist: Ryan still fancies himself a photographer, but his attempt to photograph himself only captures the wall and half of his forehead.
- Wham Line: Michael calls David Wallace to complain about Phyllis, only to learn that the company has been sold.
- What Were You Thinking?: Erin's reaction when Andy tries to defend his gifts with "It's the thought that counts."
- Wrong Line of Work: Jim and Dwight are still terrible at running the party planning committee, especially in the Cold Open.
