- An Aesop: Sometimes, sacrifice is necessary to provide for the people you love. Chris is upset that he won't be getting anything (he'd want) for Christmas, but when he realizes that it'll allow his siblings to get the gifts they've most wanted, he's content.
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Catharsis Factor: Chris being treated nicely after everything he's gone through is quite pleasing to watch. - Christmas Episode
- Pet the Dog:
- Chris' entire family treats him much better than they usually do since they can't buy him the Walkman he wanted.
- Ms. Morello thinks that Chris' family is too poor to celebrate Christmas, let alone have food on the table, and therefore she sets up a huge surprise gift containing various food items and goodies for them.
- Took a Level in Kindness: To fill in for the lack of a gift, Rochelle acts much nicer towards Chris.
- Throw the Dog a Bone: After dropping the bomb on Chris that he won't be getting any Christmas gifts, his family spends the rest of the episode treating Chris much nicer than usual to give him any semblance of a gift.
- Wham Line: Happens In-Universe to Chris.
Julius: "Well, you're not getting a present for Christmas."
- Yank the Dog's Chain: Thankfully downplayed. Ms. Morello brings a whole care package and camera crew to donate food to his family when she assumes they don't have any. Rochelle made it very clear that she doesn't want anyone to think that they're poor. When the crew shows up, Rochelle yells at Chris and the episode ends.
