Dwight Christmas

Season 9 Episode 9 Summary

In The Office, Season 9, Episode 9, “Dwight Christmas,” the staff forgets to plan their yearly Christmas party. Jim backs Dwight’s plan for a Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas, while Angela refuses to support the strange theme. Meanwhile, Jim plans to leave early for his new sports job in Philadelphia.

Dwight serves hot glühwein and hog maw, a stuffed pig stomach that shocks most of his guests. He reads German verse, shares odd family customs, and promises a chance to break a pig rib. Jim and Pam enjoy the chaos, which gives Dwight the warm welcome he rarely gets.

The party peaks when Dwight dresses as Belsnickel, a stern gift giver who judges people as “impish or admirable.” He hands out plain gifts, demands his gift bowls back, and strikes Oscar with a switch. When staff question a racist part of the custom, Dwight secretly texts Nate to cancel his planned role.

Jim teases Dwight about Santa’s naughty-or-nice list, then announces that he must leave for Philadelphia. Hurt by Jim’s exit, Dwight hits him several times and soon shuts down his own party. Pam gives Jim a warm send-off, while the staff brings out standard Christmas food and decor.

Jim returns, saying he missed his wife and found a bus that leaves at five the next morning. Dwight lights up, hugs him, and digs the pig rib from the trash so they can break it. Their reunion gives the episode one of its sweetest scenes, beneath the jokes and gross food.

Darryl fears Jim has dropped his promise to help him join the new firm, and drinks too much. Before Darryl can confront him, Jim shares good news: the firm wants to bring Darryl in for an interview. Darryl shifts from rage to joy, then falls backward onto the food table in a classic party mishap.

Elsewhere, Pete recites Die Hard from memory for Erin, who has never seen the film. Andy emails that he will stay away longer, leaving Erin hurt as she watches the movie with Pete. She cries and accepts his comfort, but reminds him that she is still Andy’s girlfriend.

Toby traps Nellie in a long tale about his doubts over the Scranton Strangler’s guilt. Nellie finally stops his talk with a kiss, adding one last odd turn to the Christmas party. To share a favorite line, click the camera button beside its quote to create an image for social media.