Sunday marked another holiday season with The Simpsons. In the episode "'Tis the Fifteenth Season," Homer decides that embracing the Christmas spirit means buying an expensive gift for himself. Naturally, there are consequences, but the moment that had Trek fans taking notice was one of the show's signature throwaway gags.

When Homer recounts a Christmas special that he watched the night before, Lisa observes that it's based on "A Christmas Carol," as so many things are. "Yeah, TV writers have been milkin' that goat for years," notes Bart. Cue a brief montage of fake holiday specials based on the tale, including one featuring on Star Trek's Original Series. "Captain, there appears to be some kind of spirit ... from an Earth holiday past!" exclaims Sulu, as a ghostly image floats on the viewscreen. Kirk orders that the ghost be fired on, but Scotty is too busy fretting over the "future" the ghost has shown to him. As the TV flickers off, Marge muses, "That last one looked kinda good."