Happy Non-Specific Semi-Festive Winter Gathering/References

Cultural References

 * The story's title is a reference to the modern tendency to refer to Christmas-related events by the term "winter" to.
 * Sherri, Terri, Janey and Database sing the chorus of the novelty song "" by . When Superintendent Chalmers looks perturbed at the selection, Miss Hoover tells him it was either that or "".
 * Ralph is posed as baby Jesus would be in a . However, in his typical style, he misidentifies himself as "baby genius".
 * One of the items Milhouse wants for Christmas is an.
 * Peanuts: Martin plays a toy piano while Santa's Little Helper dances on it and Lisa leans on it and listens to the music, similar to, Snoopy and Lucy.
 * A poster on the wall reads "Naughty List Hall of Fame" and has Bart's picture at the top. The poster is a reference to the lyric "He's making a list and checking it twice, he's gonna find out who's naughty or nice" from the song "".
 * Bart's "Toys for Tot" scheme is a reference to, a program run by the which distributes toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts for Christmas.

Trivia

 * Another poster reads "Springfield Elementary: We Have Nothing Left to Sue For!", a reference to the school's ongoing financial and legal woes.

Continuity

 * "Convoy" is also sung in the advert for the Superstar Celebrity Microphone (and later by Homer as he demonstrates the toy) in the television episode "Radio Bart".

Goofs

 * Jaffee is drawn with blond hair instead of brown.