In this FRIENDS episode, Chandler Bing reminds us that Christmas is about much more than just the stuff you can wrap up and put under the tree.
Ah, Christmas! The time of year when we’re all swaddled in tinsel, bingeing on eggnog (or mulled wine, no judgment), and singing carols with enough enthusiasm that could wake the dead. But amid the frenzy of wrapping paper and twinkling lights, do we ever stop to ask: “What is Christmas really about?”
Is it the presents? The food? The awkward family dinner where your uncle insists that a Christmas ham needs ‘extra love’? Or that one relative who still thinks it’s okay to serve fruitcake?
When you dig deeper into the heart of the holidays, you start realizing that it’s not about the shiny wrapping paper, the perfect gift that you found in the 11th hour, or how much you spent at the mall (which, let’s be honest, is probably the same amount you’d spend on three months’ worth of coffee). So, what is Christmas really about?
The answer lies in one of the most underrated episodes of FRIENDS: The One with the Routine, where Chandler Bing drops a Christmas truth bomb that’s as deep as it is sarcastic.
Monica and Ross: The siblings who just can’t quit the spotlight
If there’s one thing FRIENDS never fails to do, it’s to teach us about friendship. This episode, titled, The One with the Routine, which aired on December 16, 1999, takes us on a tumultuous journey of humor and heart as Monica (Courteney Cox), Ross (David Schwimmer), Joey (Matt LeBlanc), and the rest of the gang prepare for New Year’s Eve.
But while each character is wrapped up in their own holiday melodrama, the underlying theme in this episode isn’t the shiny wrapping paper or the grandiose plans. No, it’s the unspoken magic of the small moments, the quirky connections, and the memories made when you least expect them.
Alright, let’s set the stage.
Monica and Ross, always the attention-seekers, decide they must be part of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Eve special. What better way to shine than by showcasing The Routine—a goofy dance that will undoubtedly impress everyone… except the selection guy, who has other plans. As the two siblings break out their moves with reckless abandon, they have no idea that their grand TV moment is really just about getting laughs on a blooper reel.
Yet, what happens next is so quintessential FRIENDS: Ross and Monica may have flubbed their way to failure, but instead of sulking, they bond over the blunder. And that’s the real lesson here—it’s not the polished outcomes that matter, it’s the shared moments that stick. Fame? It’s as overrated as fruitcake. Family? Now that’s the showstopper. Because in the end, it’s the laughter and the love we take with us, not the viral videos.
Joey’s midnight kiss: A rom-com waiting to happen
Meanwhile, Joey—ever the romantic (or, more likely, the hopeless one)—decides that New Year’s Eve is the moment to plant a big ol’ kiss on Janine (Elle Macpherson). Why? Because, in Joey’s world, a kiss at midnight is the ultimate litmus test for whether a girl likes you. Simple, right? But the cameras and crew are determined to ruin his grand plan, cutting him off mid-moment with a dramatic ‘Cut!’. Well, Joey doesn’t take ‘no’ for an answer.
And after the taping, Janine finally plants one on him and admits she likes him, too. Joey doesn’t just get the girl; he gets a lesson in timing—and that sometimes, the best love stories are written in those awkward pauses, right when you think things couldn’t get any messier.
The real lesson: Christmas isn’t about the picture-perfect moment
Back at Monica’s apartment, Rachel, Phoebe, and Matthew Perry’s Chandler Bing are knee-deep in their own holiday dilemma: finding the gifts Monica has cleverly hidden for them. Their search goes from frantic to hilarious, with Chandler being roped into their mission.
But forget the expensive wrapping paper. When it comes to Christmas, the real gift is the thought… and the gut-busting belly laughs that come with it.
In fact, Chandler’s lesson goes even deeper. His insistence on not opening Monica’s presents isn’t just about sticking to the rules—it’s about respecting the moment. It’s about seeing someone’s face light up when they open a gift, not because it’s fancy but because it’s personal. But what did Monica get him as a Christmas gift? A water purifier.
Back to Ross and Monica. They might not have made it onto TV, but they sure created a moment that’s worth more than any viral clip. Their dance routine didn’t exactly scream “Broadway”, more like “two drunk uncles at a wedding”, but it had something more important—heart (and maybe a few bruises). It was pure, unfiltered chaos that they’ll remember forever.
Because in the end, it’s not about the spotlight; it’s about the memories you make, even if those memories include trying to catch your sibling mid-flip and both of you ending up on the floor in a heap of glitter and regret.
The dance that keeps on giving: Monica, Ross, and Ed Sheeran
Now, let’s take a moment to bask in the magic of nostalgia. Who doesn’t remember that epic dance routine? You know, the one that made you question your life choices and wonder if you, too, could be so delightfully awkward. Well, in 2021, Courteney Cox (aka Monica) decided to give the world an early Christmas gift by teaming up with none other than Ed Sheeran to recreate that iconic dance from The One with the Routine.
The actress shared a hilarious and utterly charming video of herself and Sheeran dancing in perfect sync, capturing the magic of that unforgettable moment from the 2000 New Year’s Rockin’ Eve episode. On Instagram, Cox playfully captioned it:
The Shape of You singer, on the other hand, had his own fun with the post, humorously tagging it with #obviouslybetterthanross, captioning:
And we couldn’t agree more. Sheeran and Courteney nailed it!
So, while The One with the Routine may be packed with ridiculous dances, awkward kisses, and some frantic gift hunting, the real heart of the episode lies in the subtle reminders of what truly matters. It’s about laughter, connection, and the warm fuzzy feeling that even when our plans go completely sideways, the people around us are the ones that make the season shine.
After all, isn’t that what FRIENDS is all about? The goofy moments, the mess-ups, and the bonds that only get stronger with every year. Tis’ the season for all of that… and more!
Sometimes, all it takes is a dance, a smile, and a few good friends to bring the magic back to life. Ergo, forget your Amazon wishlist. This moment, right here, is the true meaning of Christmas!
