The opening sequence is redesigned in a Christmas style for this episode. Not counting the "Treehouse of Horror" episodes, this is the second time that the title sequence is radically different from the norm. The theme change is that the whole town is covered in white snow. The other changes aside from the theme is that in the garage, Homer runs to the right as opposed to the usual left, with Mr. Burns is dressed as Ebenezer Scrooge and Smithers dressed as the ghost of Jacob Marley, respectively, a sign in the background of the power plant reads "Merry Christmas, No Bonuses" and Jasper is standing where the late Bleeding Gums Murphy stands normally. In the quick pan across Springfield, Maude Flanders can be seen alive. Bart's skateboard is replaced with a snowboard. Marge and Maggie's grocery and car scenes are cut out and everyone is in Christmas attire.

 In the episode, when Gil Gunderson is fired from his job, Marge takes pity on him and invites him to stay at the Simpson home. However, he soon outstays his welcome and they are unable to get rid of him.