McGee's School of Santa Clausing

Originally aired November 29, 1937, this festive episode of Fibber McGee & Molly introduces the “Fibber McGee College of Santa Clauses,” where aspiring department store St. Nicks train in the fine art of jolliness. Decked out in red suits and white beards, Fibber instructs his unusual batch of Kringles on jovial laughter, beard-pulling protocol, and even recites a musical number touting the benefits of Johnson’s Wax in classic McGee fashion.

From absurd lessons on ribbon snarling and sticker licking to dramatic poetry recitations by special guest Reginald Hamfat, the laughs roll like snowballs downhill. When one student reveals a deep-seated hatred for children, he’s promptly expelled—a moment only Fibber McGee & Molly could make so hilarious.

Later, Fibber steps in as Santa Claus at the Donner and Blitzen department store, where he spars with a skeptical Scot, advises Silly Watson on gift ideas, and nearly loses his cool with a gold-digging customer. As his identity is comically questioned by old friends like Nick DePopulous and Silly himself, Fibber learns that being Santa might be the toughest job he’s ever bungled.

Full of holiday cheer, slapstick misunderstandings, and sponsor-friendly Christmas puns, this episode wraps up with a reminder that perhaps there really is a Santa Claus—if only for a laugh.