Office Ladies: Bonus Christmas Episode with Brian Baumgartner

Episode Information:

• Title: Bonus Christmas Episode with Brian Baumgartner
• Hosts: Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey
• Guest: Brian Baumgartner
• Release Date: December 13, 2024

1. Introduction and Macy’s Partnership (00:00 - 00:35)

The episode opens with Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey announcing their collaboration with Macy's for the holiday season. They introduce the Macy's Gift Guide, a curated collection of holiday gift ideas aimed at simplifying holiday shopping for listeners.

• Jenna Fischer (00:05): "We have partnered with Macy’s this holiday season to create our very own Macy’s Gift Guide."
• Angela Kinsey (00:11): "Our Macy’s Gift Guide has curated all things holiday to help you prepare for the season ahead with gift suggestions for every person on your list."

2. Festive Outfits and Holiday Spirit (00:33 - 01:46)

Jenna and Angela showcase their festive attire, adding a personal and cheerful touch to the episode. They introduce other characters like Sam Kiefer and Cassie, highlighting their unique Christmas outfits.

• Jenna Fischer (01:02): "I’m so excited for today. Everybody is dressed in their most festive outfits."
• Angela Kinsey (01:12): "Jenna has on the cutest hoodie ever. It looks homemade... It’s got little mittens and a snowman."

3. Special Guest: Brian Baumgartner (06:42 - 08:00)

Brian Baumgartner joins the hosts in the studio to discuss his favorite Christmas memories from The Office and his new book, "Twas the Night Before Christmas at Dunder Mifflin," which has already become a New York Times bestseller.

• Brian Baumgartner (07:06): "It’s the most wonderful time of the year... I’m so happy to be here in your new spot here in my old stomping ground in Hollywood, California."

4. Reminiscing on The Office Christmas Episodes (09:35 - 17:14)

The conversation delves into memorable moments from The Office’s holiday episodes. Brian shares anecdotes about on-set challenges, such as filming Christmas parties and humorous incidents like him sitting on Steve’s lap as Santa.

• Brian Baumgartner (10:03): "For me, it’s about what was going on outside of it now as much as what the actual episode was."
• Jenna Fischer (13:00): "Brian, I remember when you sit on Steve’s lap as Santa... it was so difficult for me."

5. Introduction to Brian’s New Book (17:24 - 25:24)

Brian discusses the inspiration behind his book, which adapts the classic "The Night Before Christmas" poem into the world of Dunder Mifflin. He elaborates on the collaborative process with Glen Keane and illustrator Mael Gormalin to bring the story and intricate details of the office setting to life.

• Brian Baumgartner (17:49): "The idea for adapting the Night Before Christmas poem and setting it here in the Office came from fans who watch our Christmas episodes every holiday season."

6. Office Ladies Gift Exchange (26:41 - 35:40)

In a heartwarming segment, Jenna, Angela, Sam, and Cassie participate in a festive gift exchange, exchanging thoughtfully selected presents from Macy’s. They share the excitement of unwrapping ornaments and practical gifts, reflecting the camaraderie of The Office characters.

• Angela Kinsey (28:16): "Sam, yours are very similar in size. One of them is slightly smaller than the other."
• Jenna Fischer (30:03): "I love it. This is so something I really needed that I just have never bought myself."

7. Holiday Music and Festive Tunes (50:36 - 60:34)

The hosts discuss their favorite holiday songs, sharing personal anecdotes and trivia about classic Christmas tracks. Jenna highlights the enduring popularity of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You”, while Sam and Cassie mention their preferences for Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” and Wham’s “Last Christmas” respectively.

• Jenna Fischer (56:00): "Mariah Carey has been the reigning queen of Christmas music for years."
• Sam Kiefer (50:50): "Bing Crosby’s White Christmas does it for you."

8. Angela’s Story: Meeting a Santa’s Helper (37:16 - 46:49)

Angela shares a touching story about meeting Dan Cresswell, a professional Santa who became her friend's Santa’s helper. Dan’s journey from delivering pizzas in a Santa suit to running his own Santa business is detailed, highlighting his dedication to spreading holiday joy.

• Angela Kinsey (38:29): "Dan started by delivering pizzas dressed as Santa, and his children encouraged him to continue."
• Dan Cresswell (func): Describes his experience and the authentic effort he puts into being a Santa’s helper.

9. Jenna’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Memory (47:03 - 50:34)

Jenna recounts a family memory of staying along the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade route, only to miss the main Santa float due to a time zone mix-up. Despite the disappointment, the experience remains a cherished holiday story.

• Jenna Fischer (47:03): "We overslept, so by the time we woke up and ran to the parade, it was the last float going by—Santa on his sleigh."

10. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Episodes (61:00 - 63:17)

The episode concludes with Jenna and Angela expressing gratitude to Macy’s and their guest Brian. They tease future episodes, including an upcoming deep dive into The Office’s "Super Fan Hot Girl" episode, and encourage listeners to check out the Macy’s Gift Guide via their Instagram bio.

• Angela Kinsey (62:35): "Macy’s Gift Guide really makes it easy. They have curated all of Macy’s for all things holiday."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jenna Fischer (00:05): "We have partnered with Macy’s this holiday season to create our very own Macy’s Gift Guide."
• Brian Baumgartner (07:06): "It’s the most wonderful time of the year... I’m so happy to be here in your new spot here in my old stomping ground in Hollywood, California."
• Brian Baumgartner (10:03): "For me, it’s about what was going on outside of it now as much as what the actual episode was."
• Angela Kinsey (38:29): "Dan started by delivering pizzas dressed as Santa, and his children encouraged him to continue."
• Jenna Fischer (56:00): "Mariah Carey has been the reigning queen of Christmas music for years."
• Angela Kinsey (62:35): "Macy’s Gift Guide really makes it easy. They have curated all of Macy’s for all things holiday."

Conclusion

This special Christmas episode of Office Ladies offers a delightful blend of nostalgia, heartfelt stories, and festive cheer. From reminiscing about favorite holiday moments on The Office to sharing personal holiday traditions and engaging with a beloved guest, Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey create an enriching experience for both long-time fans and new listeners. The partnership with Macy’s adds a practical dimension, providing listeners with accessible gift ideas to enhance their holiday season.

Enjoy the holiday season with Office Ladies and Happy Listening!