Ep 16. An Even Steven Holiday Special

As Told By Ginger is an animated series that chronicles the life of teenager Ginger Foutley. The show follows Ginger as she navigates the ups and downs of adolescence, dealing with everything from crushes and friendships to family issues and school drama. In season 1 episode 16, titled "An Even Steven Holiday Special," Ginger and her friends prepare for the upcoming holiday season.

The episode begins with Ginger and her best friends, Dodie and Macie, discussing their plans for the holidays. Dodie is excited to spend time with her extended family, while Macie is worried that her parents won't be able to afford Christmas presents this year. Ginger is caught in the middle, unsure of how to feel about the holidays. While she loves spending time with her family, she's also anxious about the pressure of gift-giving and making everything perfect.

As the girls continue to talk, they are interrupted by the arrival of Ginger's brother, Carl. Carl is dressed in a festive red and green outfit and is carrying a giant sack full of presents. He announces that he's playing Santa Claus at the mall and invites the girls to come and visit him. Intrigued by the idea, they decide to go and check it out.

At the mall, the girls are delighted to find that Carl's Santa Claus outfit is more than just a cape and a fake beard. He's got the whole shebang - a giant red suit, boots, and a white fluffy trim. The girls enthusiastically line up to sit on his lap and tell him their Christmas wishes. Ginger is hesitant at first, worried that it's too childish, but eventually gives in and tells Santa (aka Carl) her wish for the holiday season. As they leave, the girls take a group photo with Carl in his Santa outfit.

Back at home, Ginger confides in her mother, Lois, about her mixed feelings about the holidays. Lois listens and empathizes with Ginger, admitting that she also feels a lot of pressure during this time of year. She tells Ginger that it's okay to feel anxious and that it's important to focus on the things that really matter. Ginger takes her mother's advice and starts to feel better about the upcoming holiday season.

As Christmas approaches, Ginger and her friends exchange gifts. Ginger gives Dodie and Macie handmade bracelets, while Dodie gives Ginger a talking hamster toy and Macie gives her a book on meditation. Ginger's younger brother, Blake, adds to the festive atmosphere by decorating the house with handmade paper snowflakes.

Finally, on Christmas morning, the Foutley family gathers around the tree to open presents. Ginger is excited to see that her mother and father have given her a new camera, something she's been wanting for a long time. Blake is thrilled with his new video game console, and even Carl seems to be enjoying himself despite his grumpy demeanor.

As they settle in for the day, Ginger reflects on the true meaning of the holiday season. She realizes that while gifts and decorations are nice, it's the time spent with loved ones that really matters. She looks around at her family and friends, feeling grateful for their presence in her life.

Overall, "An Even Steven Holiday Special" is a heartwarming episode that captures the spirit of the holiday season. It is a reminder that, in the end, it's the people we surround ourselves with that make the holidays truly special.