Citizen Khan: A Khan Christmas is a British Christmas special that aired in 2013 on BBC One. The sitcom is created, written, and stars Adil Ray as Mr. Khan, a loud and proud Pakistani-Muslim community leader, who is always eager to impress others and maintain his status. The special episode is a part of the Citizen Khan series, which depicts a colorful and comical portrayal of the Khan family.
The plot of the special revolves around the Khan family as they prepare for their large-scale family Christmas celebrations. As the planning begins, Mr. Khan feels threatened by the arrival of his sister, Shazia, who he believes is trying to one-up him with her expensive gifts and lifestyle. Meanwhile, Khan's daughter, Alia, decides to practice her acting skills by playing the part of Mary in the school nativity play, while his son-in-law, Amjad, attempts to provide a traditional Christmas dinner for his wife's family, despite his lack of experience in cooking.
The episode opens with Mr. Khan watching a Bollywood movie on his newly installed large-screen television with his wife, Mrs. Khan (Shobu Kapoor), at their family-run convenience store. The story transitions into the family's preparations for Christmas, depicting a clash of cultures between traditional Christmas customs and Muslim rituals. The humor arises from a combination of stereotypes, physical comedy, and situational irony.
Throughout the show, Mr. Khan repeatedly brushes off many activities related to Christmas, such as decorating the house, buying a Christmas tree, and attending the local nativity play, as he perceives them as alien to his Muslim beliefs. However, he eagerly takes up an opportunity to attend a Christmas market, as he believes he can sell his products and earn some extra cash.
The episode introduces many new characters, such as a heavy-set Santa Claus, who Mr. Khan mistakes for a famous movie star, and his sister, Shazia (Maya Sondhi), who is the complete opposite of Mr. Khan and enjoys living a luxurious and extravagant lifestyle. She is invited over for Christmas to surprise the family with her new boyfriend, whom Mr. Khan disapproves of since he is very wealthy and not Muslim.
The special has a heartwarming tone, as it depicts a family coming together in the spirit of Christmas, despite their cultural differences. Alia's school's nativity play is central to the episode, and the family's experiences with it provide the audience with some of the most humorous moments. Mr. Khan stresses about Alia's performance, which he believes will mirror their Islamic faith, but discovers in the end that he has little to worry about, vindicating the universality of the nativity story.
In conclusion, Citizen Khan: A Khan Christmas offers a comical and relatable perspective on multiculturalism, depicting a Muslim family's experiences with Christmas. The sitcom touches on familiar family dynamics, such as sibling rivalries, generational gaps, and cultural differences, and infuses them with humor and slapstick comedy. The episode's themes of family, tradition, and acceptance make it an enjoyable watch for all, regardless of religion or background.
