After an episode that was more depressing than funny last week in "Scott's Tots," The Office got back to its roots Thursday with a terrific Christmas episode, "Secret Santa."

Michael Scott was back to his old petulant, pouty self when he learned Jim let Phyllis be Santa Claus at the branch party, and decided to revolt - as a heckling Jesus Christ.

The comedic moments were rapid-fire - Creed asking what evil boys get in stockings, Kevin sitting on Santa's lap, Andy's gift to Erin - but there was also a key plot point.

Michael learned from Wallace that the company was bought out, and believed this meant everyone in Scranton would be on the street. But it turns out the reverse is true.

While the execs are getting sacked, the distributors of Dunder-Mifflin are the most efficient part of the company, and the branch is safe. It's a true Christmas miracle!

It was nice to see the insolvency plot line tied up as we head into the second half of the season, especially after a holiday office party for the ages. Well played, Office.

Kevin sits on Santa's lap, with predictably hilarious results.

Some of our favorite The Office quotes from last night appear below. Follow the link for our full library of quotes from last night and every episode in the show's history!

Jim: Wait. We haven't gone under. We've been sold. That could mean many different things.
Michael: It's hard for me to imagine a scenario in which Meredith Palmer keeps her job and David Wallace does not. No offense Meredith.
Meredith: No, I get it. | permalink

Michael: How's everybody doing?
Jim: Not great. You heckled Santa for an hour and a half.
Michael: That was a different guy. That was Jesus. Jesus ruined the party. Petulant Jesus.
Angela: Are you serious? That is so offensive. | permalink

Jim: You can't yell out "I need this, I need this" as you pin down an employee on your lap.
Michael: Okay. You know what Jim, there are two Santas in the room. Things get ruthless!
Jim: Yup.
Michael: Do you understand you forced my hand. | permalink

Kevin: I didn't even get to tell you what I wanted!
Michael: Okay you know what you get? A thousand helium balloons attached to you so Santa doesn't have to go through this again.
Kevin: Awesome. | permalink

Michael: Ho ho ho! Why pay more to sit next to old Tranny Claus over there, when you can sit on my lap. Phyllis is only ... pretending to be a man, I'm the real thing. Sit down on my lap and there will be no doubt! [awkward silence] No it's not, not like penis-wise. | permalink

Andy: I begged Dwight and Jim to give me Erin for Secret Santa. And I decided to give Erin the 12 days of Christmas. Is it my fault that the first eight days is basically 30 birds? | permalink

Pam: So Santa, what can we expect from this party?
Phyllis: It's going to be a very jolly time if you've been good!
Creed: What if you've been bad?
Phyllis: Oh, then nothing but a lump of coal for you!
Creed: What if you've been really, really bad? Like more evil, and strictly wrong.
Jim: Okay, Creed, we covered it. Lump of coal.
Phyllis: Yeah ... | permalink

Steve Marsi is the Managing Editor of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Google+ or email him here.