The holiday season is upon us, Castle fans, as this ABC favorite kicked off the month of December with its Christmas-themed episode,"Secret Santa."

There were traditions being broken, new ones being started and a dead Santa crime to solve. Time to discuss...

Santa Fell From The Sky. The weekly case centered around the murder of a man who worked as a Santa during the holiday season. He had taken the job after giving up his Wall Street life because of his company’s actions. It had inflated mortgages, causing many families to lose their homes and Santa Edmund decided to take it upon himself to help one of those out.

Dressing up as Saint Nick is pretty much the perfect disguise. Working a holiday party, Edmund planned to get documents from his old company to prove the case for the families...  until he was shot... by his ex-wife. Talk about a holiday downer! 

You have to give credit to the man, changing his entire life around to make someone else’s better. This is definitely the kind of message you want to hear this season. Even if it is wrapped up in a murdered red and green bow.

First Christmas. The holiday marked a big occasion for the best detective couple on TV. Castle had invited Beckett to share their first Christmas, but she instead decided to work. At first, this was a bit annoying. The couple makes these forward movements and then pause because of pressure. Turns out Kate always works because the holidays remind her of her mother (totally acceptable). Time to change it up, though, girl. And change it up she did, by showing up at Castle’s door. Could they be any cuter? 

The writers have found a way to keep the relationship solid and enjoyable without making the entire show centered around. The two work as a couple and as partners and that even balance is what is still bringing so many viewers to their living rooms on Monday nights.

Side note: how awesome were Castle’s Christmas decorations?!? Any way I can get him to come decorate my house?

Moving Forward. The tradition of a six-pack and video games between the best bromance on TV was broken now that Ryan is married. First, let me say that this sounds like an awesome tradition and I know I am not alone in thinking so. Second, the conversation between the two about Jenny wanting to have kids and Javi telling Ryan he is ready was so genuine. These two characters really seem like the perfect best friends. Plus, Javi’s dance with Jenny’s gift was hysterical.

Espo continues to make his presence felt. The character has really evolved since being a background player, thanks to some great writing from Marlowe and company. The relationship between Lanie and him used to be something to root for. These days? Not so much. This character has earned himself a real relationship and screen time to back it. Showing up at the family’s door to return their clock was so sweet. I even found myself hoping for a holiday hookup between him and the mother. That was a long shot.

Overall, an enjoyable Christmas episode from Castle. It was as light hearted and fun as possible, considering it revolved around a dead Santa. “Secret Santa” had some great lines you can check out on the Castle Quotes page and, as always, don’t forget to return later in the week for our Castle Round Table.

Looks like no new episodes until after the holidays. While this may be a complete bummer to us Castle-rs, it gives us the entire month to predict what will take place in the second half of Castle Season 5. Until then, TV Fanatics.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!