" Extraordinary Merry Christmas " (Season 3, Episode 9) is Glee's meta-holiday episode that splits its time between a parody-filled Christmas special and a grounded storyline about charity . Directed by Matthew Morrison, it is noted for featuring the most musical performances in a single episode (10 in total) and the series' first original holiday song .

Ambition initially wins as the club chooses the televised special, leading Sam and Quinn to skip the show and help Sue instead .

Inspired by Rory’s heartfelt reading of the nativity story—a direct nod to A Charlie Brown Christmas —the club realizes their mistake and heads to the shelter to serve food and perform .

Sue Sylvester recruits the club to volunteer at a homeless shelter . Simultaneously, Artie is offered a chance to direct a holiday special for a local PBS station .

The episode revolves around the New Directions being double-booked for Christmas Eve .