Marge reminds Homer they have circus tickets but he wants to watch football.

The family attends the Cirque de Puree, a whimsical French-Canadian circus.

A clown asks for help opening a jar of rainbows, picking a wired audience member.

The circus performers warn of an approaching storm and flee to their trucks.

A massive blizzard hits Springfield, closing schools except Springfield Elementary.

The kids are upset that their school is open while others are closed.

Homer and friends hang out at the coffee shop, complaining about the snow.

Principal Skinner shows a terrible Christmas movie to the few students who came to school.

The students realize they are snowed in and trapped at the school.

Kent Brockman reports on the blizzard and reveals Mr. Burns bought all the snowplows.

The students protest being trapped and Skinner tries to maintain order.

Homer and Ned discuss using a snowplow to rescue the kids, but Homer denies having a plow business.

Skinner has a flashback to Vietnam where he commanded respect, inspiring him to take control.

Skinner enforces strict military-style discipline on the students.

Bart decides to dig a tunnel to escape, but Skinner tries to stop him.

The students revolt and take control of the school from Skinner.

The students run wild, playing dodgeball and causing chaos.

Skinner realizes he needs help and decides to use a hamster to send a message.

Homer and Ned get trapped in the car as it fills with ranch dressing.

Homer drives the car into the school, melting the snow with salt.

Superintendent Chalmers arrives and Skinner pretends nothing happened.

The Simpsons have a chaotic but merry Christmas at home.