Christmas Carol (The X-Files)

"Christmas Carol" is the sixth episode of the fifth season of the science fiction television series The X-Files. It first aired on December 7, 1997, on Fox. The episode is part of a two-part story arc, concluding with the subsequent episode, "Emily."

The episode centers on FBI Special Agent Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) as she spends Christmas with her family and investigates the case of a little girl, Emily Sim, who she believes has a connection to Scully's deceased sister, Melissa. As Scully delves deeper into the case, she becomes increasingly emotionally invested, grappling with grief and a sense of familial obligation. The episode's themes revolve around family, loss, and the search for truth in the face of inexplicable events. The title, "Christmas Carol," alludes to Charles Dickens's novel of the same name, echoing its themes of reflection, redemption, and the importance of human connection, particularly during the holiday season. The episode is considered a "Monster-of-the-Week" episode, though it heavily focuses on Scully's personal life and character development.