Since James Michael Tyler (Gunther) was the only actor who knew how to work a cappuccino machine, he became a series regular. He was an actual barista when hired. When he began to appear in more episodes, he quit to work full time on the show.
Gunther, who was planned to be a silent cast member, has his first line in this episode.
The only appearance of Phoebe's grandmother.
First proper Christmas episode of the series
In previous episodes, there are references to the show Three's Company (1976). Audra Lindley played who plays Phoebe's Grandmother, played Helen Roper in the previous show.