Summary
Highlights
The episode begins with a recap of the previous events of Inanimate Insanity. MePhone4S, a more advanced version of MePhone4, was introduced and defeated MePhone4, claiming himself the new host. His hosting style was mean-spirited, leading to the elimination of Pepper. Marshmallow, OJ, and Taco traveled back in time to save MePhone4 by replacing him with a dummy. Eventually, MePhone4 returned as the host.
The contestants celebrate Christmas Eve. Paintbrush reveals to Apple that Santa Claus isn't real, deeply upsetting Apple. MePhone4 then unveils a redesigned elimination area. Bomb receives the least votes (69) and is safe. Pickle is safe with 119 votes, while Lightbulb is eliminated with 120 votes.
The ninth contest is a Christmas tree challenge. Teams are given axes to find and cut down a tree from a nearby forest. Team Goo, consisting of Marshmallow, OJ, and Taco, decides to cross a frozen lake to get a specific tree. After crossing, they realize the tree is much smaller than it appeared from a distance due to an illusion. They use the small tree as a sled to return.
Apple is still upset about Santa and tries to sit on everyone's lap. Marshmallow and Apple, dressed as Santa, reveal they were tricking Apple, which further upsets her. Team Goo, with their small tree, is disappointed. Team Chicken Leg presents an aluminum tree. MePhone4 judges the trees, stating that Christmas trees should evoke a feeling of hope and joy, and declares Team Chicken Leg the winner because their aluminum tree shows spirit.
As a reward for winning the challenge, Team Chicken Leg can choose an eliminated contestant to rejoin their team. However, they are undecided. MePhone4 decides to let the viewers vote for an eliminated contestant to return. The options for viewers are Paper, Baseball, Knife, Nickel, Balloon, Pepper, Lightbulb, or Bow. Voting ends on January 8th, 2012, and episode 10 will be released on February 1st, 2012.
The eliminated contestants make pleas for viewers to vote for them to return to the game. Later, Santa appears to Apple, giving her cookies and milk (though he ate the cookies himself). Apple is excited, believing Santa is real, and immediately asks for her pony.