The episode was directed by Lance Kramer with a story by Jeff Westbrook and teleplay by John Frink and Joel H. Cohen.
After Thanksgiving dinner, Bart and Lisa give Marge and Homer their Christmas lists, asking for only one present: a smart TV that costs $2,400.
Homer urges Bart and Lisa to act as if they are enjoying themselves for Marge's sake, but the theme park turns out to be full of bizarre, frightening rides and obscure cartoon characters.
Bart scares Jeanie by removing the heads from the animatronic figures in the Hall of Vice Presidents and putting them in her bed.
"[2] Tony Sokol of Den of Geek gave the episode 2 out of 5 points ranking, stating '"'Tis the 30th Season" has a better premise than an execution, not to be confused with a crucifixion.
The Simpson family sacrifice personal happiness to the least fortunate, former salesman Gil, the unluckiest man in town, only to see it crassly discarded for a better offer.
"'Tis The 30th Season", however, shows what The Simpsons is like when the inspiration's left out—a blandly pleasant family sitcom with a few lazy surreal touches thrown in.