 The episode contains a number of other references . Its title references Santa Claus . In addition to Die Hard , the episode has been described in part as " a light @-@ hearted Dog Day Afternoon parody . " Ned is believed to be named after Stephen Tobolowsky 's character Ned Ryerson from Groundhog Day , and Mauser after Art Metrano 's character from Police Academy 2 : Their First Assignment and Police Academy 3 : Back in Training . Chuck reveals that Christmas at the Bartowski household includes Twilight Zone marathons , while Sarah reveals that Christmas at the Burton household was spent in a Salvation Army scam . 
