If you’re anything like me, you probably have a favorite movie or TV special you like to watch around the holidays. Maybe you’re really into Elf (who isn’t?) or have The Grinch playing every day from Nov. 1 until Dec. 25. Or maybe you’re into the classics like It’s a Wonderful Life or Miracle on 34th Street. While those are all solid choices, they truly can’t compare to my all-time favorite holiday-themed masterpiece. If you couldn’t guess, I’m obvi talking about the Christmas episode from Season 1 of Lizzie McGuire. (Duh.)

In case you’ve forgotten — I mean, it’s been 16 years so I get it — the Disney Channel paid tribute to Jesus’ birthday in 2001 by giving Aaron Carter a guest role on what is arguably the network’s best sitcom to date. And what a gift it was. (For both Aaron and myself.)

aaron carter i want candy - giphy

(Credit: Giphy)

The episode, aptly titled “Aaron Carter’s Coming to Town,” revolved around Lizzie (Hilary Duff) and Miranda (LaLaine) losing their s–t over the news that Aaron was coming to their hometown to shoot his music video for “I Want Candy,” aka the song of the century. For some reason, the video was all about peppermints, fake snow, and sexy elves dancing in belly shirts. TBH, it’s still my idea of a perfect Christmas.

aaron carter hilary duff - giphy

(Credit: Giphy)

Of course, it was Lizzie and Miranda’s mission to meet Aaron. So, like any pair of middle school besties, they found a way to sneak onto the set of “Candy.” Long story short, Lizzie accidentally bumps into Aaron, they share a kiss (steamy!), and he invites the girls to be extras in his video. Like, yaaass queens! The episode ended by playing the entirety of the “Candy” vid, which I hope you will re-watch in all its iconic glory at the bottom of this post.

aaron carter i want candy - giphy

(Credit: Giphy)

As 2000s nostalgia lovers are well aware, the “Candy” video wasn’t the end of the road for Aaron and Lizzie. Well, Aaron and Hilary, rather. The teen sensations went on to date for nearly three years before they split after Aaron, now 29, reportedly cheated on Hilary, now 30, with Disney rival Lindsay Lohan. There was no greater scandal.

Fast forward to March 2014 when Hilary and her retired NHL player hubby Mike Comrie — who share son Luca, now 5 — announced their separation after three years of marriage. That’s when Aaron decided to express his heartbreak over losing Hil because of his alleged indiscretions with LiLo. After retweeting a photo of an adult Hilary, he followed up by writing, “Don’t be that stupid douche that loses the love of your life forever.. Like me…”

hilary duff aaron carter - getty

Months later, Miss Duff responded to Aaron’s declaration of love in a rather savage interview with BuzzFeed. “I was not expecting this question. He does [keep declaring his love for me], I keep seeing that, that he keeps doing that. I don’t know how I feel,” Hilary — who had not yet finalized her divorce from Mike — said at the time. “I mean, that was so long ago, and obviously I’m still married, and I have a baby…”

If Santa’s real, I genuinely hope he brings these two back together. That’s my only Christmas wish this year. ??