This is one of the most acclaimed episodes of the show, and it remains a fan-favorite many years after its debut. It is often considered one of the best and most emotionally powerful episodes in the entire series, along with one of the best animated Christmas specials (from a TV-show) ever.
Unlike most other Christmas specials, especially non-animated ones, nobody in this episode sings a Christmas carol. Also, unlike most other Christmas specials, Santa Claus isn't featured or even mentioned in this episode.
This is the first episode to relate to a real life event such as the Vietnam War, although this is never explicitly stated in this episode (though Mr. Hyunh being from Vietnam was mentioned in "Snow"). Various clues give this away such as him mentioning the "war in the North". The Vietnam War started when the North section of Vietnam became communist and declared war on the South half, which was capitalist. The scene when Hyunh gives Mai to the American helicopter leaving the city mirrors the real-life famous image of the helicopter taking refugees out of Saigon (called Ho Chi Minh City as of July 1976) after the South was conquered by the North. When Helga overhears Arnold talking about his mission to reunite Mr. Hyunh with his daughter, a sign behind her says "Saigon Helicopter", directly referencing this. Hyunh mentions he had to wait 20 years to come to America. It wasn't until liberation of the Vietnamese Communist Government in 1995, 20 years after the Fall of Saigon, that people could leave the country. (This also means Mr. Hyunh likely arrived in Hillwood not long ago, if this episode is considered to be set on 1996). Mr. Hyunh's voice actor, Baoan Coleman, was at the real Fall of Saigon in Vietnam. Martin Johanssen (Geralds father) was also present during the Vietnam war, which he goes into detail in "Veterans Day".
First Hey Arnold episode not to have the usual show intro.
In real life, Frank Sinatra (who Dino Spumoni is an expy of) had daughter called Nancy, who had a famous song titled "These Boots Are Made For Walking".