This episode was the only specific Christmas- themed episode in the show's 12 seasons. Otherwise, holidays were generally ignored on the show.
Among the Xmas carolers, at the end of the episode, is a blonde woman standing to the right of Sheriff Metzger (Ron Masak). Though she is uncredited, she could be the sheriff's wife. The often-mentioned-but-never-officially-seen Adele Metzger.
The Cabot Cove hardware store is an ACE store.