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The 12 Days of Anime Christmas

We've gathered some Christmas anime to enjoy this festive season.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, so in between present wrapping and chestnut roasting why not watch some ? Despite having a markedly different cultural role in Japan compared to many Western countries there are a lot of shows that use it as a jumping off point. It’s a good opportunity for some heartwarming character moments, be they romance or friendship, and maybe a few antics involving presents or Santa costumes. So, for the twelve days of Christmas here are 12(ish) episodes from that are fun little additions to the season.

This is just Christmas episodes of anime series. This is because we all know that the ultimate Christmas anime movie is Satoshi Kon’s Tokyo Godfathers which should be immediately watched if not seen.  

1. (2018) “We Wish You a Metal Christmas”

Everyone’s favourite anime about adulting, this was a special episode taking place after the first season from studio Fanworks. Our titular red panda office lady is in one of her funks. She’s coping by becoming completely absorbed with her social media account. In a quest for more likes, she is obsessed with constructing the most appealing Christmas possible. Instead, a mountain of last-minute work on her desk is halting any festivities. Whilst Retsuko battles with overtime her friends try to help her. It just goes to show even if things aren’t exactly the picture-perfect event we might want, things can still turn out okay.

2. (1998) “Sakura’s Wonderful Christmas”

Christmas is a time for all things wholesome, and it’s hard to find things more wholesome than the quintessential magical girl? Sakura wants to give her crush Yukito a Christmas present and the two go to a theme park together. Best friend Tomoyo and magical guardian Kero follow along to spy and, of course, there’s a Clow Card causing trouble. It’s all very typical plot for the show, yet the Christmas setting gives everything a certain softness and sparkle that is hard to resist.

3. (2009) “Christmas”

If there’s anything these girls know how to do, besides never practising their instruments, it’s have a good time. It’s no surprise then that a Christmas party is going to involve mischief, food, and self-conscious Mio in a Santa dress. The heart of the episode is the bond between sisters Yui and Ui. A flashback to Yui attempting to give her little sister a white Christmas is so sweet as to be borderline saccharine and their gift exchange is just perfect. Sure it’s just cute hijinks, but they’re cute hijinks impeccably made by Kyoto Animation.

4. (2018) “Christmas Camp” and “Mount Fuji and Laid Back Camp Girls”

Maybe cheating to have two episodes but these last two parts of this delightful slice of life anime’s first season form a finale, featuring the Outdoor Activities Club big Christmas Camp. Like all of Laid-Back Camp the emphasis is on mood with a side of mild shenanigans rather than plot, although we do get some development as dedicated solo camping girl Rin starts to think that camping with other people might not be so bad. This is less overtly Christmassy than others on this list but it’s the perfect antidote to end of year stress with beautiful scenery and plenty of food. There’s also a puppy.

5. (2010) “Christmas”

The Christmas episode is low-key in terms of drama but achingly beautiful and heartfelt. Class prince Kazehara organises a Christmas party and shy misunderstood wallflower Sawako wants nothing more than to go. Unfortunately, her family’s own Christmas celebration is the same day, and she feels she has to stay in. It’s a simple situation made complicated by Sawako being unable to express what she wants. What really makes it special are the bittersweet and tender emotions as Sawako continues to grow as a person.

6. (2019) “Bloody Christmas”

We’re not being rude, that’s honestly the title. This is an option for those who want something a little darker for the season. This incarnation of the long-running franchise from Toei Animation follows a group of Yokai who help their human friend Mana investigate supernatural mysteries. In this episode a mysterious figure in a Santa costume has been seen in the local area where children are disappearing. Whilst this is a show more aimed at children, there is some great atmosphere and tension that contrasts with the bright lights and decorations.

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