The 7 Best Anime to Watch This Christmas

As a long-time anime enthusiast, I have to say that this list is a fantastic compilation of some truly exceptional shows that not only capture the essence of the holiday season but also offer something unique and heartwarming for viewers of all ages. From the magical adventures of My Neighbor Totoro to the irreverent humor of Gintama, these shows span a wide range of emotions and storytelling styles.

Celebrating Christmas offers an opportunity to bond with loved ones, and what could be more enjoyable than immersing yourself in captivating anime? You’ll find a variety of genres in anime that cater to diverse tastes, and many of them align perfectly with the holiday spirit. From heartfelt tales to light-hearted romcoms, anime offers a warm retreat during the festive period. Although Christmas-centric anime are not common, numerous series include special Christmas episodes that emphasize the season’s charm.

This metaphorical tree hides a wealth of Christmas-themed anime – movies, series, or individual episodes, all eager to bring you joyous surprises this holiday season. Curl up under a cozy blanket and immerse yourself in the comfort of your favorite anime during these relaxing times. If you’re seeking an anime that captures the spirit of Christmas, look no further! We have just the recommendations for you.

Tokyo Godfathers

A Christmas anime list without Tokyo Godfathers will just be incomplete. This heartwarming film by Satoshi Kon portrays the holiday theme through self-discovery, compassion, and forgiveness. Despite being set on Christmas, the film doesn’t portray traditional festivities but focuses on the struggles of lesser privileged individuals during the holidays. Tokyo Godfathers offers a refreshing and thought-provoking take on the season’s meaning. The film centers around three homeless people who discover an abandoned baby on a freezing Christmas night. The crying child is wrapped in blankets, along with a note asking someone to take care of her.

Additionally, they discover a sack holding hints about the location of her birth family. Hana, who harbors a longing to become a mother, adamantly decides to keep the infant. They christen her Kiyoko, a name meaning “innocent child.” Yet, they soon acknowledge that their current homeless state makes it impossible to offer Kiyoko a nurturing and secure environment. Having cared for the baby overnight, they embark on a journey to find and return Kiyoko to her real parents.

Hana yearns to connect with Kiyoko’s family as she strives to provide a nurturing and secure environment for the child. The narrative of this threesome unfolds with instances of compassion, absolution, and optimism, mirroring the essence of the Christmas season. Each principal character – Hana, Miyuki, and Gin – carries a burdened history. As the movie progresses, they open up about their past struggles and reveal why they wound up homeless. Yet, they discover within themselves a resolve to make positive changes and embark on their paths of self-improvement and recovery.

Kaguya-sama: Love is War – The First Kiss That Never Ends

The anime titled “Kaguya-sama: Love is War” showcases one of the outstanding romantic comedies centered around Miyuki Shirogana and Kaguya Shinomiya. These characters study at the prestigious Shuchiin Academy, where their relationship is frequently seen as ideal by fellow students. Miyuki Shirogana, a transfer student, boasts the highest grades in the nation, making him a beacon of excellence even among an elite student body, despite his ordinary origins.

He climbed his way up from a lowly member to the position of Student Council President. Meanwhile, Kaguya, who is the Vice President of the same council and hails from the influential Shinomiya family, whose vast business empire, the “Shinomiya Zaibatsu,” wields considerable economic power in the nation, seems not to harbor any romantic feelings towards each other. Despite their frequent interactions, they both remain reluctant to express their growing emotions.

Therefore, the Student Council’s daily shenanigans ensue, as neither side is willing to give in. The latest Kaguya-sama movie, titled “The First Kiss That Never Ends“, unfolds during Christmas. This film revolves around the happenings after Kaguya and Shirogane shared their first kiss during the School Festival in Season 3. It offers a blend of the characters’ unique humor and heartfelt moments. It makes for an ideal combination of romance and laughter, providing a delightful and enjoyable Christmas viewing experience.

Kids on the Slope

Kids on the Slope, produced by Studio MAPPA and Tezuka Productions, is a captivating yet underappreciated musical romance anime. Set in 1960s Japan, this mini-series offers a touching account of adolescence. Renowned director Shinichiro Watanabe, who has previously worked on Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo, skillfully blends jazz and classical music within the narrative. Due to his father’s occupation, Kaoru Nishimi frequently changes schools, making it difficult for him to form lasting friendships.

Consequently, he transforms into a timid and reserved individual, but his life experiences a significant change when he relocates to a quaint town in Kyushu. There, he makes friends with Sentaro Kawabuchi, an impish boy with a passion for jazz, and Ritsuko Mukae, a lively girl who operates her family’s record store. Kaoru has only been trained in classical piano, whereas Sentaro is captivated by the drums. Persuaded by Sentaro about the wonders of jazz, they frequently rehearse together in the cellar of Ritsuko’s record shop.

In the ninth episode of “Kids on the Slope,” during the cheerful atmosphere of the holiday season (although Christmas isn’t central to the story), Kaoru finds solace and a newfound sense of liberation through music and his affection for Ritsuko, as jazz becomes an integral part of his life. Simultaneously, the characters navigate their emotional dilemmas, which serve to prepare the groundwork for significant advancements in their relationships and personal growth.

The Disastrous Life of Saiki K

A show like “The Disastrous Life of Saiki K,” filled with absurd humor, remains entertaining regardless of the situation, due to its compelling narrative. The series centers around Saiki Kusuo, a high school student who possesses an array of psychic abilities such as telepathy, psychometry, telekinesis, x-ray vision, time travel, clairvoyance, and more. However, despite his incredible powers, Saiki yearns for a tranquil, ordinary life, as he dislikes being the focus of attention.

His talents can be both a blessing and a curse. He employs them to escape tricky predicaments, but this leaves him vulnerable to being exposed. Despite his attempts to keep away from others, he’s constantly surrounded by a lively bunch of schoolmates who add chaos to his life. The show follows Saiki Kusuo’s tumultuous life in an episodic format. The series offers several thrilling episodes, such as Episodes 7 and 16 that take place during Christmas.

In this episode, although a portion is centered around Christmas, it’s not the main focus. For instance, Saiki unexpectedly encounters Nendo enjoying Christmas with his family. Later in the episode, the story shifts to the New Year festivities as Saiki’s family visits a shrine and runs into several classmates. Interestingly, Episode 16 also presents another Christmas scene, where Saiki, somewhat reluctantly due to parental pressure, assumes the role of Santa Claus, handing out gifts to local children.

Black Butler

In the era of Victorian London, the captivating series known as Black Butler unfolds. The story revolves around young Ciel Phantomhive, the scion of the illustrious Phantomhive clan, who endures a myriad of tribulations early in life: his cherished parents were brutally slain, their estate was engulfed in flames, and he himself was abducted and tormented by an enigmatic cult. Driven by the desire to unmask his family’s killer, Ciel forges a pact with Sebastian – a demon disguised as a butler who caters to his every whim. Sebastian is committed to assisting Ciel in his quest for vengeance.

In return, he will take Ciel’s soul after her revenge is avenged. The anime primarily revolves around various arcs and individual episodes centered on mysterious cases and Ciel’s companions. Despite its somber atmosphere, the series introduces humor when it’s appropriate. Many episodes occur during colder seasons or showcase lavish parties that evoke a festive spirit similar to traditional Christmas celebrations.

In Episode 10 of Season 1, the story unfolds during the festive holiday season at the Phantomhive mansion. Ciel and his servants are seen bustling around, preparing for a Christmas celebration. Furthermore, Sebastian arranges an ice-skating outing for Ciel and Elizabeth, Ciel’s future bride. Elizabeth adds warmth to the story with her upbeat personality, aiming to lift Ciel’s spirits by urging him to participate in the festivities. However, Ciel, as we know, is often resistant to embracing joy due to his past traumas. The episode is filled with a mix of happiness and melancholy moments.

My Neighbor Totoro

Although “My Neighbor Totoro” isn’t specifically a Christmas movie, it embodies feelings of warmth and kindness that make for a delightful viewing experience. The enchanting characters like Totoro and the forest creatures foster a sense of amazement and cheerfulness, resonating perfectly with the festive mood. The story revolves around ten-year-old Satsuki and her younger sister Mei, who relocate to a quaint, rural home along with their father. This move is to be near the hospital where their mother is undergoing treatment for a prolonged illness.

In my own words, I found myself drawn to the enigma of our new home as we uncovered tiny, soot-like beings reminiscent of Susuwatari, hinting at the magical essence of our surroundings. One fateful day, while delving deeper into the woods near our abode, I crossed paths with a cuddly rabbit-like creature, much like a Chibi Totoro, and ventured further into the forest in pursuit. Eventually, I unearthed a hidden haven and came across an enormous and benevolent forest spirit named Totoro, who dwelled within a towering camphor tree. Intrigued, I found myself nestled on his expansive stomach, eventually drifting off to sleep amidst the mystical beauty of my discovery.

Later on, when she’s discovered by Satsuki and their father, she can no longer find Totoro, leaving her to ponder if the entire encounter was just a dream. My Neighbor Totoro, renowned for its captivating narrative, stunning visuals, and enduring charm, has cemented itself as a timeless masterpiece cherished by viewers of all ages within Studio Ghibli’s distinguished catalog.

Gintama

In terms of humor, parody, and unique narrative styles, Gintama stands out as exceptional. The story takes place in Edo-period Japan, which has been invaded by aliens called Amanto, leading to the overthrow of the shogunate. Once known as the Land of Samurai, Japan is now forbidden from using swords following orders from the Amanto. This decree crushes the samurai’s pride and makes them irrelevant. However, society manages to adapt and coexist with the aliens, resulting in a peculiar world where traditional Japanese culture meets advanced technology.

The narrative revolves around Gintoki Sakata, a silver-haired samurai, and his peculiar companions who accept various tasks to get by financially. While “Gintama” is filled with episodic comedies, it also delves into serious storylines from time to time. The show occasionally incorporates holiday themes humorously and sometimes absurdly, making it an enjoyable viewing experience during special seasons. Notably, episodes 37, 200, and 201 are set during Christmas, displaying the anime’s unique blend of humor and parody.

I’d like to add that episodes 137, 237, 238, 249, and 250 unfold during an unconventional holiday period, offering a delightful change from the usual heartwarming festive shows. While it maintains a humorous and offbeat style, this anime frequently delves into poignant themes of camaraderie and devotion, underscoring the essence of the holiday season. The connection between Gintoki and his companions (Shinpachi, Kagura, and others) serves as an exceptional portrayal of a “found family,” making it a relatable and cozy pick for Christmas viewing.

2024-12-22 20:40