Anime To Get You In The Holiday Spirit

Toradora

This will always be on Christmas-related lists because Toradora has the best Christmas episode in anime. It highlights the gift of giving, not just with gifts, but the gift of time you spend with loved ones. In this emotional episode, Taiga realizes that even when she’s alone, there's someone out there who will always be there. The episode ends with an emotional climax that is filled with heart-warming tears.

The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya

The movie is set during Christmas, and focuses on Kyon and his growing ability to embrace his emotions. You don’t realize how much you miss someone until they’re gone, and Kyon finds out in a way only a wacky sci-fi series like Haruhi can provide. The winter scenes are absolutely gorgeous, and the moving music makes for some unforgettable moments.

One Piece — Drum Island Arc

Snow, reindeer, and other superficial elements of Christmas are all included in this arc. The story line is much deeper than expected, even from One Piece; it’s about family and Chopper’s journey to find one. From being cast out by his reindeer family to joining the Straw Hats, this goofy reindeer will make you laugh and cry with equal measure. We’d also add that Hirulik acts as a Santa character, but you’ll have to watch it to find out what we mean.

The Eccentric Family

With the holidays being so much about family, do yourself a favor and invite the Shimogamo family into your home. This clan of shape-shifting tanukis are an instantly lovable bunch. They prove themselves to have fun and, yes, eccentric personalities. But as the show goes on, they reveal their layers and feel like real people at the end. It’s a surprisingly beautiful show, with backgrounds that you will want to savor. For something fun and deep, this passes with flying colors.

Tokyo Godfathers

What is family? Is it biological? Is it fate? Or is it all just a happy coincidence? These questions are all answered in Tokyo Godfathers. When a trio of homeless people find a baby on Christmas Eve, they go on an adventure to find the parents. In doing so, they also find themselves. Unlike Satoshi Kon’s darker works, this one is upbeat and acts more as a comedy. If you need a reminder of what family is, Satoshi Kon’s Tokyo Godfathers provides an uplifting reminder.

Yuri!!! on ICE

Love is in the air during the Holidays, and it’s tradition to go to your local outdoor rink and skate. What if there was an anime that combined both romance and ice skating? Hmmm…

Yuri!!! on Ice has a rabid fanbase, and after watching the show it is easy to see why. It’s a show that makes you say, “JJ Style!” and do a silly pose unironically. It will also give you a strange affinity to Kazakhstan, and not in the Borat way. Yuri on Ice!!! makes you do weird things, and you’ll be a better person doing them. Oh, and if you wished for some heat this holiday, the eye candy and hot spring scenes act as a special gift.