Because the whole episode is only 5 minutes, we’ll go ahead and consider it one long scene. It takes place with the Axis gang wanting to write an article on how the other countries spend their Christmas. Japan is too embarrassed to admit it’s mostly about dating and holiday sales, Italy excitedly spews all the details about a turkey and present-exchanging, and Germany waits till the last minute to talk about Christmas markets and advent wreaths made by the particularly festive. Interviewing the other countries leads to some similar customs as well as seemingly bizarre ones from making Santa-like dolls said to come alive after a number of days to serving Santa wine. It’s a funny simplification of other countries’ Christmas traditions but with so many different things represented, surely one of them will hit home with you! If not, consider taking up a new Christmas tradition courtesy of the cast of Hetalia.

Despite Shouta organizing a Christmas party with one particular girl in mind, Sawako is unable to go due to a prior engagement with her family. Many high schoolers know the presumption that Christmas is to be spent with the family and it’s no different for Sawako except, this year, she actually has friends she wants to see. The scene starts out with a lovely, bright Christmas tree in the background and a delicious, warm meal spread out on the table. Falling snow can be seen through the window near the ever-ticking clock, a constant reminder of the approaching end of her friends’ party. Sawako smiles and chats with her family, hiding her true desires. On the outside, it looks like a perfect Christmas scene. A phone call intercepted by her mother reveals Sawako’s true longing and with her parents’ blessings, she runs to meet up with her friends. Sawako reaches the location only to find the party is over, and it’s here where the most special moment occurs. Shouta waited after everyone else left to see Sawako and the smiles on their faces are shining. In the midst of the snow, the two exchange small gifts, more meaningful than any elaborate setup or loud party.

Clannad is not a show for those who don’t like to feel, but at least this scene is devoid of anything terrible. With so many things going wrong in her life, Nagisa needs some cheering up. All of her friends and family come together to celebrate her birthday and Christmas Eve as they are the same day. Youhei even dresses up as Santa to really get a festive mood going. A gorgeous tree glitters in the background while everyone eats and love-interest Tomoya gives her a stuffed dango which Nagisa treasures. She starts to cry and apologize to everyone gathered because she feels that her chronic illness makes everyone feel obligated to be nice to her. Her father reassures her everyone’s there because of their love for Nagisa, and her friends agree. Christmas isn’t always the happiest time for people, especially after a loss or being forced to deal with things others don’t. This episode gives us hope that in those times, we won’t have to face those things alone.

Kokkuri and Kohina decide to forego their own holiday plans to help a workaholic father reconnect with his daughter. Despite being strangers, they end up an important part of their Christmas celebration. The scene starts when dad enters the house only for Noelle to start yelling at him for suddenly appearing and acting like a father after being gone for so long. After appeasing her with a KFC party bucket, because no Christmas in Japan is complete without one, she grumbles about how displeased she is while setting up the table and pushing the Christmas tree closer to everyone. Time passes and short clips of different activities flash by ranging from Noelle and her father smiling happily to Kohina chasing Kokkuri around with her new toy. By the end of the scene together, Noelle and her father have grown closer than ever. The next scene reveals a devastating truth, but it can’t tarnish the joy of that night.

For a kid who has no problem beating up guys twice her size, Taiga is a huge fan of Christmas and all the traditions and celebrations one can participate in! The spirit of Christmas calms her angry little soul and she sings for her school and tries to bring her friends together, knowing she’ll have to spend yet another Christmas all by herself. Realizing this, Ryuuji tries to enter through her window wearing a bear mascot suit with a Santa outfit. Taiga is overjoyed that someone came to spend time with her but pretends that Ryuuji is Santa like he says. When he gives her the thumbs up on her Christmas tree, she’s overjoyed and yells “Santa likes my tree!! I knew it!!” Her child-like joy and readiness to believe in Christmas miracles are so heart-warming. The scene ends with her pushing Ryuuji out the door so he can accept Taiga’s present… his love-interest waiting for him back at the school.