This is a feel good post I promise
Christmas is my favourite holiday out of the year including for my family also. I feel it’s hard to not be a big believer in it especially growing up in wintery England. The snowy setting and just essence itself in the surroundings itself, it doesn’t haven’t to try for you to not feel the magic there. Haha there I said it “magic” well don’t laugh just wait till one day you take your first European winter holiday then you’ll not be laughing.
I am finding this year’s Christmas hitting me harder than the others as it’s been 20 years since we moved here to central sunshine Australia. It made me think the reason me and my family hold Christmas still so strong is because of our close bond. Then that thought made me think about some of the bonds in anime I find inspiring and strong like that. So for my Christmas post this year I wanted to explore those bonds and nostalgia because as the years roll on so does the nostalgia feels.
Tenshu and Aletta (Restaurant In Another World)
I was late to the game watching this series only within the last two years but boy I loved it. Surrounded on one thing I love most about life which is food, this anime spoke volumes of my own love towards food and so did the characters. The delicious dishes Tenshu would whip up and then Aletta gets to try became a repeat in each episode but reminded me of every Christmas my family and I always attempt to cook something new, (this year it’s cherry pie). Food does create a bond between people. I have always believed that watching Tenshu and Aletta experimentation in the kitchen is exciting and the mouthwater animation of all the food knows how to make the belly rumble. Highly recommend this anime during your Christmas watch time.
Hikari and Futaba (Amanchu)
Amanchu is the series that changed my mind about slice of life anime so it holds a very special place with me. Hikari, a very charmastic individual who is full of beans, has quite the effect on Futaba, a timid person. The two form a slow bond of friendship and love for scuba diving. Futaba and Hikari prop each other so well and if there is an upset between them, no time at all to sort it all out. They are popular opposite personalities but they get along so well. Two genuine souls who bonded off the ocean and wanted to feel a place of serene for themselves.
Sakura and Kero (Cardcaptor Sakura)
Nostalgia is really talking here from the first moment of watching this series, it is obvious these two are going to be an inseparable pair. While Sakura and Kero constant comedic bickering battles are hilarious, they are a strong, tight pair. Things kick off from the third episode remembering off the top of my head, Sakura taking on capturing the Shadow card, where she is really tested becoming a Cardcaptor. Kero pushing her through the ordeal is when I felt they were going to be a long time favourite and very much are. They have the same bond as Usagi and Luna from Sailor Moon (I almost was going to include them but Sakura and Kero won). The moments where Sakura does not listen to Kero advice honestly make the pair stronger after that happens, both are very head strong and righteous in what they believe. That’s what I love about their bond. Cardcaptor Sakura: The Sealed Card definitely recommended as a cozy Christmas movie watch, I always rewatch it every year.
Rintaro and Kyoko (The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity)
Even though this show finished just a couple of weeks ago I can’t deny how much it affected me, especially Rintaro relationship with his mum. Tohru Honda and her mother I could have used as that has been a long term favourite but from reading the manga and watching the anime here, the relation was pretty strong. It might not appear to others that Rintarou is quite close with his mum but there were little moments during the series that glimpsed the closeness the pair have. Rintaro mum has remained afar watching from around the corner as her boy was beginning to see a new lease on life. The memorable episode of Rintaro bringing over people for the first time and the elated look his mum gave and joy, others are recognising the goodness and kindness in her son. Then she walks in with cake for them, it was honestly precious. I find their bond proves you don’t have to be the biggest talker to have a close bond with someone even if it is your parents, through action is all the proof enough. This reminded me of my own bond with my own mum.
Jiyu and Sai (Jubei-chan the Ninja Girl: Secret of the Lovely Eyepatch)
One close parent and child bond I have always found endearing between Jiyu and Sai. It is not all closeness in the beginning as Jiyu is closed off from her father and takes a while until reconciliation is reached between the two. Facing the distance that has grown between them since losing Jiyu’s mother, Jiyu becoming a ninja successor makes things even more complicated but in the end brings Jiyu and her dad closer than ever. The pair remind me of myself and how my dad is at times, why I am close to this pairing in particular. There is a laughter to be had watching this pair and a few tears also, there is no father and daughter that has made me laugh like Jiyu and Sai have.
My god next week is Christmas well I do hope you all have an amazing Christmas and new year break. I will still be working but I get the four main days off which is still good. Hope you enjoyed my nostalgia post and be on the lookout in the new year for what I have planned for the blog. For now I shall enjoy rest time, make some mince pies and cherry pie. Oh and of course drink very merry merry haha and will come back to reveal content for 2026.
See you in 2026 my friends!
