Itsudatte My Santa

Itsudatte My Santa is a heartwarming and festive anime show from FUNimation that aired in 2005. The two-episode OVA (Original Video Animation) is a perfect blend of humor, whimsical fantasy, and holiday cheer that leaves an indelible mark on viewers.

The protagonist of the story is a young high school student named Santa, who has a distinct dislike for Christmas due to his unfortunate circumstances. Born on Christmas Eve, his parents named him Santa and left him to live alone most of his life. As a result, Santa has grown to despise the holiday season, viewing it as a harsh reminder of his loneliness and isolation.

Santa's life undergoes a drastic transformation when he has an unexpected encounter with a young, lively and energetic girl called Mai. Clad in a Santa Claus outfit, Mai reveals that she is a "Santa-in-training" and her mission is to make Santa love Christmas.

The storyline unfolds as Mai, using a variety of techniques and magic tricks, paves her way into Santa's heart, and works tirelessly to make him believe in the magic and beauty of Christmas. Meanwhile, Santa initially finds it difficult to open his heart to Mai's antics given his bitter past experiences. As the show unfolds, viewers are in store for the thrilling and emotional journey of both characters as they try to understand and open up to each other.

Apart from an intriguing plot, the unique aspect of Itsudatte My Santa is its visual prowess that takes que from the typical Christmas color palette. With a beautiful array of bright reds, snowy whites, and festive greens, the series engulfs viewers in the Christmas spirit as soon as the series starts. Likewise, the character designs are expressive and engaging, effectively portraying the characters' varied emotions and personalities.

Apart from the main story arc, the anime cleverly interlaces the theme of love, melancholy, and joy resulting in a heart-tugging anime piece. The development of Santa and Mai's relationship is the highlight of the series as it perfectly balances romance and humor, adding an interesting dynamic that keeps the viewer hooked on their TV screens.

Itsudatte My Santa also includes an impressive array of comedic elements that are perfectly woven into the storyline, despite the series having a relatively serious and emotional undertone. The humor is witty, well-timed and definitely leaves the audience with more than a couple of hearty laughs.

Additionally, Itsudatte My Santa does an excellent job in terms of soundtrack. The music perfectly complements the series' atmosphere, with the placement of different tracks enhancing the emotional impact during dramatic climaxes. Moreover, the series features several Christmas jingles that will certainly get you to feel the holiday spirit.

The show features some fantastic voice acting which reinforces the overall experience. Each character's voice perfectly suits their personality and effectively communicates their emotions and feelings to the audience. Mai’s energetic and cheerful voice brings the character to life, while Santa’s initial gloomy demeanor is conveyed excellently through his voice acting.

Despite its short length, Itsudatte My Santa does a commendable job of establishing empathetic characters, a compelling story, and an overall delightful atmosphere that instills viewers with a newfound appreciation for the holiday season. The profound theme of loneliness interwoven with the warm aspects of friendship, love, and hope make it a series well worth the watch.

In summary, If you're looking for a short, uplifting series with a dash of Christmas magic, Itsudatte My Santa is the perfect pick. This festive OVA from FUNimation takes viewers on a whimsical journey of pure Christmas joy and excitement that will bring a smile to anyone's face, no matter what season they decide to watch it. It's a heartwarming tale that reminds viewers to always hold on to hope, even in the least expected of places.