The Second Day of Christmas Anime: Read or Die

Read or Die (TV)
Episode 10:  “Christmas Carol”

R.O.D. Paper Sisters Christmas
From an Official R.O.D. artbook

The Christmas Story

First of all, please forgive me if you recall this post from last year – much of it is repeated, but I thought it was worthy, since this is a great anime episode.  As it begins, Nenene receives two invitations to Christmas parties.  The three sisters want to go to the second, a party for a recipient of an author’s award which Nenene once received.  They all go, and Nenene is admonished by a senior, though she’s then defended by Lee, her editor.  Later, Nenene finds out that the second party is actually a birthday party for the sisters, as they tell of how they came to be sisters on Christmas Day.

This episode contains a surprising amount of references to Christian themes, particularly toward loving others.  While Anita (who will become the youngest sister) decries the lack of miracles and wonders about God’s existence, Michelle and Maggie each decide to make their own miracles by coming to the abandoned girl.  The imagery of Mary and baby Jesus is emphasized through repetition, strongly inferring a familial love, as well as the expectation of miracles on this special day.

I first watched this episode last year and after watching it, was very much tempted to watch the entire franchise.  I haven’t, but I still plan to.

You can watch this episode legally through Hulu.

Christmas Spirit Score

 
3 Santa Kero’s out of 4

If This Episode Was  a Christmas Song, It Would Be…

“O Holy Night” – Christmas became the occasion for the future Paper Sisters to all come together, abandoning their pains and difficulties to form a family. Oh, the power of one holy night:

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn

Tomorrow’s Forecast

It may be getting cold outside, but don’t let the temperatures get you down.  There’s a feeling of magic in the air!

On the second day of Christmas, anime gave to me… a Paper Sisters birthday,
and friends for a former emperor.

Twwk
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9 thoughts on “The Second Day of Christmas Anime: Read or Die”

  1. Ah, yes. I remember this episode, and it was one of my favorite episodes of the series. It was so nice to hear about the sisters’ meeting on Christmas, a magical time. R.O.D. is still a fun series to watch, and I’m surprised that you haven’t finished watching the entire franchise.

    1. This is the only episode I’ve seen…I hope I’ll get to it one day. My literal list of anime that I’m planning to watch is right around 50-75…more than I’ll ever get to!

  2. ROD TV….I liked this series. Although I do think the OVA is much better. I think I only saw about half of this, maybe one day I’ll finish the show. I guess I didn’t make it up to the christmas episode because I don’t remember it at all. Boss .

  3. The OVA is very different, more of an action/adventure series, then a light character drama. But OH IS IT GOOD. Also it features different characters mostly. It is a top notch little ova none-the-less. Check it out when you get the time, it’s a quick watch.

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