The DCAU has made a few christmas specials, but I don't remember any of them as fondly as this one. To be honest I barely remember any other christmas specials in general, but this is definitely my favorite from memory. It's a small little singular episode with no need for more parts. I also like how this is the penultimate episode before the 3 final episodes, and it acts as a nice calm before the storm.
There are 3 main story threads, that intercut throughout, of varying quality.
Probably the weakest plot thread, which slightly brings the episode down for me, was the one with Green Lantern and Hawkgirl. GL has a snowball fight reminding him of his childhood, though Hawkgirl doesn't get it, which leads them to go to another planet to have a bar fight essentially. It just felt out of place compared to the others, and didn't really get properly resolved. GL was clearly not having a good time, but they just end it with Hawkgirl telling him Merry Christmas while he's passed out. I guess the message is to let your partner enjoy their "traditions" even if you don't agree, but I just think that storyline was a big rushed and unclear. I honestly did not remember this storyline whatsoever.
The next 2 storylines are amazing though. The Flash tries looking for a gift for orphans. I love how it seems like a tradition for Flash to do this. Unfortunately when he finally gets it Ultra-Humanite breaks it, but even Ultra-Humanite, who gets some great dialogue this episode, finds a heart to fix it for the uncorrupted youth. I love how Ultra-Humanite initially criticizes Christmas' sometimes shallow nature, but recognizes the importance of it for the children later. It shows that just the belief can be good. It's not only touching, but funny when Ultra-Humanite records himself in the toy to tell stories. I kind of liked it when he made the poopy noise too though, Flash. The only problem I had with this part is that Flash gives the kids the toy without being sure it's not an explosive or something. I mean it's played off as a joke, but that is a real concern. Regardless it ends beautifully with Flash giving Ultra-Humanite a gift of his own reminding him of his past.
Finally probably my favorite one of these storylines, though the last one comes close, is Clark bringing J'onn to spend Christmas with his family as he has never celebrated it before. I love how accepting the Kent's are and it makes perfect sense as Clark is an alien too after all. Seeing Superman still acting childish and excited for christmas is just adorable. They really got superman right in the DCAU. I love the little jokes with them wrapping the presents in lead so that Clark can't peek. There's just so many little gems this episode, like when J'onn grows into the sweater. Does Superman still believe in Santa? Checkmate Santa Deniers. What makes this storyline truly special is how humanized Martian Manhunter is. I feel like many people overlook him, but the DCAU and this episode specifically really made me love him, and he has since become one of my favorite characters. This episode is not all Joy, I like how J'onn isn't just instantly festive, he doesn't know how to deal with this. In so little time we see how J'onn learns about christmas by seeing other people enjoy it. J'onn helping the girl who is doubting Santa is real (THOSE EVIL SANTA DENIERS!) by going on the roof and eating the cookies is just so sweet. I also love the easter egg to him enjoying what seems like Oreos, since that's a nice callback to the comics. It's so sad to see the cat just hiss at him at first, but it makes it so much more impactful when we see him singing with the cat at the end.
Overall, this is just a great self contained christmas special. I can't imagine why people wouldn't like this. It's sweet and fun for children, and still has some maturity for adults to enjoy. It does have a few problems like I mentioned, particularly the GL and Hawkgirl plot line. Don't forget the omission of Batman and Wonder woman. It makes sense Batman wouldn't appear as he has multiple christmas episodes, but I wish we got something with Diana. Those aren't really anything that break the episode at all though, especially with some strong humanization of the characters, and even a villain. Definitely a great episode, and one I've rewatched, and will rewatch multiple times.
(8.5/10)
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