@@Bobadobes No Rarity is that one family member who thinks they have the best opinion about what to wear and judges you if your opinion doesn't match hers
Yep, I and Trixie were well alone and close in that wagon, we had stopped in Somnambula again, and my gift to Trixie was a VERY VERY wet Hearth's Warming Eve Night! A lot of moaning and "warm milk"! Then we had Hot Chocolate afterward!
When Derpy talked I flipped my lid, and being someone who is mostly familiar with the early seasons... just made me feel really happy that Hasbro remembered all this stuff, and Applejack confirming that Bright Mac gave her the hat made my heart feel heavy. I really love this special
Mike Sandoval You know what? That is a good idea, even though I don’t think the writers were thinking about that episode when adding in that line. Oh well
25:06 The fact that he had to reassure us that he isnt having a heart attack on camera speaks volumes about how adorable that Flurry Heart entrance was.
The Reindeer might draw inspiration from a couple of different mythologies: Both Greek myth (the Fates) and Norse mythology (The Norns) appear to have characters similar to the 3 Reindeer in this episode; One who has complete knowledge of everything that HAS happened, one with complete knowledge of everything that IS happening right now, and one with complete knowledge of everything that WILL happen in the future. They just flipped it around a bit and made Aurora, Bori and Alice's knowledge specific to the choosing of gifts.
Perhaps! :D the Fates of Gifts at least :P though now that I think of it, the Fates (not sure about the Norns) were as much about _controlling_ the fates of humans as they were about simply knowing them (One would spin the thread of each person's life, one would weave it into the tapestry of time, and one would cut the thread when it was time for a person to die). Obviously that's quite a departure from these 3 critters! But the idea of 3 characters who, between them, have complete omniscience, is present in mythology was the point I was making.
@@applegeek2597 More the Norns then the Fates, I would say. The three fates are all crones, while the Norns are different ages fitting their roles. (Urd=Aurora, Verdandi=Bora, and Skuld=Alice. Past, Present, and Future. Old, Prime, Young.) Overall, they fit rather well.
It's so sweet to see him being accepted and learning how to love and be loved 😊 and to think some 🧠less people think he should have stayed a villain, alone, unwanted and rejected... looks like they didn't learned ANYTHING with the show they claim to love.
I never thought about it before.... but did one of the other student 6 invite Gallus to their holiday celebration? Cuz Gallus told them about how he was always alone. Willing to bet it was Silverstream since she is the only one we don't see during the ending montage.
We didn't see Sandbar and his family, and we don't know at all if Smolder's holiday takes place in the same day, she just said it was the only holiday/celebration they had.
I like to think that Discord learned from being a Dungeon Master (Oubliette Overlord?) that it's important to give support characters (like Fluttershy) a chance to be the focus and save the day sometimes. I also love how Rarity and everyone assumed that the teapot cozy was just poorly made, when really it seems like it was made a little wonky on purpose to fit the tastes of who it was made for. It's so cute.
We now know Marble Pie had her heart set on Big Mac and it’s been established Limestone is lonely. With any luck; we will finally get an episode to focus on those two.
The first time I saw Spike pull out the guitar I thought the guitar was for Rarity because of the episode where she plays Pinkie Pie’s guitar and starts playing rock music XD
"We don't need stuff to make us happy. We need each other: friends, family, loved ones, that's what's truly important, not things." Great words of wisdom.
Great episode. Always nice to see the animators having fun with their job. I'm surprised Marble Pie was shown being sad at Big Mac's relationship, it's a little detail but one that they showed a bit of the pain that can come with relationships.
I honestly didn't know this was a thing until it popped up in the You Tube recommendation a few days ago! I don't follow on media sites and fan base forums. Just as a casual viewer of sorts so after season 8 ended I figured, okay just gotta wait until season 9 starts up. This was a nice surprise! That being said, this special was sensory overload. Had to watch it through twice to pick up all the references. The best Hearts Warming episode/special yet! Easy 5 stars.
lemme put a list for all the cameos in this: 4:09 pigeon lady & kevin 4:12 charlie brown & the tree 4:14 BUDDY THE ELF & THE RACCOON! YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!
I do not lie, I cried at the song at the end. It was especially the part where they're singing about how long they've been friends, and how far they've come, it just felt like a callback over the whole series. Also, this really does seem like the first time we've seen Spike really talk about how he feels towards Rarity since The Secret of my Excess.
I really love this special, it was actually a nice way to send us off on the hiatus. My experience with this episode was not short of entertaining through and through. The writing, references, characters highlights(like Derpy for example) and the songs were really great, that what I expected from this and they didn’t disappoint. As always, you’re reactions are very enjoyable and I look forward to more content from you. Until next time!
Plenty of people have said it already here and in other reviews, but I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that this episode stands up as one of the best in the entire series, and I doubt it's going to lose that place any time soon. A couple of awesome songs, a nice take on the old Secret Santa idea, a lot of great character interactions, plenty of fun cameos, and a great combination of comedy and feels. Aside from that, while we probably won't see ABA again (at least not soon) given their roles, I really wouldn't mind seeing more reindeer and other new creatures in the series before it ends. It was also nice to see Discord interacting with someone other than Fluttershy, Starlight, or Twilight, who always seem to be the go-to characters to focus on when he shows up. Not that I don't love his interactions with them, but it's nice to see the authors remembering that - troublesome and focused on Fluttershy as he might be sometimes - he *is* still friends with the entire group. Anyway, another great reaction/review.
29:57 My initial response: "Cool, Ninjas...Oh shoot, that's Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes! YO JOE!" It's more fitting than you think; not only are both franchises from Hasbro, both shows also currently air on Discovery Family (at most six hours apart from each other).
Working retail I am constantly surrounded by all the commercialism that has become so intertwined with this time of year over time. A large thing that makes me sad working retail is that thanksgiving gets skipped in favor of black friday, to those who live where it is celebrated please remember to remember to enjoy Thanksgiving with your families this year. I do love this episode and it has helped to put me in a more proper mindset for the upcoming holidays, between work and a few other life factors going on I have been in a bit of a light funk this year. Also I can really relate to Spike and Twilight here as I have always had a hard time picking out gifts for people and can easily forget it is the spirit of the gift that counts most of all.
This has to be my favorite hearths warming episode ever! The last two weren’t really my favorite but from the songs to discord I loved this episode!! Top 5 at least!
-You're reactions this time around were SO DELICIOUS!!! :) LOL!! -The three reindeer kind of remind me of the three fates of greek and norse mythology, but I know it's not really the same thing. -By the same token of what you mentioned, I sense that Hasbro was kind of roasting themselves on the toy sale angle. Two sides to all of it I guess. -Not sure why the pudding was fast at first and then slowed down.
Huzzah! I have been awaiting this. This special is strangely charming, likeable, and even fairly critically acclaimed from what I’ve seen so far (story, character, pacing, etc). It’s such a feel-good episode that really puts you in the holiday spirit. ♥️ Glad to see you finally reacting to it haha. Now I’ll just wait for a reaction (hopefully!) to the new EQG specials. But hey, take your time!
40:50 AJ: "Pop said sometimes the hat chooses the pony, when he gave me this." I bet all the hats in that hats-and-bows closet belonged to Bright Mac. Keeping closetfuls of the same identical accessory probably runs in the family. :)
Yeah I agree I love this mlp Christmas special so much and it was very sweet of spike to do something special for his crush rarity that one part touched my heart*💗
I was just watching a lecture series about folklore, and it got to a part which talked about magical numbers like '3' and '7' happening across many stories. The reindeer go off the idea of past, present, and future. They don't really seem to resemble the three Fates of Greek and Norse mythology that closely, though that was the first thing I thought of. It really is interesting to note how the number '3' is continually used in our folklore, mythology, and religious examples. Silver Quill even mentioned it in his video on Luna's archetype. And while there are six element bearers now, there are rumors of a seventh. '3' also occurs repetitively in both human culture and in nature, even down to the atomic level (three states of matter, three strands of hair to braid, three legs on a stool, and subatomic particles coming in threes). Maybe it's just a number that tends to work well. And going back to the show, there are examples of '3,' such as the CMC and the Apple family. '7' is also important across folklore, and human culture has put great emphases on groups of '7' (seven dwarves, seven sister of Greek mythology, seven sins, seven wonders of the world, seven phone number digits, seven days in a week, etc.). This was even observed on a neurological level, where the brain sends information best when seven dendrites extend from the neurons. And while there are six element bearers in the show right now, there are rumors of a seventh. I don't know how much thought the show staff have put into this, nor to I think these systems are completely universal, but it's a fun idea. www.thegreatcourses.com/courses/a-childrens-guide-to-folklore-and-wonder-tales.html
Hey Applegeek!! I think you're one of the funnest MY Little Pony reactors out there! Love how much you laugh at the hilarious moments! I love how you also nod your head to the songs!! This is my 5th favorite episode of the show!
I love the MLP FiM and I love this holiday special! This is amazing episode! Thanks Hasbro for this episode, and thank You Applegeek for your reaction! )
Flim and Flam are wayyyy underrated, They never force anypony to buy something from them, they're just very good at their job which is selling stuff, if you're very good at something, you diserve to be able to earn something on it
@@LeafRazorStorm Yeah, Because everyone who's good at marceting does that(hm,hm Hasbro) Seriously tho, you're right but in their difference, in most episodes with them they weren't selling stuff as bad as in this one: Their apple cider was just as good and AppleJack's. They just got stressed that they would loose (which was totally unfair by the way because AJ had like 8 ponies on her side but I'm willing to forgive that because they allowed friends to help themselves) and that's why they started making the bad cider That tonic was pretty bad too but to be honest it worked and of course it could be dengerous when used in the wrong way but I think that in this episode Granny was acting out of character just for the sake of an example of using it the wrong way They weren't even the bad guys in the Los pegasus episode And in Friendship University at the very beginning of their song they said that There is other friendship school so if someone wanted to learn this for free he could have gone to that school. You could say that they were overselling it with that thing with learning the same in half the time and you would be right XD Also I hated Star Swirl in this episode, not only he didn't realize that he was reading a book with every other pager ripped off and said that it was a great lecture but then he blamed them for making Ponies pay for it Have I missed any episode... I hope not
38:27 Scorpan isn't really foreshadowing, since he was also mentioned back in the end of season 4, yet, we've not seen him since. But don't get me wrong, I would love to see him in the show still.
As for Arora Bori and Alice, I think they're basically Santa's reindeer mashed together with The Fates from Greek Mythology (possibly inspired by the ones in Disney's Hercules that see "past, present, and future" respectively), although they also resemble the pagan idea of the "Triple Goddess" made up of the Crone, the Mother, and the Maid (Arora, Bori, Alice) representing the three stages of life, past present future, as well as the phases of the moon.
7:20 Also, although not _terribly_ likely, there _is_ a chance you could draw your _own_ name. 18:00 Yeah. _technically_ Derpy didn't screw this up. She read it's "For Applejack" so off to SAA it goes. (moments later at 18:30) Oh wait. Never mind, she did screw up. 30:00 Except Snake Eyes can't speak. Whereas Discord can't shut the HELL UP! 36:44 (cue music) Nothing can stop The Pudding! (BAO BAO-BAO! BAO BAO-BAO! BAO BAO-BAO! BAO BAO-BAO!) 44:56 Missed Yona. 45:06 Carols! Carols! Carols! Carols! Carooooools!
This is probably a long shot but, I really hope the mentioning of Scorpan was a foreshadowing to S9 because I’d like to see how he comes to play in this series.
(Continued from my third comment.) 40:24-41:14 Everypony gathers to give their less than thrilling gifts. Also, there's pudding. 40:27-40:37 Pinkie points out how her gift and Twilight's compliment each other. 40:49 Rarity's face. 40:51-40:59 Applejack mentions how her father used to say "sometimes the hat chooses the pony" - as was the case when he gave AJ her's. Also, Applegeek's reaction. 40:59-41:02 Yes, something like that, AJ. 41:00-41:03 Applejack's face. 41:00-41:20 Discord destroys Spike and Rainbow Dash's presents, after seeing how much they dislike them. Also, Applegeek's reaction. 41:18-41:36 Fluttershy actually seems happy with her winterzilla gift. Also, her face. 41:32-42:05 Discord reveals he set up the whole winterzilla incident so Fluttershy could be the hero and save the day as her gift. Also, Rainbow Dash and Applegeek's reactions. 41:33-41:37 Fluttershy blushing. 41:38-41:34 Rainbow Dash's face. 42:05-42:08 It kind of was, AJ. 42:09-42:14 Cadence plays aeroplane with Flurry Heart's pudding. 42:21-43:13 Spike's gift is the episode's second song: The True Gifted of Gifting. He has a great singing voice. Applegeek is touched. 43:22 Rarity kisses Spike. 43:24-43:43 Twilight works out the Gift-Givers riddle. I know it's cliched and overused, but it's true: Friendship really IS the best gift ever :) 43:44-43:31 Twilight continues the song. 43:57-44:04 Hearth's Warming dolls. 44:10-44:15 Flurry Heart clapping her hooves. 44:22-44:31 Fluttershy gives Discord a present. It's an elephant tea-cosy from earlier in the season 44:28-44:31 That hug. 44:34-45:21 All the Mane 6 finish the song. 44:41-44:44 Starlight and Trixie enjoying Hearth's Warming cocoa together. 44:44-44:47 The Apples, Pies, Grand Pear and Sugarbelle enjoying Hearth's Warming on the Apple farm. It looks like Mud Briar has joined them, too. 44:47-44:50 Even Celestia and Luna are enjoying the holidays. 44:50-44:55 Butternut, Oaknut and Pistachio receive another gift: an Australian-styled acorn hat. 44:55-44:57 Yaks, including Yona, enjoying their 'smashing' festival. 44:58-45:01 Flim and Flam are the only ones not celebrating. 45:01-45:04 Ponies, including Mayor Mare and Derpy, leaving town hall. 45:05-45:09 The changlings - including Thorax, Pharynx and Ocellus - continuing their unusual celebration of Hearth's Warming. Also, Applegeek's reaction. 45:21-45:36 Closing narration from the reindeer. That was Alice's voice we heard in the beginning. 45:38-45:41 What are those? I'm sure you're going to tell us in your afterthoughts. 46:08-46:12 Applegeek makes a pretty big claim. 46:20-47:09 That's a very interesting point about Hasbro and this special. It just goes to show their best way of selling toys is to make their series a phenomenal. 48:00-48:11 So true. So very true. 52:57-53:34 Applegeek reprises The True Gift of Gifting and claims his own gift-giving is going to change a little bit this year. 54:30-54:37 She'll always be Derpy to me too. I've always called her that and always will. 54:12-54:19 I said it first, Applegeek. 57:08-59:03 I didn't realise that. Have things finally been settled between them? 1:02:08-1:02:30 It's true. He was meant to play a Jacob Marley like character. Overall, I really enjoyed this early Christmas present - even if it did air before Halloween. It's amazing how the plot managed to juggle six different stories without spending too much or too little time on any one of them - the additional runtime really helped out here. Also, there were plenty of treats to be found: we had two new Hearth's Warming carols; references to some of the best Christmas movies of all time; Discord, Minty and Derpy all made memorable appearances; reindeer in Equestria are now canon; Flurry Heart was adorable; Spike and Rarity's relationship developed; we learned an important lesson about gift-giving and friendship; and we now have an official name for Twilight's craziness, Twily-nanas. For the first MLP special that wasn't based off Equestria Girls, I'd say Hasbro did a pretty fine job. As Applegeek said, they were more focused on teaching us morals than selling their toys - which is saying a lot for a TOY company. Season 9 may be a long way off, but until then, this was a wonderful holiday treat. Happy early Christmas everybody!
What did we leaned today?
1. R.I.P MarbleMac
2. Derpy!
3. PUDDING
4. Reindeers
and berry gives wine bottles
There was some rosewhooves in there 😜
Fashion.
P U D D I N G
Celestia float XD
I always liked the fact that Applejack was basically the mom of the mane 6.
Josh Blackwell Probably grew up the fastest; having lost her parents.
@@ryanm9105 Oof ya had to bring it up didn't ya... 😅😅😅
haha
Eh- I think that’s rarity
@@Bobadobes No Rarity is that one family member who thinks they have the best opinion about what to wear and judges you if your opinion doesn't match hers
21:18 for pudding
That “Pudding” part was hilarious. I watched foreign dubs of the same special and it was too funny where she says “Pudding” in multiple languages.
25:47
That “oh yeah” was in perfect sync. Made it sound like you voiced Shining Armor there for a second
Blue Yoshi I read this right when it was said
yep
perfect
26:11 Your tree was just as surprised as you were.
2:18 "Starlight, Trixie! They're heading out on the road!"
To spend some quality time together. Just the two of them. Alone.
Yep, I and Trixie were well alone and close in that wagon, we had stopped in Somnambula again, and my gift to Trixie was a VERY VERY wet Hearth's Warming Eve Night! A lot of moaning and "warm milk"! Then we had Hot Chocolate afterward!
"We need a little time, you know, to be together."
*nods*
"Just with each other."
*nods*
"Alone."
When Derpy talked I flipped my lid, and being someone who is mostly familiar with the early seasons... just made me feel really happy that Hasbro remembered all this stuff, and Applejack confirming that Bright Mac gave her the hat made my heart feel heavy. I really love this special
Yeah, but then I remembered "Made in Manehattan" and...
Mike Sandoval You know what? That is a good idea, even though I don’t think the writers were thinking about that episode when adding in that line. Oh well
@@aionicthunder Good point
@julie martinez I agree :D
@@Sinister727 That is a really good explanation, I'm impressed O.O
25:06 The fact that he had to reassure us that he isnt having a heart attack on camera speaks volumes about how adorable that Flurry Heart entrance was.
or how out of shape he is..
@@mimimagic1895 Jeez, that was unnecessary.
The Reindeer might draw inspiration from a couple of different mythologies: Both Greek myth (the Fates) and Norse mythology (The Norns) appear to have characters similar to the 3 Reindeer in this episode; One who has complete knowledge of everything that HAS happened, one with complete knowledge of everything that IS happening right now, and one with complete knowledge of everything that WILL happen in the future. They just flipped it around a bit and made Aurora, Bori and Alice's knowledge specific to the choosing of gifts.
So, you're saying they are the...Fate tiny reindeer?
Perhaps! :D the Fates of Gifts at least :P though now that I think of it, the Fates (not sure about the Norns) were as much about _controlling_ the fates of humans as they were about simply knowing them (One would spin the thread of each person's life, one would weave it into the tapestry of time, and one would cut the thread when it was time for a person to die). Obviously that's quite a departure from these 3 critters! But the idea of 3 characters who, between them, have complete omniscience, is present in mythology was the point I was making.
@@applegeek2597 More the Norns then the Fates, I would say. The three fates are all crones, while the Norns are different ages fitting their roles. (Urd=Aurora, Verdandi=Bora, and Skuld=Alice. Past, Present, and Future. Old, Prime, Young.) Overall, they fit rather well.
would that make them the spirit of presents, past and future?
they also match the traditional Hecate trinity of of maiden, mother and crone
Past Present and Future indoor plumbing it’s gonna be big
Every time I watch this episode I always think to myself that Discord has come a long way since "The Return of Harmony".
It's so sweet to see him being accepted and learning how to love and be loved 😊 and to think some 🧠less people think he should have stayed a villain, alone, unwanted and rejected... looks like they didn't learned ANYTHING with the show they claim to love.
I never thought about it before.... but did one of the other student 6 invite Gallus to their holiday celebration? Cuz Gallus told them about how he was always alone.
Willing to bet it was Silverstream since she is the only one we don't see during the ending montage.
I can see her doing that.
Didn't see Smolder or Sandbar, did we?
Whoever it was Gallus would have a lot more fun than he would in Griffonstone.
We didn't see Sandbar and his family, and we don't know at all if Smolder's holiday takes place in the same day, she just said it was the only holiday/celebration they had.
APPLEGEEK'S MADE IT THROUGH WITHOUT THE SPOILERREESS!!! SORRY!!! CONGRATULATIONS AG!!
p.s. love the mlp Christmas tree tho ❤ lmfao
Thank You Hasbro for the early 🎄 Christmas Present
Shining Star that’s the point of a blind reaction. You watch it without know what will happened. That’s why he’s my favorite reactor
37:58 Cadance (fanning herself): "You're not so bad yourself."
So, uh, Flurry... how would you feel about having a little brother or sister?
Buy our toys!
I legitimately just had a bad day in school today and i come home and see this
Applegeek you just made my day
THANK YOU
I also saw Marble and I felt for her too.
Marble when she Saw Big Mac And Sugar Belle Kiss 💔 👁👄👁
Same
Poor marble
PUDDDDINNGGGGG
And that's why your best princess
Pudding is friendship?
cue echo version of twilight saying that three times. this was my favorite part of the episode. 😂
Lol
A MEME HAS BEEN BORN!
I like to think that Discord learned from being a Dungeon Master (Oubliette Overlord?) that it's important to give support characters (like Fluttershy) a chance to be the focus and save the day sometimes. I also love how Rarity and everyone assumed that the teapot cozy was just poorly made, when really it seems like it was made a little wonky on purpose to fit the tastes of who it was made for. It's so cute.
We now know Marble Pie had her heart set on Big Mac and it’s been established Limestone is lonely. With any luck; we will finally get an episode to focus on those two.
"what the actual hay"
I see Round Trip's rubbing off on you.
Ah, Derpy, the only Pony where the customer has to put on the Customer Service smile
The first time I saw Spike pull out the guitar I thought the guitar was for Rarity because of the episode where she plays Pinkie Pie’s guitar and starts playing rock music XD
Rebecca W same
And keytar??
Let us all come together and press F to pay respects to Marble's broken heart
F
F
Its for the greater good, since the Pie and Apple family might be related…
@@crystalmuffynbut no matter what, you can't cancel true love on Christmas. It's a time of hope, kindness and family!
F
She deserved so much better in this show
"We don't need stuff to make us happy. We need each other: friends, family, loved ones, that's what's truly important, not things."
Great words of wisdom.
forget everything that has been up to now this is officially the best my litle pony episode ever
This is the Best Episode of Season 8.
@@stacybarnes837 right
@@stacybarnes837, this is season 9 :p
Well technically
@@callmewhatever.7963 So I think so
AWSOME love your vids! You are one of my fave youtubers!
Great episode. Always nice to see the animators having fun with their job. I'm surprised Marble Pie was shown being sad at Big Mac's relationship, it's a little detail but one that they showed a bit of the pain that can come with relationships.
Marble seems to have a crush on Big Mac, don't you think?
16:45 "these faces"
oh, you have no idea whats coming.
Puuuuudiiiing!!!
I trust my reaction to the scene you were thinking of was adequate? XD
I honestly didn't know this was a thing until it popped up in the You Tube recommendation a few days ago! I don't follow on media sites and fan base forums. Just as a casual viewer of sorts so after season 8 ended I figured, okay just gotta wait until season 9 starts up. This was a nice surprise!
That being said, this special was sensory overload. Had to watch it through twice to pick up all the references. The best Hearts Warming episode/special yet! Easy 5 stars.
So that means u never saw the leaks, so u don't know what's yet to come
lemme put a list for all the cameos in this:
4:09 pigeon lady & kevin
4:12 charlie brown & the tree
4:14 BUDDY THE ELF & THE RACCOON! YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!
Only thumbs up for you buddy: you always get me to smile, grin or laugh
I think this is my favorite My Little Pony episode i've seen yet! All of the little details they put into this one made it so special!
Dang! Literally all of the character interactions in this special are ON POINT!
Omg I absolutely LOVE your reactions! ^~^
This is actually one of my favorite episodes! It's just too damn adorable! >~< UGH MY HEART
Derpy speaking in this special IS the best gift ever.
Thank you I'm not the only one who got the G. I.Joe reference
same
22:02 LOL U actually scared ME there 4 a sec there Applegeek! XD
I was just about to go to sleep but why not I’ll watch your reaction to this it’s become one of my personal favorite holiday episode of the series
This episode was probably as much win as Slice of Life in my opinion. I actually cried at all that cuteness and sweetness!
Wonderful reaction!
i'm very glad the conflict of the whole episode wasn't everyone wanting to trade with everyone else
32:59 look at that cute look he gave his idol awww ❤️❤️❤️
OMG! This one even made ME cry! Especially that sweet and humble song!
Merry Christmas Everyone!!
:edit I mean nearly Christmas everyone :P
Back it ya
one month early
My friend's birthday today yay wow I said a lot of ay's huh
Well.... Happy Birthday makmur Sejahtera!!!
I'm a simple person. I see Best Gift Ever, I click.
Yes finally! This was such an awesome holiday special!
Nice reaction, keep up the great work!
It was nice to see you celebrating with the other changelings. Looks like you're adjusting to the new lifestyle pretty well.
This is one of my favorite episodes of the show. I don’t care if it’s a special, it’s my comfort christmas episode.
I think that hasbro emphasizing how broken marblemac is, made the entire fandoms day.
Also I love how spike trays really hard to give his crush a nice present
I don't know why they didn't make Spike x Rarity canon, that made me so upset -3-
@cenoura-4221 Well maybe in the future, they could date if Spike was maybe a grown up?
I do not lie, I cried at the song at the end. It was especially the part where they're singing about how long they've been friends, and how far they've come, it just felt like a callback over the whole series. Also, this really does seem like the first time we've seen Spike really talk about how he feels towards Rarity since The Secret of my Excess.
I loved seeing Fluttershy troll RD there. I think she's been hanging out un Discord's dimension.
Best mlp special ever.
Agreeded
I really love this special, it was actually a nice way to send us off on the hiatus. My experience with this episode was not short of entertaining through and through. The writing, references, characters highlights(like Derpy for example) and the songs were really great, that what I expected from this and they didn’t disappoint. As always, you’re reactions are very enjoyable and I look forward to more content from you. Until next time!
Plenty of people have said it already here and in other reviews, but I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that this episode stands up as one of the best in the entire series, and I doubt it's going to lose that place any time soon. A couple of awesome songs, a nice take on the old Secret Santa idea, a lot of great character interactions, plenty of fun cameos, and a great combination of comedy and feels. Aside from that, while we probably won't see ABA again (at least not soon) given their roles, I really wouldn't mind seeing more reindeer and other new creatures in the series before it ends. It was also nice to see Discord interacting with someone other than Fluttershy, Starlight, or Twilight, who always seem to be the go-to characters to focus on when he shows up. Not that I don't love his interactions with them, but it's nice to see the authors remembering that - troublesome and focused on Fluttershy as he might be sometimes - he *is* still friends with the entire group.
Anyway, another great reaction/review.
"HAHA Book, have you met me? "😂😂😂
26:46 - OMG, don't tell the fundies, but Aurora, Bori and Alice are the Maiden, Mother and Crone!
29:57 My initial response: "Cool, Ninjas...Oh shoot, that's Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes! YO JOE!" It's more fitting than you think; not only are both franchises from Hasbro, both shows also currently air on Discovery Family (at most six hours apart from each other).
Working retail I am constantly surrounded by all the commercialism that has become so intertwined with this time of year over time. A large thing that makes me sad working retail is that thanksgiving gets skipped in favor of black friday, to those who live where it is celebrated please remember to remember to enjoy Thanksgiving with your families this year.
I do love this episode and it has helped to put me in a more proper mindset for the upcoming holidays, between work and a few other life factors going on I have been in a bit of a light funk this year. Also I can really relate to Spike and Twilight here as I have always had a hard time picking out gifts for people and can easily forget it is the spirit of the gift that counts most of all.
This has to be my favorite hearths warming episode ever! The last two weren’t really my favorite but from the songs to discord I loved this episode!! Top 5 at least!
-You're reactions this time around were SO DELICIOUS!!! :) LOL!!
-The three reindeer kind of remind me of the three fates of greek and norse mythology, but I know it's not really the same thing.
-By the same token of what you mentioned, I sense that Hasbro was kind of roasting themselves on the toy sale angle. Two sides to all of it I guess.
-Not sure why the pudding was fast at first and then slowed down.
"PUDIIIIIIN" X3 i was born to see that reaction from you xD
Huzzah! I have been awaiting this. This special is strangely charming, likeable, and even fairly critically acclaimed from what I’ve seen so far (story, character, pacing, etc). It’s such a feel-good episode that really puts you in the holiday spirit. ♥️
Glad to see you finally reacting to it haha. Now I’ll just wait for a reaction (hopefully!) to the new EQG specials. But hey, take your time!
Your laughs this time round Applegeek were PRICELESS!
Then my Mum told me 2 turn it down cuz she could hear them from her room! LMFAO! XD
44:28 actually it's from fake it 'till you make it
This is the crown in season 8. This was awsome. One season more and I just can't imaginate what will it bring to us.
4:13 Missed a reference. The movie Elf when Buddy tried to hug the Racoon
I love the part when you said that Flim and Flam are the Ferengi!! I'm glad i wasn't the only one who made that connection!!
30:14
That was such a genuine squee of joy
40:50 AJ: "Pop said sometimes the hat chooses the pony, when he gave me this."
I bet all the hats in that hats-and-bows closet belonged to Bright Mac. Keeping closetfuls of the same identical accessory probably runs in the family. :)
Yeah I agree I love this mlp Christmas special so much and it was very sweet of spike to do something special for his crush rarity that one part touched my heart*💗
I was just watching a lecture series about folklore, and it got to a part which talked about magical numbers like '3' and '7' happening across many stories. The reindeer go off the idea of past, present, and future. They don't really seem to resemble the three Fates of Greek and Norse mythology that closely, though that was the first thing I thought of. It really is interesting to note how the number '3' is continually used in our folklore, mythology, and religious examples. Silver Quill even mentioned it in his video on Luna's archetype. And while there are six element bearers now, there are rumors of a seventh. '3' also occurs repetitively in both human culture and in nature, even down to the atomic level (three states of matter, three strands of hair to braid, three legs on a stool, and subatomic particles coming in threes). Maybe it's just a number that tends to work well. And going back to the show, there are examples of '3,' such as the CMC and the Apple family. '7' is also important across folklore, and human culture has put great emphases on groups of '7' (seven dwarves, seven sister of Greek mythology, seven sins, seven wonders of the world, seven phone number digits, seven days in a week, etc.). This was even observed on a neurological level, where the brain sends information best when seven dendrites extend from the neurons. And while there are six element bearers in the show right now, there are rumors of a seventh. I don't know how much thought the show staff have put into this, nor to I think these systems are completely universal, but it's a fun idea. www.thegreatcourses.com/courses/a-childrens-guide-to-folklore-and-wonder-tales.html
Whoa! This is the first time I've seen an old man reacting to mlp and shouting like it would do something and laughing like a kettle
Hey Applegeek!! I think you're one of the funnest MY Little Pony reactors out there! Love how much you laugh at the hilarious moments! I love how you also nod your head to the songs!! This is my 5th favorite episode of the show!
This was probably my favorite MLP holiday episode next to A Hearth's Warming Tail from Season 6
39:08 buy our toys
You're the first real person I've seen who actually waves his hat around with joy, the only other times I've seen this is in cartoons and comedies X3
I love the MLP FiM and I love this holiday special! This is amazing episode! Thanks Hasbro for this episode, and thank You Applegeek for your reaction! )
I like how flurry heart coos at the sight of the magic pudding ingredients at 34:16
13:08 finally, someone makes the reference, u have restored my faith in the community
This was the greatest mlp holiday special ever 😊
Flim and Flam are wayyyy underrated, They never force anypony to buy something from them, they're just very good at their job which is selling stuff, if you're very good at something, you diserve to be able to earn something on it
Now, if only they could use that talent to sell something good... Then they'd REALLY deserve it.
@@LeafRazorStorm Yeah, Because everyone who's good at marceting does that(hm,hm Hasbro)
Seriously tho, you're right but in their difference, in most episodes with them they weren't selling stuff as bad as in this one: Their apple cider was just as good and AppleJack's. They just got stressed that they would loose (which was totally unfair by the way because AJ had like 8 ponies on her side but I'm willing to forgive that because they allowed friends to help themselves) and that's why they started making the bad cider
That tonic was pretty bad too but to be honest it worked and of course it could be dengerous when used in the wrong way but I think that in this episode Granny was acting out of character just for the sake of an example of using it the wrong way
They weren't even the bad guys in the Los pegasus episode
And in Friendship University at the very beginning of their song they said that There is other friendship school so if someone wanted to learn this for free he could have gone to that school. You could say that they were overselling it with that thing with learning the same in half the time and you would be right XD Also I hated Star Swirl in this episode, not only he didn't realize that he was reading a book with every other pager ripped off and said that it was a great lecture but then he blamed them for making Ponies pay for it
Have I missed any episode... I hope not
13:00 Dashie got Flutters the best gift ever.... DISCORD!
21:19 All in Favor of Twilight's "PUDDDINNGGGG," say PUDDINNGGGG LOL
38:27 Scorpan isn't really foreshadowing, since he was also mentioned back in the end of season 4, yet, we've not seen him since.
But don't get me wrong, I would love to see him in the show still.
Iv been waiting for this reaction cause ure one of the only reactors who actually reacts.
11:26
After so many viewings, I'm convinced Fluttershy was messing with RD here
Derpy how can we stay mad at you? You’re too adorable
A Christmas Story, Home Alone 2, Peanuts, Elf, and Gremlins.
Those are the Christmas movie references I caught here.
That's song towards the end really got me emotional
Finally did my reaction to this special. It was fantastic. Loved all the references Best Hearts Warming ever.
26:43 The Gift Givers of the Grove sounds like a callback to the Keepers of the Grove from Return of Harmony (s2 premiere).
3:51 I've been waiting for this since I first saw the special. 😂💔😘
As for Arora Bori and Alice, I think they're basically Santa's reindeer mashed together with The Fates from Greek Mythology (possibly inspired by the ones in Disney's Hercules that see "past, present, and future" respectively), although they also resemble the pagan idea of the "Triple Goddess" made up of the Crone, the Mother, and the Maid (Arora, Bori, Alice) representing the three stages of life, past present future, as well as the phases of the moon.
7:20 Also, although not _terribly_ likely, there _is_ a chance you could draw your _own_ name.
18:00 Yeah. _technically_ Derpy didn't screw this up. She read it's "For Applejack" so off to SAA it goes. (moments later at 18:30) Oh wait. Never mind, she did screw up.
30:00 Except Snake Eyes can't speak. Whereas Discord can't shut the HELL UP!
36:44 (cue music)
Nothing can stop
The Pudding!
(BAO BAO-BAO! BAO BAO-BAO!
BAO BAO-BAO! BAO BAO-BAO!)
44:56 Missed Yona.
45:06 Carols! Carols! Carols! Carols! Carooooools!
28:49 "They _are_ the Ferengi."
I guess the animators will never have to draw clothes for Flim and Flam's wives, then. ;)
Applegeek, you were having... THE BEST HOLIDAY REVIEW EVER!!!!! (weren't you?)
This is probably a long shot but, I really hope the mentioning of Scorpan was a foreshadowing to S9 because I’d like to see how he comes to play in this series.
Man, I missed a lot of references. Thx for pointing them out!
I also liked that they are represented for past, present and future not only by their talents but also their ages ^^
(Continued from my third comment.)
40:24-41:14 Everypony gathers to give their less than thrilling gifts. Also, there's pudding.
40:27-40:37 Pinkie points out how her gift and Twilight's compliment each other.
40:49 Rarity's face.
40:51-40:59 Applejack mentions how her father used to say "sometimes the hat chooses the pony" - as was the case when he gave AJ her's. Also, Applegeek's reaction.
40:59-41:02 Yes, something like that, AJ.
41:00-41:03 Applejack's face.
41:00-41:20 Discord destroys Spike and Rainbow Dash's presents, after seeing how much they dislike them. Also, Applegeek's reaction.
41:18-41:36 Fluttershy actually seems happy with her winterzilla gift. Also, her face.
41:32-42:05 Discord reveals he set up the whole winterzilla incident so Fluttershy could be the hero and save the day as her gift. Also, Rainbow Dash and Applegeek's reactions.
41:33-41:37 Fluttershy blushing.
41:38-41:34 Rainbow Dash's face.
42:05-42:08 It kind of was, AJ.
42:09-42:14 Cadence plays aeroplane with Flurry Heart's pudding.
42:21-43:13 Spike's gift is the episode's second song: The True Gifted of Gifting. He has a great singing voice. Applegeek is touched.
43:22 Rarity kisses Spike.
43:24-43:43 Twilight works out the Gift-Givers riddle. I know it's cliched and overused, but it's true: Friendship really IS the best gift ever :)
43:44-43:31 Twilight continues the song.
43:57-44:04 Hearth's Warming dolls.
44:10-44:15 Flurry Heart clapping her hooves.
44:22-44:31 Fluttershy gives Discord a present. It's an elephant tea-cosy from earlier in the season
44:28-44:31 That hug.
44:34-45:21 All the Mane 6 finish the song.
44:41-44:44 Starlight and Trixie enjoying Hearth's Warming cocoa together.
44:44-44:47 The Apples, Pies, Grand Pear and Sugarbelle enjoying Hearth's Warming on the Apple farm. It looks like Mud Briar has joined them, too.
44:47-44:50 Even Celestia and Luna are enjoying the holidays.
44:50-44:55 Butternut, Oaknut and Pistachio receive another gift: an Australian-styled acorn hat.
44:55-44:57 Yaks, including Yona, enjoying their 'smashing' festival.
44:58-45:01 Flim and Flam are the only ones not celebrating.
45:01-45:04 Ponies, including Mayor Mare and Derpy, leaving town hall.
45:05-45:09 The changlings - including Thorax, Pharynx and Ocellus - continuing their unusual celebration of Hearth's Warming. Also, Applegeek's reaction.
45:21-45:36 Closing narration from the reindeer. That was Alice's voice we heard in the beginning.
45:38-45:41 What are those? I'm sure you're going to tell us in your afterthoughts.
46:08-46:12 Applegeek makes a pretty big claim.
46:20-47:09 That's a very interesting point about Hasbro and this special. It just goes to show their best way of selling toys is to make their series a phenomenal.
48:00-48:11 So true. So very true.
52:57-53:34 Applegeek reprises The True Gift of Gifting and claims his own gift-giving is going to change a little bit this year.
54:30-54:37 She'll always be Derpy to me too. I've always called her that and always will.
54:12-54:19 I said it first, Applegeek.
57:08-59:03 I didn't realise that. Have things finally been settled between them?
1:02:08-1:02:30 It's true. He was meant to play a Jacob Marley like character.
Overall, I really enjoyed this early Christmas present - even if it did air before Halloween. It's amazing how the plot managed to juggle six different stories without spending too much or too little time on any one of them - the additional runtime really helped out here. Also, there were plenty of treats to be found: we had two new Hearth's Warming carols; references to some of the best Christmas movies of all time; Discord, Minty and Derpy all made memorable appearances; reindeer in Equestria are now canon; Flurry Heart was adorable; Spike and Rarity's relationship developed; we learned an important lesson about gift-giving and friendship; and we now have an official name for Twilight's craziness, Twily-nanas. For the first MLP special that wasn't based off Equestria Girls, I'd say Hasbro did a pretty fine job. As Applegeek said, they were more focused on teaching us morals than selling their toys - which is saying a lot for a TOY company. Season 9 may be a long way off, but until then, this was a wonderful holiday treat. Happy early Christmas everybody!
30:13
That's it. Grogar was drunk at one point. And while he was drunk, he made creatures like this. They did say he made the foulest of creatures!
FINALLY!!! Someone got the G.I. Joe and National Lampoon Christmas Vacation! Thank you! And best reaction of Derpy's talking scean.