Author's Note

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM glittersparkle413!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hearth's Warming Eve Royal Family Tradition

Hearth's Warming Eve(the next day)...

I woke up the next morning when I felt a soft kiss on my muzzle. I yawned, and rubbed my eyes a few times. I rolled over slightly and my face bumped into something soft. I opened my eyes and saw a big yellow Celestial Sun in my view. I looked up and saw Mom sitting next to me, smiling.

"Morning, Sweetheart", she said, leaning down and nuzzling my cheek. I smiled and sat up against the wall that the rug was against, resting my head against her side.

"Morning... Mom", I said between a yawn, still trying to get fully awake.

"Did you sleep well?", Mom asked, draping her giant wing over me like a blanket. I nodded and snuggled into her coat. "Good". She leaned down against and kissed my cheek. "I love you, Sweetie".

"I love you too, Mom", I said, returning the kiss. At that point, I felt like having a shower, as I had not showered for a few days. "Mom, may I use your shower?"

"Oh...", Mom said, "Actually, I was about to get in, myself".

"Oh...", I said, "Well, go ahead. I can wait". Mom giggled.

"Why not bathe together?", she said. That surprised me a little.

"Together?", I asked.

"Yes", Mom said.

"But what about privacy?", I asked, "Isn't that what you told me?"

"Yes", Mom said, "But I'm your mother, and like I also told you, ponies don't normally wear clothes. I won't mind if you don't mind. It's not like I'm asking you to use the toilet with me". I shrugged and got out of the bed.

"OK", I said. Mom smiled and I followed her into the bathroom, closing and locking the door behind me.

"Now", Mom said, "You start the bath, while I go tinkle, alright?" I nodded as Mom sat down on the toilet, using her magic to pull the sliding door in front of herself for privacy. I started the bath just the way Mom liked it. I made sure the water was hot, but not unbearably hot. I poured some Lavender Breeze bath salts and Mom's favorite bubble-bath soap into the water, and once the tub was about three-quarters full, I turned on the shower-head and it rained warm water into the nearly-full tub. I don't know why Mom likes to take a bath while the shower is on, but I'm not gonna tell her how to take a bath. Anyway, once Mom was finished, she got into the tub, as did I, sitting right next to Mom. I have to admit, bathing with the shower on was kinda pleasant. It felt good to sit in warm water while having it shower onto me. That was great.

"Thank you for preparing the bath, Sweetie", Mom said, pulling me close to her, "Just the way I like it".

"You're welcome, Mom", I said. We just sat in the water for a while, cuddling and bathing in silence, then Mom broke that silence.

"So, Sweetheart", she said, "Do you know what today is?"

"Friday?", I said.

"Yes", Mom said, giggling, "But, it's very special".

"What is it?", I said, not wanting to guess. Every time I did, I would get it wrong.

"It's Hearth's Warming Eve, Sweetie", Mom said.

"Hearth's Warming Eve?", I said.

"Yes", Mom said, pointing to her calender she keeps in the inside the bathroom door. Sure enough, it was December 24th.

"Oh...", I said, "Why haven't I known?"

"You probably were just having such a good time in Ponyville that you forgot".

"Yeah... maybe".

"So, do you remember what Hearth's Warming Eve means for a royal?"

"No court or paperwork?"

"Yes. But, there's a little something you don't know".

"What's that?"

"Every Hearth's Warming Eve, Luna, Cadence and I get together and have a party we call, "Royal Family Tradition", where, as a family, we engage in plentiful amounts of fun. Also, only the guards and important maids will be in the Castle, while everypony else required to be here will be sent home for the holiday".

"Wow".

"However, since you have learned everything you need to be a royal, found a mate, have an object of nature you control, and now that you're a new part to the Royal Family, we're inviting you to the Royal Family Tradition this year, and all the other ones to come". My ears perked a little in surprise.

"Really?! You're inviting me to one of your only private parties?!"

"Yes". Mom smiled as I hugged her as tight as I could. "Sweetie! Sweetie! Too tight! You're hurting me!" I lessened my grip on her.

"Sorry".

"That's alright, Sweetheart. Just remember about your strength". I let go of Mom after a while.

"So, how come I've never known about Royal Family Tradition?"

"Well, remember how every time around Hearth's Warming Eve, Luna and I always give you enough bits to book a Sixteen Flags Hotel room and enough for you to enjoy rides?" I nodded. "Well, that was our way of getting you out of the Castle".

"Well, that way worked". We both chuckled. "So, what exactly do you do during Royal Family Tradition?"

"Well, just the usual. Each of us have a special place every year. I cook, Cadence gets the tree and decorates it, as well as the rest of the den, and Luna is in charge of creating the list of groceries we'll need".

"What do I do?"

"You will be in charge of picking up all the supplies we'll need".

"OK".

"Now, Luna made the list last night and hung it on the fridge. We will need everything on the list. I also ordered some sweaters from Carousel Boutique, and a few cookie doughs from Sugarcube Corner in Ponyville. We will need those too, and if Rarity asks if you would like the sweaters gift-wrapped, say yes, OK?". I nodded. "Alright, one last thing about the Tradition. At midnight, we exchange gifts to one another. Each of us are required to give one gift to all others".

"OK".

"Now, the Tradition will start at 7:00 tonight, but I will have my guards pick you up in Ponyville Town Center at 6:00. I'm not trying to kick you out, but I recommend you start collecting what you need after the bath. Plus, please send everything through your magic so I can get everything prepared early". I nodded. "And, please bring Zecora if you can. She's part of the family now. Plus, I really would like to meet her". I nodded again. "And one more thing, the most important rule about Royal Tradition is only members of the family can attend. Do not invite anypony else, not even Twilight Sparkle or Spike". I nodded a last time as we went back to bathing.

Soon, we both finished bathing and got dried off. I walked into the kitchen and grabbed the list of groceries and left to Ponyville. Once I got back to Ponyville, the first thing I was worried about was what gifts to get everyone else. Luckily for me, Twilight was walking along the dirt-path, her face buried in a book.

"Hey, Twilight", I said. Twilight looked up.

"Oh, hey, Glitter", she said, levitating the book back into her saddlebag, "What's up?"

"I'm just thinking about what gifts to get my family for Hearth's Warming Eve", I said, "Royal Family Tradition is tonight, and I'm invited".

"Great", Twilight said, "Well, let's talk back at the library. I'm hungry". I followed Twilight back to the library and she allowed me in. I saw a large stack of waffles on the coffee table, along with glasses of cider. There was also a note in the middle. I grabbed the note and read it.

Twilight...

I'm out helping Rarity hunt for some more gems, so I made you some waffles before I left, since I know you love them so much. Rarity said we'll be done in about an hour.

Spike

"Looks like Spike made waffles", Twilight said.

"Yeah", I said, "He left this note". Twilight took the note and read it.

"OK", she said, "I'll share them with you".

"Thanks", I said. We sat down on the couch behind the table and ate the waffles, while talking to each other. "So, what do you think I should get for them?"

"Well", Twilight said, swallowing a forkful of waffle, "While I was studying with Princess Celestia, she said she's always wanted a pet phoenix bird. I bet you'll surprise her greatly".

"A phoenix?", I said, "Do you know how hard it is to get one of those?"

"Not in Ponyville", Twilight said, "They're common in the Everfree Forest".

"Well", I said, "I'll check. Now, what about Auntie Luna and Caddie?"

"Cadence likes lucky charms", Twilight said, "I would suggest getting her a rabbit's foot or a four-leaf-clover. And for Princess Luna, she likes anything associated with Night".

"That seems pretty easy", I said.

"So", Twilight said, "If you've been living in the Castle for sixteen years, how are you just finding out about Royal Family Tradition? I've known for a long time".

"They sent me off to Sixteen Flags to get me out of the Castle", I said, "And it worked".

"It would work on me", Twilight said, giggling. I stood up and wiped the syrup from my face.

"Well", I said, "I better get going. Have a happy Hearth's Warming Eve".

"You too", Twilight said. I gave her a side-hug and left the library.

After leaving the library, I sat down on the bench next to the clock-tower and thought about what Twilight said. Mom's always wanted a phoenix, Auntie Luna likes anything that has to do with Nighttime or Lunar times, and Caddie likes lucky charms. Auntie Luna's and Caddie's gifts were easy to find, because I could just get those at the Ponyville Gift Shop. I've been there a few times, and they have any gift you could want. But the one thing they don't have is pets, and even if they did, a phoenix wouldn't be with them. A phoenix is the rarest bird in all of Equestria, and they're pretty fast and skilled birds, so catching one is hard. After about an hour and a half of just sitting there and thinking, I decided to worry about the phoenix last and get everything else Mom asked for first, since I was on a time limit. First, I walked to Carousel Boutique and knocked on the door.

"We're closed for Hearth's Warming Eve!", I heard Rarity call from the inside.

"Rarity?", I said, "It's Glitter Sparkle".

"Oh!", Rarity said, "Just a moment". I waited and in about ten seconds, Rarity had opened the door, smiling big. "Afternoon, Prince Sparkle. Happy Hearth's Warming Eve".

"To you too, Rarity", I said, "I'm here to pick up some sweaters Mom sent me out for".

"Oh...", Rarity said, rubbing the back of her mane nervously, "Well, I'm not exactly finished yet. I have completed three of them, but I still have to finish the last one". I nodded. "But... you may enter and wait if you like". I shrugged and walked in as Rarity closed and locked the door back.

"Thank you, Rarity", I said.

"You're welcome, Darling", she said, smiling a little, "Now, you may enjoy yourself while I finish, and help yourself to the television". I smiled and sat down on the sofa as Rarity walked upstairs. I picked up the remote and turned the TV to the cartoon channel. I may be sixteen, but I love cartoons. They make me feel young. I had watched about an hour of them before Rarity had came back down.

"I've just finished, Darling", she said, "Would you like them gift-wrapped?"

"Yes, please", I said.

"Together or separately?", Rarity said. Mom didn't tell me that, but since she ordered multiple sweaters, I decided to have Rarity gift-wrap them separately.

"Separately", I said. Rarity smiled and walked back upstairs. About ten minutes later, she came back down with four small boxes wrapped in white wrapping paper. I smiled and took the boxes. "How much is that?"

"On the house, Prince Sparkle", Rarity said, "Since it's for your family, and the fact that I'm in the holiday spirit, I'm not going to charge you". I smiled and stood up, holding the boxes in my magic.

"Well, thank you, Rarity", I said.

"You're welcome, Darling", Rarity said. I smiled and gave her a small kiss on her cheek as a token of my thanks. Rarity's eyes went seriously big. "Did you just... *hard stammer* cheek... *even harder stammer*". She fainted and lost her balance, but luckily, I caught her and laid her down on the couch.

"Well", I said, "You have a happy Hearth's Warming Eve". I turned and left the Boutique, closing and locking the door with my magic. I then focused and sent the sweaters to the Castle with a burst of magic. "Sweaters, check. Now for the cookie doughs". I walked to Sugarcube Corner and knocked on the door.

"We're *chomp* closed! *gulp*", I heard Pinkie Pie call from the inside.

"It's Glitter", I said. Soon, the door opened and Pinkie was standing there, her face covered in what looked like chocolate brownie batter and eggnog.

"Hiya, Prince Sparkle!", she said, "You must be here for your cookie doughs!"

"Yeah", I said, "How'd you know?"

"Princess Celestia told me", Pinkie said, "Let me go get them!" She zoomed off and returned with three large boxes of cold cookie dough and gave them to me. "On the house".

"Great", I said.

"But...", Pinkie said, "I kinda... still need to get a gift for my sister Maud, and I don't have enough for what she wants. Would you mind lending me ten bits?"

"Of course not", I said, "But, can you take a check? I don't have any bits with me right now".

"Sure!", Pinkie said. I got out my checkbook and wrote Pinkie a check using one of my feathers. She smiled and grabbed the check. "Thank you, Prince Sparkle!"

"You're welcome, Pinkie Pie", I said, "Have a happy Hearth's Warming Eve".

"You too!", Pinkie said, closing the door. I looked at the boxes of cookie dough and saw that Mom had ordered chocolate chunk, peanut butter, and chocolate candy delight, her three favorites. I smiled, sent the doughs to the Castle, and decided to start on the groceries.

~~~~~~~~~~

After getting the groceries, decorations, a tree, lights, wrapping paper, tape, and other kitchen objects and sending them to the Castle, it was time for the gifts, which I was going to send to my closet. I decided to go for the phoenix last on my way to Zecora's. I walked to the Ponyville Gift Shop. Luckily, it was open, so I just walked in. Before going in, I used my magic to stop my mane from flowing and to stealth my wings so the other ponies wouldn't know I was an Alicorn.

I went to the back to the Night-related stuff for Auntie Luna. Most of the stuff that was there, she already had, so that made it hard. But then, I found the perfect gift for Auntie Luna. It was a two-hoof long, 12" in height, blue pillow, shaped like a crescent moon, and it had a pattern of her cutie mark on it. I smiled, grabbed the pillow, and placed it on my back.

After finding Auntie Luna's gift, I walked over to the lucky charms in the next aisle to find Caddie's gift. Everything was pretty much the same: clovers and rabbit's feet. But I then remembered that Caddie liked necklaces. I looked around and found a charm necklace. It was covered in green four-leaf clover charms, and it had a large, white rabbit's foot hanging at the end. Smiling, I grabbed the necklace and held it in my magic. And for Zecora, I grabbed a box of chocolates. Zecora really loves chocolate, so I knew she would be satisfied. I went to get the gifts rang up. The lines were full, but the ten-or-less line was open. I walked into the line and placed all the gifts on the counter, letting the cashier ring them up. After finishing, she clicked the "total" button.

"Forty-three bits, please", she said. I pulled my checkbook out and wrote a check for forty-three bits and gave it to the cashier. "Would you like these gift-wrapped?"

"Yes, please", I said.

"Would you like a specific wrapping paper?", she said, pointing to the several rolls of wrapping paper on the shelves behind the counter. I smiled as I saw two perfect papers.

"Could you please wrap the pillow in the moon-patterned one", I said, "And the necklace in the green paper. I'll just carry the chocolate".

"Alright", she said, "Wait here, please". I waited for a few minutes, and then she returned with the boxes.

"Thank you", I said.

"You're welcome, Sir", the cashier said, "You have a happy Hearth's Warming".

"You too", I said, taking the gifts and leaving the store, turning myself back to normal. I sent the gifts to the Castle, but made sure to send them to my closet, so nopony in the Castle could see them. "Alright, got everything, but the phoenix. I guess it's time to find it". I made way for the Everfree Forest.

Once I got to the Everfree Forest, I lit my horn up for a flashlight and walked into the forest. I kept looking and looking, hoping to find a phoenix. But as hard as I looked, I couldn't find one. I even activated my animal-search spell, but still was unsuccessful. I began walking out of the forest with my head hung. I got the perfect gift for every member of my family, but my mother. Celestia, who brought me into this world. I was chiding myself for not finding it, when I bumped into something purple. I saw that it was the Ursa Major, carrying a fiery-orange bird on its back.

"Hey, Ursa Major", I said. The Ursa Major turned and looked at me.

"Oh, hi", she said, "How's it going?"

"Not very good", I said, "I'm trying to find a phoenix for my mother, but can't".

"Well", the Ursa Major said, "Take this one". She grabbed the bird off of her back and gave it to me. I checked the bird and sure enough, it was a phoenix. I had finally gotten one.

"Are you sure?", I said, "I don't want to steal from you".

"No no", Ursa Major said, "It's alright. Rat tastes better than phoenix anyway".

"OK", I said, giving the phoenix a little nest in my mane, "Thank you".

"No problem", Ursa Major said, "Oh, I'm glad I ran into you out here. Since today is Hearth's Warming Eve, my son and I made you a little gift as a token of our respect. Wait here". I did and the Ursa walked off. Soon, she returned with a little homemade wreath. It had sticks, leaves, and even those little berries you usually see on them. The Ursa placed the wreath around my neck like a necklace. I smiled as I accepted it.

"Thank you", I said.

"No problem", the Ursa said, "Oh, and I didn't get your name the last time we met".

"Glitter Sparkle", I said. The Ursa smiled.

"Well, Glitter Sparkle", she said, "I have to go now before my little Ursa wakes up. Nice seeing you again".

"You too", I said, "Have a happy Hearth's Warming Eve". The Ursa smiled again and walked back to her cave. I smiled as I looked at the phoenix in my mane. It was completely relaxed in my mane, and it was so cute. Mom was gonna love my gift. Not just because it was a phoenix, but because it was a baby phoenix, and everypony loves baby pets. Even though I was happy I had found a phoenix, I felt stupid because I didn't notice the orange pattern of the bird, and any fool would tell a phoenix apart from any other bird. Anyway, I gave the little bird a small nuzzle. It smiled at me and chirped a little. Giving the phoenix a little pet, I looked at the clock-tower and saw that is was 5:45. I had fifteen minutes before I had to get to the Town Center, so I decided to go pick up Zecora before I had to leave. I walked to Zecora's Hut and knocked on the door.

"Enter", I heard Zecora call from the inside. I walked in and saw Zecora meditating on her stick, a cup of water in her hoof as well.

"Hey, Zecora", I said.

"Hello, Glitter Sparkle", Zecora said, still meditating.

"How it going?", I asked.

"Pretty well", Zecora said, "I'm just meditating for a while". I raised my eyebrow.

"That didn't rhyme", I said. Zecora only chuckled.

"Today is Hearth's Warming Eve, as I remember", Zecora said, "This is one of the only holidays I do not have to work, so rhyming is something I must not".

"Well", I said, "It's a little unusual, because I'm use to you talking in rhymes, but OK. Anyway, there's something I need to tell you".

"What is it?", Zecora said.

"I got invited to Royal Family Tradition", I said, smiling, "My family's only private party".

"That's great", Zecora said, taking a long sip of water.

"And...", I said, pausing for effect, "... you're invited too". Zecora's eyes popped open wide as she spit out the water and fell over off of her stick. I went over to her quickly to lift her back up, but she shot back up, staring directly into my eyes.

"What?!", she yelled in surprise, "Did I hear you just right?! I don't think I did, because I heard you just said I was invited to a private royal party!"

"That's because I did", I said. Zecora then looked dizzy and started walking around limply, stammering and mumbling loudly in her own foreign language. She then fainted right into my hooves. I rolled my eyes and grabbed the glass of water she had been drinking from and splashed it in her face, instantly waking her up. She shook the water off of her face and looked up at me.

"Oh, Glitter", she said, "I just had the weirdest dream. It was something about you inviting me to a royal party".

"That wasn't a dream", I said, "I just told you". Zecora looked dizzy again. "Please don't faint again". Zecora stood up.

"Oh my!", Zecora said, "You don't know how unexpected this is".

"Yes I do", I said, "Because I just found out and got invited five hours ago".

"Oh...", Zecora said, "Well, let me rephrase that. You don't know how long I've waited to get invited into the Castle".

"OK", I said.

"Is there anything I must wear?", Zecora said, "I only have my cloak. Do I need to go out and-?" I placed my hoof over her mouth before she could finish.

"No", I said, "You're alright just the way you are". Zecora smiled as I let go.

"W-well", Zecora said, "Wh-when is the Tradition?"

"7:00", I said, "But Mom said she's sending guards to pick us up at 6:00". Zecora looked at her clock.

"It's 5:55 right now", she said, "We need to get going".

"Yes", I said, "Let's go".

~~~~~~~~~~

The ride to Canterlot was only about twenty minutes, but it seemed like two hours, because Zecora kept asking question after question about how to act at the Tradition, like "How do I speak to everypony else?", or "Will I be able to have access to every event in the Tradition?" I kept answering the questions and feeding the phoenix a couple of worms that I had collected from the dirt-paths so it wouldn't be hungry and chirp up a storm on my way in. After the ride, we had finally reached the Castle. I looked over at Zecora and saw that she was shaking heavily.

"Zecora?", I said, "Are you alright?"

"I-I-I'm just a litt-tt-tt-le nervous", Zecora said. I could see chills poking through her coat. She was nervous and excited at the same time.

"Zecora...", I said, grabbing her hoof with mine, "You'll be OK. Mom is the kindest mare I've ever known, and she barely forces anypony to do anything". Zecora gulped and nodded, stepping out of the carriage with me. I used my magic to put the phoenix to sleep so it wouldn't chirp and ruin the surprise before midnight. I then walked up to the front door and the guards let me and Zecora in. Right when I walked in, a very delicious smell attacked my muzzle. I kept sniffing and searching for the source of the smell, while Zecora kept following me. Soon, finding it in the kitchen, I saw something very unexpected. Mom was in there, wearing an apron and a large chef hat, cooking. She looked at me and smiled.

"Hello, Sweetie", she said.

"Mom?", I said, "Are you cooking?"

"Of course I am", Mom said, giggling and flipping what looked like a hay-steak in a pan, "Why else would I be in here?"

"Maybe trying to steal some cake?", I said, joking. Mom rolled her eyes.

"Yeah yeah", she said, "Anyway, I told you, during the Tradition, I cook, and the regular cooks get the day off. You think just because I don't usually cook, I can't? I've been cooking for over a thousand years, you know". I giggled lightly.

"If you don't mind", I said, "I want I picture of you wearing that before I leave".

"Alright", Mom said, "You'll get one after I'm finished". She then looked at Zecora, smiling. "So this must be your little sweetheart".

"Yes", I said, "This is Zecora".

"Well, Ms. Zecora", Mom said, "I'm Celestia, Glitter's mother". She held out her hoof for a hoofshake, but Zecora looked at me nervously, as in to say, "Should I?" I nodded and helped her shake Mom's hoof.

"G-g-greetings, P-P-Princess Celestia", Zecora said, sweat starting to form on her forehead.

"Oh, Zecora", Celestia said, giggling, "You're part of our family now. Using titles is not required for you to do".

"Alright... C-Celestia", Zecora said, trying very hard not to stammer.

"You sure seem like the perfect match for my strong little colt", Mom said, planting multiple kisses on both of my cheeks. A red-hot blush formed across my face from my left ear to my right, and it was easily seen through my dark-green coat.

"Mom~~~~~!", I whined lightly, "You're making me blush~~~!" Mom giggled.

"You look so cute when you blush, Sweetie", she said, nuzzling me and making my blush grow deeper, "I can't help it". I know parents love to embarrass their kids in front of guests, but in front of their mates, that was a little much. I needed an excuse to go away quickly.

"M-Mom", I said, stammering from embarrassment, "I kinda... need to go to the bathroom". Mom giggled again.

"No you don't", Mom said, "I know you're just making excuses. But I'll let you go. Cadence would like some help with the decorations". I quickly dashed off, while Zecora stayed with Mom, as Mom wanted to talk to her privately.

I soon had reached the den. Caddie must had been decorating for hours, because it was bedazzled with several decorations, multicolored lights, a large tree, basically, everything I had bought while in Ponyville. Caddie loved to decorate and she loved colors, so there was no doubt she had decorated. I stared around in awe for a while, before I heard somepony call me.

"Hey, Glitter", a mare's voice said. I turned around and saw Caddie sitting on the largest couch, a teacup full of eggnog in her hoof. I smiled and sat down next to her, pulling her into a big cuddle.

"Hey, Caddie", I said, "Happy Hearth's Warming Eve".

"Aww", Caddie said, "I was supposed to say that first, but same to you". I smiled and nuzzled her cheek. "Care for some eggnog?"

"Sure", I said. Caddie poured some of the eggnog in her own cup into another one, giving it to me. "Thank you".

"You're welcome", Caddie said.

"So", I said, sipping my eggnog, "How have you been with your new hubby?" Caddie blushed heavily.

"Oh, Glitter", she said, "Shiny has been so lovely since out wedding! He is such the lover, and he was so naughty during our honeymoon!" Her eyes went big. "Oh my! Excuse my vulgar language!"

"It's alright, Caddie", I said, "You know what every couple does during the honeymoon. In fact, you were the one who gave me "The Talk", right?"

"Yes", Caddie said, "Now, off of that subject. Not during the holidays. Anyway, how does it feel being at your first Tradition?"

"I guess... new", I said.

"That's it?", Caddie said. I nodded. "Well, trust me, after tonight, that simple 'new' will turn into a 'Awesome!'"

"We'll see about that", I said. Caddie smiled and kissed my cheek.

"So", Caddie said, "I hear from Auntie Celestia that you have a little zebra mate".

"Yeah", I said, "Her name is Zecora. I brought her, but she's in the kitchen with Mom".

"It seems so cute that you have a little marefriend", Caddie said, "Especially since it's a different breed of species. Plus, Auntie Celestia has been pretty happy lately".

"Why?", I asked, sipping my eggnog again.

"She's excited because she can't wait until she's a grandmother", Caddie said. What she said nearly made me choke on my eggnog.

"Grandmother?!", I said, "She doesn't think it's a little early to be thinking about that?"

"I guess not", Caddie said.

"But Zecora and I aren't even married yet", I said, "And we've only been related for two weeks".

"I know", Caddie said, "But she's been talking about it for several days". I shook my head and sipped my eggnog again.

"Mothers", I mumbled. Caddie giggled.

"Well", she said, "I have to decorate the dining room now".

"Would you like some help?", I asked.

"No thank you", Caddie said, "I got it". Caddie walked off into the dining room and I sat back against the couch, resting my hind hooves on the coffee table. At that point, Auntie Luna came into the den, smiling and sitting down next to me.

"Greetings, my nephew", she said, pulling me into a cuddle.

"Hey, Auntie Luna", I said, "No royal 'we' tonight?"

"Of course not", Auntie Luna said, "Tonight shall be Hearth's Warming Eve, my dear sister's created holiday".

"Mom's created holiday?", I asked.

"Yes", Auntie Luna said, "Tia created Hearth's Warming Eve, myself created Nightmare Night, and our dear old assistant Star Swirl created Hearts and Hooves Day".

"Wow", I said.

"So", Auntie Luna said, "I am so glad to posses the ability to welcome my dear nephew into our Royal Family Tradition, and I hope you shall have the time of your life".

"We'll see about that", I said. At that point, Mom had came back out.

"Luna", Mom said in a singsong voice.

"Yes, dear sister?", Luna said.

"May I have your help getting the food to the table?", Celestia said, "The Traditional Dinner is to start soon".

"I shall", Auntie Luna, getting up and walking into the kitchen. Mom then looked at me.

"I hope you didn't eat before you came", she said, giggling, "Because I've been cooking up a storm in here, and there's more than enough".

"I haven't eaten in four hours", I said, "So I should be good".

"Well great", Mom said, "Go wash up and meet us in the dining room".

I nodded and got up from the sofa. I walked into the downstairs bathroom and washed my hooves and face. Then, I walked back into the dining room and sat at the large table in between Mom and Zecora. Mom wasn't lying about cooking up a storm. She had made hay steaks, hayburgers with cheese, daffodil sandwiches, sunflower soup, and several sides, such as stuffing, egg salad, potato salad, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and even my favorite: broccoli and cheese. Not only did she cook, she also baked. Chocolate chuck cookies, peanut butter cookies, chocolate candy cookies, Zecora's wheatgrass and dirt cookies, which Mom asked Zecora to make. Along with that, brownies, fudge, three-layer red velvet cake with cream cheese icing, and the same in chocolate, apple pie, chocolate pie, cherry pie, peach pie, and pumpkin pie. Plus, eggnog, apple cider, and light sodas. I couldn't wait to start eating, because I was starting to starve.

"Alright, dear family", Auntie Luna said, "It is my turn to give the Traditional Grace". Auntie Luna cleared her throat. "We are gathered here today, once again, for the dinner of our 427th Royal Family Tradition. Along with myself, as usual, my dear older sister, Tia, and my daughter, Cadence. Also, joining us for their very first time, is the newest couple of the royal family: my dear nephew, Glitter Sparkle, and his dear little marefriend, Zecora. May they enjoy their first experience of our Tradition. I would also like to wish our deceased assistant Star Swirl a happy Hearth's Warming Eve, and may the Afterlife take good care of him. Are there any blessings before we began the dinner?"

"I have one", Caddie said, "I want to wish Shining Armor, my husband, a happy Hearth's Warming Eve. He couldn't make it here today, as he is spending time with his own family, but he has promised to provide gifts for everyone".

"Anything else?", Auntie Luna asked. Silence. "Well then, you may start". We all started eating. For the first thirty minutes, we ate in complete silence. Nothing was heard. Then, Mom broke the silence.

"So, Sweetie", she said to me, "Would you mind telling us how you and Zecora related?" I swallowed a mouthful of mashed potatoes and wiped my mouth.

"I just told her I loved her", I said, "And then she told me".

"So lovely", Caddie said, "It was the same way for me and Shiny. He gave me the most beautiful horn-ring ever!"

"I can't wait until you do the same", Auntie Luna said to me. Both Zecora and I blushed a little.

"You too, huh?", I said, "You know we've only been related for two weeks".

"Marriage could be requested at any time, Sweetheart", Mom said, "The shortest relation-to-marriage is two days, you know".

"Well", I said, "I just don't think we should rush things. I think it's best to be related for a while, then become wedded". Zecora nodded in agreement, but I could see in her eyes she wanted to say "We should think about it".

"Well, take your time, Sweetheart", Mom said, "It's your relationship. Anyway, I know it's a little early, but has anypony made up their New Year Resolutions?"

"Not yet", I said, as well as the other mares.

"Well, I have", Mom said, "My resolution is to eat less cake". All of us, but Zecora, began laughing hard. "What?"

"No offense, Tia", Auntie Luna said, "But that's the fifth time you have set that resolution, and you have failed to honor it every time".

"I'm serious this time", Mom said. I would have believed her, if I didn't see her cut herself a near-quarter slice of the red velvet cake and place it on her plate. I giggled a little and ignored the urge to join in.

"Good luck, Mom", is all I said. I saw Mom smiled a little.

"Thank you, Sweetie", she said, starting to work on the cake.

~~~~~~~~~~

Midnight...

I was five hours into the Tradition and that point, and I was actually having a great time. No other party, not even my birthday parties, could match the Tradition. We ate every bite of the large dinner Mom cooked, and surprisingly, no one got sick. I guess big appetites run in our family. The only things that survived were a couple pies and cookies.

Next, around 8:30, we had a karaoke contest of Hearth's Warming Eve carols. Mom teamed with Auntie Luna and I teamed with Caddie, while Zecora served as the referee. The losers both had to drink a whole double-swallow-large glass of sour citric acid, and couldn't wash the taste out of their mouth until midnight. It was a tough competition, but Caddie and I picked up the win after Caddie sang "Randolph the Red Horned Unicorn" in her beautiful voice. Mom and Auntie Luna accepted the loss and drank the acid.

At that point, it was midnight. After Mom and Auntie Luna washed the taste of sour citrus out of their mouth, they joined Zecora, Caddie and I in the den with their gifts. Zecora didn't have any gifts, but we all were OK with it, since she didn't know about the Tradition until I told her. I was wearing one of the thick sweaters Mom had ordered. No wonder Mom wanted them gift-wrapped, because it was custom made for me. It was green and gold, with my cutie mark on it. Plus, it was very soft and I loved it. I was sitting next to Mom on the long couch, who was wearing one of the other sweaters, while the others were sitting in the recliners across from it, Auntie Luna and Caddie wearing the other sweaters.

"Feeling better, Mom and Auntie?", I asked.

"Much better", Mom said.

"Yes", Auntie Luna said.

"Alright, everypony", Mom said, "It's midnight, and time to exchange gifts. Who would like to go first?"

"I would!", Caddie said. She grabbed a small wrapped present and gave it to Mom. Mom unwrapped it and smiled at what is was.

"Vanilla frosting bath salts", Mom said, "All I've ever wanted. Thank you, Cadence".

"You're welcome, Auntie Celestia!", Caddie said, "Now, Mother". She gave Auntie Luna a slightly bigger present. Auntie Luna unwrapped it and gasped.

"A new PonyStation 4?", she said, very surprised.

"Yes", Caddie said, "I knew you would love it!" Auntie Luna smiled.

"I do!", she said, "Thank you, Cadence!"

"You're welcome, Mother", Cadence said. She smiled and looked at me. "And now, little cousin". She gave me her biggest present. I pulled it into my lap and unwrapped it. It was a cage, and inside it was a black weasel-like animal, with a white stripe down it's back. I knew exactly what is was.

"Is this... a skunk?", I asked.

"Yes!", Caddie said, "You said you've always wanted one, but they were too expensive to get. But guess what? I got you one and paid with crystals!" I smiled.

"Thanks, Caddie", I said, "But... is it trained?"

"Trained, housebroken, and spayed!", Caddie said. Judging by the word "spayed", the skunk was female. I opened the tank and pulled the skunk out. It snuggled into my coat and purred a little.

"Is seems to have attached to me quick", I said.

"Oh, I kinda used a spell to have that happen", Caddie said, "Just so you would want to keep her". I smiled and pet the skunk's stomach lightly, enjoying the small purring it was doing.

"I'll call you...", I whispered to the skunk, "Abigail. Abigail Sparkle". It smiled at me, as if to say "I love it".

"Alright", Mom said, "I'll go next". She gave each of us a gift and we unwrapped it. Auntie Luna had gotten a laptop, Caddie got a jigsaw puzzle, and I got the newest book of my favorite series "Journal of a Wimpy Colt". From Auntie Luna, Mom got a mane shiner, Caddie got an MPony3 player, and I gotten a pile of video games for my system. Last, it was my turn.

"Alright", I said, "Caddie, you first". I gave Caddie her present and she opened it, gasping at what it was.

"Oh my, Glitter!", she said, "I love this!" She put the necklace on. "This is probably the most luckiest thing I've ever had! Thank you!"

"You're welcome, Caddie", I said, "Now, Auntie Luna". I gave Auntie Luna her present and she opened it, smiling at what it was.

"What a beautiful nightly pillow", she said, placing the pillow under herself and sitting on it, "I thank you, my dear nephew".

"You're welcome, Auntie Luna", I said. I smiled and looked at Mom. "And now, for you, Mom". I used my magic to wake the phoenix up and pulled it out of my mane. I then gave it to Mom, who gasped hard.

"Is this... this... a phoenix?!", she said, very surprised.

"Yes", I said, "Twilight told me you've always wanted one".

"I have!!", Mom said, "And now, I do! Thank you thank you thank you!!!" She pulled me into a tight hug and planted multiple kisses on my cheek.

"You're welcome, Mom", I said. Mom looked at the phoenix again.

"Philomena", she said, "I'll call you Philomena". I smiled, gave Zecora her chocolates, and played with my new weasel, as well as the others with their gifts. I have never had an awesome Christmas on Earth like I had that night on Hearth's Warming Eve. I had gotten great gifts from my new pony family, even a pet. But, as great as everything was, there was something dreading me inside, and I knew I had to let it out.

"Everypony", I said, giving the skunk a little home in my mane, "I have something to say". I stood up and started talking. "Mares, you all were right. I've never had a time like this. To sit down with a mother, an aunt, a loving cousin, and a marefriend, enjoying several enjoyable hours with them, opening gifts, singing carols, eating together, and watching that mother and her sister drink citric acid". Both Mom and Auntie Luna rolled their eyes, making me chuckle a bit. "In the end, tonight has been the best night of my life. But... but... none of this would happen if it weren't for all of you here with me". I turned to Caddie. "Caddie, you have been the best cousin ever. You have loved me and took care of me as much as Mom and Auntie Luna. Spending time with you is just like spending time with Twilight, enjoyable. Whether it's enjoying rides at Sixteen Flags or simply playing chess here or at the Crystal Empire, I still enjoy it. I love you, Caddie". I pulled Caddie into a hug and kissed her cheek. Caddie returned the kiss.

"I love you too, Glitter", she whispered into my ear, planting another soft kiss on my cheek. I let go of Caddie and turned to Auntie Luna.

"Auntie Luna", I said, "I know we don't get to spend much time together, since you're nocturnal and I'm not, but every lucky chance I get to spend time with you, it's better and shinier than your Moon. You're just as loving as Mom and Caddie, and I love spending time with you every chance I get. I love you, Auntie Luna". I hugged Auntie Luna and she gave me a small muzzle.

"We love our nephew, too", she whispered in her royal 'we', "And we hope we get to spend more time with thou also". I let go of Auntie Luna and looked at Mom.

"And finally, Mom", I said, sitting back down next to her and holding one of her bare hooves under my neck, "You have done the thing that I am most thankful for. You have saved me from my crummy life on Earth as a human, and brought me here to live in this magical world of Equestria as a pony. When Twilight told me you wanted a phoenix, I knew getting you one would be my greatest thanks, and I found that one on the back of an Ursa Major. You've done so much for me in my new life here, and I want to say thank you, thank you for everything!" I kissed the bottom of her hoof and let it go. Mom pulled me into a hug, lightly stroking my mane.

"You're welcome, Sweetheart", she whispered very softly into my ear, "I love you".

"I love you too, Mommy", I whispered back.

"Aww...", Mom said, "You called me Mommy!"

"Yeah...", I said, "I love calling you that, I just don't do it in public".

"You can call me 'Mommy' anytime you feel like it", Mom said.

"OK, Mommy", I said. We both chuckled a little as we all went back to playing with our gifts.

~~~~~~~~~~

It was 2:00 AM at that point. Zecora had fallen asleep on the couch after finishing her chocolates, and Auntie Luna and Caddie were enjoying their electronics in Auntie Luna's bedchamber. Mom and I were in Mom's bedchamber, watching cartoon Hearth's Warming Eve specials, laying on the rug in our sweaters, sipping eggnog, and letting our pets explore the chamber on their own. Like I said, I love spending time with my new family, especially with Mom.

"Sweetheart", Mom said, "When you were speaking to us down there, you didn't speak to Zecora".

"That's just the thing, Mom", I said, "I was thinking about what you and the others said about me marrying Zecora. I mean, should we... become wedded?"

"Sweetie", Mom said, "I told you, it's your relationship, and you can marry Zecora whenever you wish. We are not in charge of your marriage dates". I smiled and snuggled into Mom;s coat. Then, I looked over at Philomena and Abigail, who were communicating with each other. I smiled and got a little curious.

"I wonder what they're saying over there", I said, pointing to the animals. Mom smiled.

"Well", Mom said, "Abigail is your skunk. Why not give her speech like you did Spike?" I smiled a little wider.

"Oh", I said, "Why not?" I pointed my horn toward Abigail. "You want me to give it to Philomena too?"

"No", Mom said, "I want her to stay normal. I said wanted a phoenix, not a parrot". I giggled and focused. My horn lit up and zapped Abigail with some magic. Soon, the silver cloud faded and Abigail was looking at me.

"What did you just zap me with?!", she screamed. I smiled as the spell was a success.

"What was that?", I asked playfully.

"I said, what did you-?!", Abigail said again, cutting herself off. "Huh?" She looked confused. "Am I... talking? From my mouth?"

"Yep", I said, "I zapped you with a speech spell".

"You gave me speech?", Abigail asked.

"Yes", Mom said.

"Why?", Abigail asked.

"Because he just wanted you to be able to talk to him", Mom said.

"Yeah", I said.

"Oh...", Abigail said, starting to smile a little, "Well, cool. But, my voice sounds a lot better in my head". I chuckled a little.

"Spike said the same thing", I mumbled. Mom let out a small yawn.

"Sweetheart", she said, "Mommy's getting a little tired. Would you mind talking a little lower so I can get to sleep?"

"Sure", I said, "Goodnight, Mommy".

"Goodnight, Sweetheart", Mom said, kissing my cheek and laying down, slowly drifting off to sleep. As she slept, I was talking to Abigail about random things, just testing her speaking ability and her intelligence, and surprisingly, she was pretty smart. Caddie must have also given her an intelligence spell also, because she was as smart as I was. At that point, I was telling her the story of how I was brought to Equestria, while she was drinking the leftover eggnog in my cup a let her have.

"...and that's pretty much it", I said. Abigail giggled a bit.

"Cool story", she said, "That *ugh!* must have been *ahh!* great". She started looking kinda strained and her tail began twitching, which made me concerned.

"You OK?", I asked.

"I need to *ugh!* tinkle", Abigail said, her tail tucking in between her hind legs.

"Oh", I said, "Well, let's get you outside, then". Abigail smiled.

"Let's do that", she said.

After letting Abigail do her business, I was ready to turn in for the night, and judging by Abigail's fluttering eyes and small yawns, so was she. I went into the bathroom to release my own bladder and laid back down next to Mom. Then, I gave Abigail the pillow I was using and let her lay on it, covering her with Mom's smallest blanket.

"Master", she said, "You don't snore do you?"

"No", I said, "Mom wouldn't let me sleep in here if I did". Abigail giggled. "By the way, you don't have to call me 'Master'. Just call me Glitter". She nodded as she shifted a little, getting comfortable, as did I. "'Night, Abigail".

"'Night, Glitter", she said.

~~~~~~~~~~

The next morning...

I woke up when I felt a nuzzle on my cheek. I smiled and opened my eyes. I expected to see Mom, but it was Abigail, who was awake and smiling. I smiled also and sat up, pulling the skunk into my lap.

"Morning, Abigail", I said, petting the top of her head.

"Morning, Glitter", Abigail said back.

"I take it you slept well?", I asked.

"Yeah", Abigail said.

"Why'd you wake me up?"

"Oh... because I need you to let me outside again. Gotta go pee".

"Again? Didn't you go enough last night? You were behind that bush for two solid minutes".

"Weasels aren't known for having big bladders, you know".

"I know. I was joking. Let's go". I took Abigail outside to the garden and let her relieve herself. I sat down on the garden bench and sighed, enjoying the warm and bright rays of Mom's beautiful Sun shining down on me. Soon, Mom had joined me, sitting next to me.

"Good morning, Sweetie", she said, pulling me into a cuddle and petting my mane.

"Morning, Mommy", I said very lightly, giving her a nuzzle.

"Everything OK?", Mom asked.

"Yes", I said, "I'm just letting Abigail do her business. You?"

"I need a way to enjoy my last day off", Mom said, "Figured I'd sit out here for an hour or two". She kissed my muzzle. "Did you sleep well?"

"Yes", I said, "You?"

"Very great", Mom said, "Especially since I had no court yesterday. Anyway, last night, I noticed you gave Cadence, Luna and I perfect gifts, but you gave Zecora a box of candy".

"Yeah", I said, "Zecora really loves chocolate, so I got her some".

"Sweetheart, chocolates are good for Hearts and Hooves Day, but they do not make good enough Hearth's Warming gifts. Plus, she's your marefriend, so you should have gotten her a little something better".

"I didn't know what else to get her. I mean, she wears enough jewelry already".

"But, those are golden rings. You know diamonds are a girl's best friend". I scratched my chin with my hoof. Not only was that thought running through my head, it was the thought of Mom wanting me to marry Zecora. She did say I could whenever I wanted, and that I still could live here if I did. Plus, Zecora did look like she wanted to get married the previous night. I got up and hovered into the air. "Where are you going, Sweetie?"

"I need to do something right quick", I said, "Can you watch Abigail for me?"

"Sure", Mom said, "Go ahead". I flew off and stopped at Canterlot's Jewelry store. I walked in and up to the counter, where the cashier was. She smiled and looked at me.

"Good morning, Prince Sparkle", she said, "How's everything?"

"Just fine", I said.

"What can I do for you?", the cashier said. I took a deep breath and spoke.

"I would like your best diamond-encrusted necklace, please", I said, "It's for my soon-to-be fiancee".