It's A Pony Kind of Christmas

by rillegas08

Rating: everyone
Tags: Equestria Girls, Main 7 (EqG), Slice of Life, Sunset Shimmer, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 9955

The Rainbooms and some of their friends present an Equestrian-themed Christmas pageant at CHS.

A few years after Sunset Shimmer and her friends have graduated from Canterlot High School, they return to their alma mater to present a Christmas pageant unlike any other in the human world, a play written and directed by Sunset Shimmer herself combining the humans' Christmas with the Hearth's Warming Eve celebration of her native Equestria.

Published 2018-12-22 22:20:02 UTC
Last updated 2019-01-06 02:25:21 UTC

Act 2: Christmas is Here

SCENE 1

The curtains parted, revealing the still-undecorated main hall of Twilight's castle on one side and facades of Ponyville's stores on the other. Spike sat on his haunches, watching Twilight pace back and forth. The stage lights fully lit Twilight's castle, but kept the town in dim light.

"What am I going to do? I can't do everything I need to by tonight!"

At that moment Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack approached the castle and knocked on the massive door.

"Hey, Twilight? Somepony's at the door." Spike tried to get Twilight's attention, but Twilight was too focused on her nervous pacing to notice. Spike shrugged and went to the door, opening it.

"Howdy, Spike. Is Twilight home?" Spike pointed a paw at the pacing girl, and she looked where he was pointing. "Ah."

"Yup. She spent so long making a list of what she needs to do that she put herself in a holiday meltdown."

Applejack approached her unicorn friend and placed her hands on Twilight's shoulders, jarring the nervous girl back to reality. "Take a deep breath." Twilight inhaled deeply and held the air in, her cheeks puffed out. "Now let it out sloooooooooowwww..." Twilight let out all the air, blowing Applejack's hair. "Spike told us about yer list. Well, we're here to help. Why don't you focus on shopping for gifts, a tree, and whatnot, and the rest of us can take care of decoratin'?"

Twilight immediately calmed down and picked up her list to look it over. "That would be like cutting my list in half. That should be doable in one day. Thanks, Applejack!"

"It was actually Rarity's idea, since she was able to wrangle up some ponies to help," Applejack gestured toward Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie.

"We finished decorating the Boutique sooner than expected with the extra helping hooves, so I was able to squeeze your castle in after all, darling."

"Hate to interrupt," said Rainbow Dash, to which Rarity let out an amused chuckle at the irony of her statement, "but we all know you well enough to know that you're going to want as much time as possible to get everything perfect. Plus it'll give us more time to spruce up your castle."

"Good idea. Spike!" she called out, and soon the little dragon appeared in the main hall. "Get your things. We're going shopping."

Twilight and Spike put on their packs and left the building, crossing the stage to the set of Ponyville's storefronts. Rarity cast a sideways glance to Rainbow Dash

"Really, Rainbow Dash?" she asked. "Spruce it up?"

The lights followed Twilight and Spike to the other side of the stage where the town set was placed. The lights on the other side where Twilight's castle was set dimmed, and the actors froze. Twilight and Spike passed from one storefront to the other.

We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
And a happy New Year

Through the streets of boutiques
Picking out the perfect presents
Every shop, have to stop
Try to find the perfect gift

A tree lot was wheeled in front of the storefronts from offstage, and Twilight and Spike browsed the lot.

Now the tree has to be
Just the perfect one – that's it! That's the one!
Every light shining bright
Starting from the base to tip!

One of the 2-dimensional trees started leaning to the side, and Twilight righted it with her magic. The actor dressed as the lot's owner wrapped a ribbon around the trunk and wheeled the tree lot back offstage, and Twilight and Spike continued shopping, picking up the rest of the items on her list, including a dress with neon green and black stripes.

Have to bake, decorate
Now I need the perfect dress – a success!
Oh, no, I can't be late
I've got Pinkie Pie's party date
Where everypony sings

We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
And a happy New Year

Twilight ended the song with one hand stretched toward her castle and her other hand on her geode. The music continued, but the key changed to a higher tune as the lights on the town dimmed and the lights on Twilight's castle were brought up. Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack were joined by several others to help decorate and sing. Rarity had put on an apron and a pair of red-rimmed glasses that she wore whenever she did hard work. Meanwhile, on the other side of the stage, Twilight used her magic during the song to lift the decorations to the higher parts of the set.

Fa-la-la, fa-la-la
Fa-la-la-ahhh
Fa-la-la, fa-la-la
Fa-la-la-ahhh

Rarity started singing alone.

Deck the halls with boughs of holly
'Tis the season to be jolly
Christmas day's around the corner

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

Light the hearth, let's make things warmer

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

The background pony who owned the tree lot wheeled the tree across the stage, placing it in the center of the castle's foyer.

Bring the tree in front and center

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

Gleaming bright in all its splendor

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

Boughs of fir upon the mantle
Shining stars, each dancing candle
Draped in ribbons red and silver
Joy upon us is delivered

The choir joined with Rarity once again.

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

Fa-la-la, la-la-la
Fa-la-la-la
Fa-la-la, la-la-la
Fa-la-la-la

Wrap our gifts in colored paper

Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh

Tie with bows and store for later

Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh

Set the feast upon the table

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

Friends together, willing, able
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

Fa-la-la, fa-la-la
Fa-la-la-ahhh
Fa-la-la, fa-la-la
Fa-la-la-ahhh...

Twilight stepped through the doors of her castle as the music faded. Her eyes widened as she took in how amazing her friends had made her castle look in the "hours" that she'd been shopping.

"Wow, Rarity! This looks amazing!"

"Why, thank you, darling!" she replied, rubbing her hands on her apron before removing it and folding it over her arm. "It was a bit of a challenge decorating the whole castle, but we had plenty of helping hands." She turned to Twilight. "How does the outside of your castle look?"

"The pegasi are still working on it, but it's looking great."

"Hey, Rarity," said Rainbow Dash, getting her friend's attention. "I promised Scootaloo I'd spend some time with her before dark."

"Help the rest of the pegasi finish outside, and then we can say your debt is paid."

"Sweet!" the blue girl said and zoomed out through the castle's doors.

"Wait, what debt?" asked Twilight, and the lights faded.

SCENE 2

The lights came back up on the inside of Twilight's castle, now filled with all the actors.

Twilight noticed Fluttershy looking out the window.

"Hey, Fluttershy," she said, and the yellow girl jumped a bit. "Everything all right?"

"Oh, yes. Everything is great. I just love watching snow flutter down. It's so peaceful!"

"Oh, hey, it is snowing!" Twilight looked out the window, sipping at her drink as she watched the soft flakes fall. After a moment she turned around, looking at her friends and townsponies in her foyer. The lights dimmed, and a spotlight focused on Twilight. She took her cup of mint hot chocolate up the stairs and looked over the balcony at everypony as they talked and sang.

Ponies caroling, singing songs we know and love
Music fills the air, rising to the stars above
Watching snow, reading by the fire
Family close, stockings hung with care
Outside those ponies singing merrily
Listen close as they start to sing

Everyone below her began harmonizing.

We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
And a happy New Year

Everyone else stopped singing, leaving Twilight to sing her next verse. She made her way back down the stairs, rejoining her friends. After her verse, everyone joined in once again, bringing the song to a wonderful finish.

Time to stop and count my blessings
Put the craziness aside
Christmas only comes around once a year
And every year fills my heart with pride
When everypony sings

We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
And a happy... New... Year

As the music faded, the spotlight turned off and Twilight rejoined her friends as the lights were brought to normal levels.

"Well, I gotta get back home," said Applejack, handing her half-filled mug of cider to Rainbow Dash. Rainbow gulped it down and wiped her mouth. Applejack adjusted her hat and put on her jacket, waving to her friends. "See y'all tomorrow!" Her friends all waved back and continued socializing, talking quieter and quieter as the lights faded until it was black.

SCENE 3

The lights rise on the interior of the Apples' farmhouse, showing a kitchen, dining room, living room, and stairs up from the living room to the second floor, all decorated with garland. Applebloom places a paper snowflake onto the living room window, then looks out the window before turning to the rest of her family.

"Applejack's back!"

She opened the door to let her sister in. Applejack stepped into the farmhouse, shaking snow off her hat before placing it back on her head.

"Hey y'all. How's dinner coming along?"

"Almost done," said Granny Smith. "Table should be set."

"Eeyup," said Big Mac as he placed the last glass on the table set for six.

"Applejack, can I ask you somethin'?" asked Applebloom, pointing to the living room.

"Sure, Applebloom," she said, following her sister to the other room. "What is it?"

"I know we always set two empty chairs fer Mom and Dad, but why do we keep doin' it?"

Applejack sighed and got down on one knee, placing one hand on her little sister's shoulder. "It's important to us to involve them even though they've been gone so long. Big Mac and I remember them, but mostly we keep those place settings for Granny's sake. Dad was Granny's son, and Mom became like her daughter after they got married. We have a really big family, but even that doesn't compare to that kind of relationship."

Granny Smith made sure each chair was pushed in, taking longer at the two chairs left for the Apple siblings' parents.

"That's why we sing that song, too. Christmas is a time to remember not only the family we still have, but those who have had a large impact on our lives but have left us. Not even decades of time can break a bond like that." Applejack wiped a tear from her eye. "Come on, Applebloom. Dinner's ready."

They rejoined Granny and Big Mac, who were already sitting around the table. Applejack took her place at the head of the table across from Granny. She picked up her glass and tapped her spoon against it, making a tone ring out.

When family cannot be here
Havin' journeyed far and wide
We sing a song to honor them
To remember days gone by

Applebloom joined singing with her sister.

So take your cup and raise it high
Just as surely I'll do mine
And laugh we will at stories told
As we smile at days gone by
As we smile at days gone by

Granny Smith joined singing with her granddaughters.

For family not here, my dears
Havin' journeyed far and wide
For loyalty and kindness both
We smile at days gone by

Applejack sang alone again.

Our paths will cross again one day
In time to reunite
For family is always near
Even when the seas are wide

Apple Bloom rejoined her sister.

So take your cup and raise it high
Just as surely I'll do mine
And make a toast for family
And the tales of days gone by

All four Apples joined together in harmony.

For family not here, my dears
Havin' journeyed far and wide
For loyalty and kindness both
Take joy at days gone by

For loyalty and kindness both
We smile at days gone by

SCENE 4

The scenery shifted from the Apples' farmhouse to the inside of Fluttershy's cottage and backyard, all of which were filled with furry creatures, some asleep and some still awake. Fluttershy passed through the door of the cottage. Some birds removed her hat, scarf, and jacket for her, hanging them up on hooks by the door.

"Oh, hi everyone. Sorry I'm late. Did you all stay warm?" The animals nodded, some vocalizing. "Good. It's good to know I can trust Angel when I have to be away." She bent down and rubbed Angel Bunny's head between his ears. He frowned and crossed his arms. "All right, everyone, go to bed. It's past your bed time." The animals groaned as if they didn't want to go to bed yet. "I know, I know. Tomorrow's Christmas, but Santa won't come if you're not asleep." She began ushering every animal into their respective sleep areas, moving outside.

Silent night, starry night
All is calm, all is bright
'Round the forest, parents and young
Gentle creatures everyone
Home in burrows deep
Home in their burrows deep

Silent night, starry night
Snowfall makes the meadows white
Huddle close to keep family warm
Tomorrow's dawn will bring Christmas morn
Now the day is done
Now that the day is done

Silent night, starry night
Leaves are still and the moon's in sight
Dreams are born as their eyes fall closed
Tomorrow's gift is that nobody knows
Sleep in beautiful peace
Sleep in beautiful peace

Oh-whoa
Oh-whoa-oh-oh
Oh-whoa-oh-oh
Oh-whoa

Sleep in beautiful peace
Sleep in beautiful peace
Sleep in beautiful peace
Sleep in beautiful peace
Sleep in beautiful peace
Sleep in beautiful peace...

Fluttershy smiled. "Good night everyone. Sleep well."

The lights faded to black.

SCENE 5

The lights came up on the bedroom of a house. Pop Fly was laying under the covers of his bed. His alarm went off, and he sat up in his bed to turn it off. He rubbed his eyes.

"It's Christmas Day!" he gasped and jumped out of bed, leaving the sheets a mess. He paused at the door. "Wait a minute." then turned around and made his bed before hurrying to the stairs with a smile, but his expression fell as he hesitated at the top.

"What if I wasn't good enough this year?" he asked himself. Flash Sentry stepped into the upstairs hallway.

"What's wrong, little brother?"

"I did everything I could to be good this year, but I still can't help thinking that it might not have been enough." Flash put his hand on Pop Fly's shoulder. "The Crusaders made a whole list of things I could do this year to get on Santa's "Nice" list, and I checked nearly everything off, but..."

Flash chuckled. "Pop, if nothing else, worrying about not being good enough is enough of a step in the right direction in my book."

"Thanks, Flash," Pop smiled, "but you're not Santa."

They got to the bottom and turned toward the living room, but Flash stepped toward the kitchen, taking a wrapped gift out of the cabinet. Pop looked at the tree and the presents underneath, and Flash tapped his brother's arm with the gift.

"I may not be Santa Claus," he said, "but you're still my little brother who did his best to be nice this year. I know our family always opens our gifts at the same time, but go ahead and open it."

Pop Fly removed the bow and unwrapped the box. He lifted the lid, revealing a folded shirt with

~~NAUGHTY~~
NICE ✔

on it. Pop Fly and Flash Sentry hugged.

"I'm going back upstairs to get Mom and Dad," said Flash.

Pop pumped his fist in the air when Flash was out of earshot.

This year, no more coal for Christmas (Yes!)
Santa took me off the naughty list (Woo-hoo!)
I might keep it up because it's really not so bad
So Santa, just bring presents
Please, dear Santa, no more lessons
Next year, Santa, just bring presents, I insist!

"Seriously."

The lights went dark, and the curtains closed.

SCENE 6

Sunset Shimmer stepped out from behind the stage left curtain, crossed to center stage, and addressed the audience, both spotlights focused on her.

"And so, Christmas morning has come, bringing with it not only presents to boys and girls everywhere, but -- more importantly -- family and friends closer to each other as well. We have one last song for you, a song not from this world but from Equestria itself."

All the actors and chorus members started filing in from both sides of the stage behind Sunset.

As dawn shines on us every morn
The fire of friendship is reborn
And all the friendships we have made
We cherish in every way

Loyalty binds us and makes us strong
Honesty shows that we belong
And kindness shared will unite us through each day

The fire of friendship lives in our hearts
As long as it burns, we cannot drift apart
Though quarrels arise, their numbers are few
Laughter and singing will see us through

We are a circle of pony friends
A circle of friends we'll be to the very end

Though the winter brings all its cold and storm
The glow in our hearts keeps us warm
The friends we now call our family
Will always see us through

Loyalty binds us and makes us strong
Honesty shows that we belong
And kindness shared will unite us through each day

The fire of friendship lives in our hearts
As long as it burns, we cannot drift apart
Though quarrels arise, their numbers are few
Laughter and singing will see us through

We are a circle of pony friends
A circle of friends we'll be to the very end

Sunset Shimmer addressed the audience once again. "You can find the lyrics to the chorus on the last page of your programs. We ask you to join us as we sing it one more time." The house lights brightened, and there was a shuffle of paper as every audience member turned to the proper page and began singing along with the cast

The fire of friendship lives in our hearts
As long as it burns, we cannot drift apart
Though quarrels arise, their numbers are few
Laughter and singing will see us through
We are a circle of pony friends
A circle of friends we'll be to the very end

The stage lights dimmed as the two spotlights focused on Sunset.

"Friends and family are very important to the ponies of Equestria. They're so important, in fact, that the plants actually thrive where the bonds of friendship and family are strong and find it difficult to survive where such bonds are weak or absent. This Christmas season, even though this world isn't nearly as tied to the magic of friendship as Equestria is, I urge you not to forget how important the friends, family, and loved ones in your lives are to you." Then Sunset began singing a capella.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light
From now on our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the Yuletide gay
From now on our troubles will be miles away
Here we are as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more

So we sit by the fire this December
Watching embers glow
Happiness is momentary bliss you know
Through the years we all will be together
If the fates allow
Until then, we'll have to make it through somehow

The cast started filing out of the wings. Sunset's six closest friends and Spike moved to either side of her.

Here we are as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore

Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Spike began singing with their friend.

Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more

Everyone else began singing.

Here we are as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now

The cast held the last note for several seconds before cutting it off as the stage plunged into darkness.

Preshow

The gymnasium at Canterlot High School had always been decorated for special events. Dances like the annual Fall Formals and Spring Flings, concerts like the notorious Battle of the Bands, and special holiday celebrations, and tonight was no different. All the bleachers, save for one on either side of the gym where two spotlights were set up, had been collapsed to make room for the many folding chairs that had been set up in neat rows in front of the stage. Many seats had already been filled by the alumni, the current student body, and their families, and more passed through the doors in the minutes before the performance was about to start.

Spike the dog peeked his head out from the stage left wing. Only Derpy noticed, and she waved at him. He waved back and pulled his head backstage.

"Wow, it's a full house out there!" he said as he turned toward the rest of the cast and pulled the hood of his purple costume over his ears. He now resembled a quadruped version of his Equestrian counterpart, complete with a thick tail and green spikes running from his head to the tip of the tail. The seven girls known as the Rainbooms had opted to wear the winterwear of their costumes while remaining in their ponied up forms, while the others involved in the play had had costumes compiled and sewn by Rarity, whose designs were quickly gaining popularity in the fashion industry.

Fluttershy trembled a bit, and Applejack placed her hand on her yellow friend's shoulder. "That's hundreds of people. You gonna be all right, sugarcube?"

Fluttershy nodded. She wore a simple tan turtleneck over a long-sleeved floral purple shirt and white thermal sweatpants in addition to her usual green skirt and boots. "Mhm. I just need to pretend that everyone is you again, like when we performed Bedazzled. It'll only take a few minutes."

"Not to rush you too much, Fluttershy," Sunset Shimmer said as she approached everyone, "but places! We're on in five." Sunset wore a simple outfit of black jeans and a black t-shirt, and a headset with a microphone. Twilight, who wore a gray jacket and yellow scarf and earmuffs over her usual outfit, approached her friend.

"What about your nerves, Sunset?" she asked. "Will you be ready in time?"

Sunset took a deep breath, and let it out slowly. "Is it that obvious that I'm nervous?" Twilight nodded. "I should be all right. We've faced a lot of stressful situations, but there's still nothing quite like the anxiety of premiering a musical I wrote and directed. Do you think everyone will like it?"

"Sunset, there's no one in this world who understands Equestria more than us. We'll be fine!" she said with a smile, and adjusted her glasses. "Oh, no! I forgot to put in my contacts!"

Sunset chuckled as Twilight started hyperventilating, and placed her hands on her friend's shoulders. "It's all right, Twilight," she said with a smile. "While the character was supposed to be Princess Twilight, it's not really that important. Now get to your place." Twilight nodded and hurried off to her position. Sunset glanced to the side where Micro Chips, the technical manager, stood and gave him the signal. He gave her a thumbs up and slid some knobs on his light and sound mixer board.

Act 1: Christmas is Around the Corner

SCENE 1

The lights in the house and on the stage dimmed, and the audience quieted down. The spotlights shone on center stage, and Sunset pushed her way through the heavy velvet curtain and faced the audience as she started singing a capella.

Christmas future is far away
Christmas past has passed
Christmas present is here to stay
Bringing joy that will last

"Welcome, everyone. Before we begin, I'd like to remind everyone to keep their phones silent or turned off, and to please step outside if it's an emergency." A few audience members immediately took out their phones and turned the sound off. "Christmas is a wonderful time of year, isn't it? The smell of the crisp, clean air. The sound of freshly fallen snow crunching under your boots. The taste of delicious cookies and pies made by your loved ones. The sight of bright lights decorating every eave of every building. The feel of the cold air biting at your skin, and of the warm fire in your fireplace inside.

"You're all probably familiar with the usual Christmas performances: an old, stingy miser who gets visited by three ghosts and overnight becomes a generous man; the miraculous birth of a baby who was worshipped by shepherds, kings, and angels; and so on. Tonight, we're going to show you something a little different. There's a faraway land of pastel talking ponies where they celebrate a winter holiday by a different name, but there are a lot of similarities. Come join me on a journey to the town of Ponyville in the land of Equestria, and see how ponies would celebrate Christmas."

The stage lights came up as the curtains spread, revealing a set of a crossroads in a rustic town in the middle of winter. Snowbanks had been shoveled up against the sides of timber-frame houses and shops. The buildings framed either side of a magnificent crystalline castle, also decorated for the holiday, that had been painted on the center of the backdrop. Students dressed as ponies, complete with fake ears and tails, crossed the stage carrying packages, boxes, and bags in a well-choreographed hustle and bustle.

Twilight Sparkle and Spike appeared through the scrim in center stage from the door of the crystalline castle, and Rarity appeared in front of them, exiting a building marked as the spa. Spike moved to between the two girls and looked up at Rarity as they walked forward. From stage left, Applejack appeared and approached a gingerbread-style building labeled "Sugarcube Corner". She knocked on the door, and Pinkie Pie opened it, and they approached center stage together. From stage right, the blue and yellow forms of Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy appeared, hovering above the stage, and they too neared center stage. Spotlights shone on the six girls as they hugged each other and then began singing.

It's a pony kind of Christmas
In every color shade
All around the world of Equestria
It's Christmastime here today

It's a pony kind of Christmas
Its light never fades
All around the world of Equestria
Christmas is here to stay

Twilight stepped forward, and both spotlights focused on her.

Christmas is a time of joy
When the light of friendship burns bright

One of the spotlights moves over toward Applejack. She lifted the brim of her hat so it wouldn't cast a shadow over her face as she performed. As she sang, her little sister Applebloom and her friends Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo ran across the stage. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle hugged their sisters Applejack and Rarity, and Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash shared a fist bump before they continued on their way across the stage.

Takin' time for family
To recall the past and do what's right

The spotlight on Twilight moved to Fluttershy, who took a deep breath before she sang her part, holding her pet bunny Angel.

And outside gentle snow is falling
Forest creatures keeping warm below

The spotlights focused on all six girls.

And all throughout Equestria
We feel the light of friendship only grow

It's a pony kind of Christmas
Its light never fades
All around the world of Equestria
Christmas is here to stay

One of the spotlights focused on Rainbow Dash.

Dashing through the snow
In a one-horse open sleigh
Over the fields we go
Laughing all the way

The spotlight moved from Rainbow Dash to Rarity as the other focused on a setpiece of an interior wall that had just been wheeled on. Twilight, with the focus on Rarity and the wall, held onto her geode necklace and used her telekinesis to lift garland onto the setpiece, put ornaments on a tree, and wrap a box in silver wrapping paper before placing the gift under the tree.

Decorate with boughs of holly
Fill the halls with wonder
Wrap the presents, silver paper
Trim the tree and place them under

The spotlight that was on the setpiece moved to Pinkie Pie, and the set piece was wheeled off stage.

Time for counting down the days to Christmas
Every day that passes is a party we can throw

The spotlights focused on the whole group once again.

Time for counting down the days to Christmas
And everyday our friendship grows

Then, the characters behind them all gathered with the six girls to join in on the final chorus.

It's a pony kind of Christmas
In every color shade
All around the world of Equestria
It's Christmastime here today

It's a pony kind of Christmas
Its light never fades
All around the world of Equestria
Christmas is here...
To stay

The music faded and the chorus members returned to moving across the stage with their packages.

"Well, girls," Twilight asked, "is everypony ready for Christmas?"

"I'm good," said Applejack, adjusting her cowboy hat.

"Are you kidding?" Pinkie Pie asked. There's so much to do for Christmas, I don't know how anypony can be truly ready for it! Cakes, cookies, and other holiday treats all need to be baked! You gotta pick out the perfect formal dress and the perfect ugly Christmas sweater! And not to mention the decorating. Decorating your castle may take hours!"

Twilight had been getting more nervous the longer Pinkie Pie spoke.

"Oh, right. Decorating my castle." she said shakily.

"Inside and out! Your castle is the most prominent building!"

"I must be off, girls," said Rarity. "Christmas is such a busy time for clothing orders, but I finally squeezed in some time tonight to decorate my house."

"Any possibility you might be able to squeeze in some time to help me decorate my castle?" Twilight sheepishly asked

"I don't want to make promises I can't keep, but I'll see what I can do, darling."

"We look forward to seeing how it'll turn out," said Fluttershy.

"It's going to look fabulous, of course! Good night, girls!"

"Bye, Rarity," smiled Spike, waving a claw. Rarity bent down to rub his head before heading offstage.

"I'd better get going too," said Twilight, rubbing her hands together due more to her increasing stress than to how cold it was. "I've got a lot to do, and not a lot of time. I need to make a list. Come on, Spike!" she called, hurrying back along the road to her castle. Spike then hurried backstage toward the castle after Twilight.

Fluttershy watched them go, and then turned to the rest of her friends. "Where do you think the Cutie Mark Crusaders were going in such a hurry?"

"Applebloom mentioned somethin' earlier about helpin' a friend of theirs not gettin' coal for Christmas this year like he did last year."

"Wait, he actually got coal? I thought that was just an old mare's tale everypony told their foals to trick them into being good."

"Yeah," Rainbow Dash replied. "Turns out his parents had tried a lot of things to get him to behave, but getting coal was what he needed." As she spoke a small group of carolers crossed the stage behind the group of girls as they finished singing one carol and began singing "Jingle Bells". At the words "one-horse open sleigh," Rainbow Dash's ears perked up, and a grin spread across her face. "I'll be back later," she said quickly. "I just got the most awesome idea! I need to find a sleigh!" And with that, Rainbow Dash sped off stage, leaving a rainbow-colored contrail.

"Why do I get the feelin' that her 'awesome idea' is probably also a terrible one?"

"Because it's Rainbow Dash," everyone else plainly replied, and the stage lights faded to darkness as the stagehands began moving the setpieces for the next scene.

SCENE 2

The lights came up on the cool greens, blues, and purples of the interior of Twilight's crystalline castle. Twilight opened the door with her magic, then leaned against it, breathing heavily. There was a knock behind her, and she opened the door again, letting Spike through.

"Sorry!"

"It's okay, Twilight," the young dragon replied. "You're stressed because there's a lot to do and not a lot of time to do it in. But you can handle it! All you need is to organize each thing you need to do into a list, a cup of hot cocoa, and your number one assistant!" he said, referring to himself.

Twilight sighed and smiled. "Thanks, Spike," she said as they started walked toward the study, located near the library on the stage right section of the set. "I needed that. What would I do without you?"

"Probably hyperventilate and get so worried about how much you need to do that you forget to make a list." He set out some parchment and a quill on the desk, and pulled the chair out for her. "You get started on that list, and I'll start making the hot cocoa."

Spike crossed the stage, and the stage lights on Twilight dimmed as she continued writing. Spike passed across the main hall to the kitchen, where he pushed a stepladder to the counter before taking ingredients out of the cupboards and placing them on the counter. In reality, Twilight, hidden by the darkened stage lights on her side, was using the magic of her geode necklace again to move the ingredients for the costumed puppy as he pantomimed holding them himself. He put a pot on the stove and poured some milk into it.

There was another knock at the castle door, and the ingredients were left on the counter as Spike crossed into the main foyer to open the door. Twilight stopped using her magic and continued pretending to write.

"Oh. Hi, Fluttershy!" Spike said as he opened the door.

"Hey, Spike. Is Twilight all right?" the timid girl asked.

"Yeah. You know how she gets during the holidays. She just got started on her list, and I'm in the middle of making hot cocoa for us while she works. Wanna help me?"

"Sure. What can I help with?"

"Follow me," he beckoned, and lead her to the kitchen and started making the hot cocoa together. "So, do you have any plans for Christmas?"

"Not really. I'm probably going to make sure the animals are all warm and comfortable like I do every night. I'll be spending the day after Christmas with my parents and brother." She poured chocolate chips into the pot.

"I bet all those animals really appreciate what you do for them every night," Spike said as he started stirring, adding three peppermints to add a bit of extra flavor. Fluttershy opened the cupboards.

"Do you have any Christmas mugs?" she asked?

"The cabinet above that one, and serving trays are in the bottom cabinets under it."

She floated above the ground, taking out three Christmas-themed mugs. "They do, especially during these cold winter months. Of course, it helps that some of them like Harry the bear hibernate during the winter, so I can keep more of the smaller creatures in my house than I usually do."

"Speaking of large creatures, is Equestria's resident Lord of Chaos doing anything for Christmas?"

"I don't think Discord has any plans. He hasn't mentioned any to me.'

"Why not invite him to the party? If nothing else, he can help decorate beforehoof if he wants to."

"That sounds like a great idea. I'll let him know." She turned off the burner and sniffed the air above the pot. "Mmm, that smells good."

"It ought to. It's extra chocolatey. You pour, and I'll add the marshmallows."

The girl nodded and filled the three mugs with warm liquid, and Spike dropped a pawful of marshmallows into each mug. Fluttershy set the pot on an unused burner and picked up the tray. They crossed the stage to Twilight's study, prompting the stage lights on the kitchen to dim and on the study to brighten, and Spike opened the door. While the audience was focused on the scene in the kitchen, Twilight had been able to swap the piece of parchment with a long roll that now rolled out the door and past Fluttershy and Spike.

"Oh my..."

"Twilight, we've got the hot cocoa."

Twilight jumped a bit, then thanked her friends. She took a deep breath, inhaling the minty chocolatey scent of the beverage before taking a sip. "Mmm..." Then she looked at her list again. "Wait, why did I put 'wrap presents' before 'go shopping'? Oh, now I have to start all over!" She went back to her desk, then lifted her head. "Oh, thanks for stopping by, Fluttershy. We'll see you later." She smiled, waved, and then closed the door.

"Well, you should have plenty of time to invite Discord over for the party," said Spike as he lapped at his hot cocoa before leading Fluttershy back to the front door. "Don't worry about the mug. Just bring it back when you get a chance."

"Thanks, Spike. See you later," the girl smiled, and Spike closed the door. He took another drink of his hot cocoa, then walked up the stairs to his room, located above the kitchen. Stage lights lit up his room as he approached. He set the mug on a side table, then crossed over to his record player. He flipped through his record collection until he found the one he was looking for, placing it on the turntable. In the few seconds before the needle started playing the swing music, he had already put on a fake mustache, a top hat, and a cane, standing on his hind legs. He did a little dance to the beat before he began singing to the instrumental tune.

Jolly old St. Nicholas, lean your ear this way
Don't you tell a single soul what I'm gonna say
Christmas Eve is coming soon, now, you dear old man
Whisper what you'll bring to me, tell me if you can

Jolly old St. Nicholas
Whatcha gonna bring to me?
Is it a stash of gems that I can eat all day and night?

He slid toward a nearby bowl of gems, plucking a diamond from the top of the bowl.

Or is it a diamond ring that I can give to Rarity?

When the clock is striking twelve and I'm fast asleep
Down the chimney broad and black, with your pack you'll creep
All the stockings you will find hanging in a row
Mine will be the shortest one, you'll be sure to know

Scatta-boop boop, badda-do bap ba!
Come and gimme those Christmas presents
Scootily-boop, scootily-boop, scootily-boop ba!
Don't make me wait no more
Babba-doop boop
Give me some presents!
Doodle-oop boop daddila boop ba!
Scabba-doo, scabba-doo
Come give it to me, Santa, yeah!

Pinkie Pie wants a candy hat and Applejack wants to cook
Rainbow wants a lightning chain and Twilight wants a book
Rarity wants a set of lace and Fluttershy wants a nest
Now choose for me, dear Santa Claus, what you think is best

Jolly old St. Nicholas
Whatcha gonna bring to me?
Jolly old St. Nicholas
Whatcha gonna bring
Whatcha gonna bring to meeeeee?

Scattily-doo, scattily-doo, scattily-doo wow!
Yeah!

At the last word, he pushed his foot forward and tipped his top hat forward. The lights went dim, and the stagehands moved the setpieces around.

SCENE 3

When the lights came back up, the town of Ponyville was seen once again with Twilight's castle in the background. Flash Sentry and his little brother Pop Fly, both orange with blue hair, are looking at some of the street stalls on one side of the stage. Scootaloo, Applebloom, and Sweetie Belle appeared on the other side of the stage.

"There you are, Pop Fly!" Scootaloo said, and the three girls crossed to him.

"Oh. Hi, Crusaders."

"It's almost Christmas, so we figured it's probably a good idea to go through the list of things we made to help you not get coal for Christmas this year."

"Looks like you've got something to do with your friends," said Flash. "I'll be around the corner when you're done." He exited stage right.

Last year I got coal for Christmas
I got put on Santa's naughty list (Again!)
Put a frog inside my teacher's desk

"Yeah, that was bad," said all four foals.

But this year, I made sure I won't get missed

"I remember it like it was yesterday," Applebloom said.

"It was almost a year ago!" Sweetie Belle replied.

"Doesn't mean I don't remember it, Sweetie Belle."

Scootaloo took a piece of paper out of her bag and unrolled it. "All right, let's check the list we helped you make last year and make sure we covered all the bases."

Last year I got coal for Christmas (Man!)
Didn't do my homework for a week.The three girls looked at him, unconvinced.

"Okay, a month!" he confessed, putting his hands up in surrender.

But now I studied hard and nearly aced most every test
So this year's Christmas better be the best!

"Study hard, and pass every test. Check, and check."

Pop Fly began pantomiming the actions he was singing about.

Spent time with my old granny
Raking up her lawn
Took out the garbage every night (Ewww!)
Helped mama do the laundry
Cleaned up my room
Did every single chore in sight

Pop Fly sighed and wiped his forehead as if he was wiping the sweat of doing so many chores off his forehead.

"Spend time with Granny and rake her lawn, check and check," said Scootaloo.

"Taking out the garbage, helping with laundry, and cleaning his room are all down here at the bottom," said Sweetie Belle, pointing to the bottom of the list.

"We're making good progress," said Scootaloo. "What else can we cross off?"

Last year I got coal for Christmas (Aw, shucks!)
Every photo I just made a face

"What kind of face?" Sweetie Belle asked. Pop Fly pulled his lip back with a finger, stuck out his tongue, and crossed his eyes, prompting a giggle from Sweetie Belle.

This year when we posed, I smiled sweetly like an angel

"Smile during pictures. Check!"

No more taking chances just in case

Last year I got coal for Christmas (Really?!)
Ate dessert before my dinner most of the time

"Mmm! Cake!" Pop Fly rubbed his stomach.

But this year I had vegetables with every single bite
I sure hope this year Santa gets it right

"Come on, Santa!" Pop Fly clasped his hands together as if in prayer.

Spent time with my old granny
Raking up her lawn
Took out the garbage every night

"She eats so much!" he exclaimed.

Helped mama do the laundry
Cleaned up my room
Did every single chore in sight (Aw, gross!)

Last year I got coal for Christmas (For crying out loud!)
I go to bed and never brush my teeth

Pop Fly exhaled at the three fillies, who initially recoiled but discovered his breath didn't smell that bad. Minty, as if he'd just brushed his teeth. Pop Fly pulled a toothbrush from his pocket and showed them, smiling.

Now I bring my toothbrush each and every place I go
So that tree better got my presents underneath

"Ya know, girls," mused Applebloom, "I just realized we're takin' most of these at face value."

"What do you mean?" asked Scootaloo.

"Some things we know for sure he did, like passing every test and just now we learned he brushes his teeth a lot. And we can assume he's been studying because he passed every test. But how do we know for sure he did all that other stuff?"

Pop Fly looked disappointed. "I thought you'd trust me after this year of good behavior," he said.

"Oh, don't get me wrong, we do believe you've changed," Applebloom replied, "but old habits can be very hard to overcome. One time after the three of us got our cutie marks, we each tried something new without the other, and my initial thought was that I'd gather 'em up again to try getting out cutie marks because that's what we'd been doing fer so long."

"We just want to make sure you weren't lying unintentionally," Sweetie Belle added.

"Besides, goin' around town talkin' to ponies can be fun!" Applebloom skipped around a bit, but then the town's clocktower rang three times, signaling three in the afternoon. "But you three're gonna have to go without me. I promised Granny I'd help finish decoratin' before it gets too dark."

They said their goodbyes and Applebloom crossed stage left.

"Let's start with my brother," said Pop Fly. "He's just over this way." He and the two remaining girls exited stage right.

SCENE 4

The stagehands took hold of the sides of the facade of Sugarcube Corner and turned it around, revealing the fully decorated interior of the pastry and candy shop. Pinkie Pie bounds in from offstage right as an upbeat song begins, eventually coming to a stop right in the middle of the shop.

On the first day of Christmas
My true friends gave to me
A big bowl of ravioli

On the second day of Christmas
My true friends gave to me
Two party cannons
And a big bowl of ravioli

On the third day of Christmas
My true friends gave to me
Three chocolate cupcakes
Two party cannons
And a big bowl of ravioli

On the fourth day of Christmas
My true friends gave to me
Four pink balloons
Three chocolate cupcakes
Two party cannons
And a big bowl of ravioli

On the fifth day of Christmas
My true friends gave to me
Five cherrychangas! Yum!
Four pink balloons
Three cupcakes
Two party cannons
And a big bowl of ravioli

On the sixth day of Christmas
My true friends gave to me
Six streamers streaming
Five cherrychangas!
Four pink balloons
Three cupcakes
Two party cannons
And a big bowl of ravioli

On the seventh day of Christmas
My true friends gave to me
Seven rocks a-rolling
Six streamers streaming
Five cherrychangas!
Four pink balloons
Three cupcakes
Two party cannons
And a big bowl of ravioli

On the eighth day of Christmas
My true friends gave to me
Eight clowns a-clowning
Seven rocks a-rolling
Six streamers streaming
Five cherrychangas!
Four pink balloons
Three cupcakes
Two party cannons
And a big bowl of ravioli

On the ninth day of Christmas
My true friends gave to me
Nine drums a-drumming
Eight clowns a-clowning
Seven rocks a-rolling
Six streamers streaming
Five cherrychangas!
Four pink balloons
Three cupcakes
Two party cannons
And a big bowl of ravioli

On the tenth day of Christmas
My true friends gave to me
Ten gifts for Gummy
Nine drums a-drumming
Eight clowns a-clowning
Seven rocks a-rolling
Six streamers streaming
Five cherrychangas!
Four pink balloons
Three cupcakes
Two party cannons
And a big bowl of ravioli

By this point, Pinkie Pie had started breathing deeper between each breath, the choreography starting to wear her out. She wiped her forehead with the back of her hand.

On the eleventh day of Christmas
My true friends gave to me
Eleven rubber chickens
Ten gifts for Gummy
Nine drums a-drumming
Eight clowns a-clowning
Seven rocks a-rolling
Six streamers streaming
Five cherrychangas!
Four pink balloons
Three cupcakes
Two party cannons
And a big bowl of ravioli

Pinkie took a deep breath and finished the rest of the song in a single breath.

On the twelfth day of Christmas
My true friends gave to me
Twelve candy apples
Eleven rubber chickens
Ten gifts for Gummy
Nine drums a-drumming
Eight clowns a-clowning
Seven rocks a-rolling
Six streamers streaming
Five cherrychangas!
Four pink balloons
Three cupcakes
Two party cannons
And a big bowl of ravioliiiii!

Rainbow Dash sped through the door of Sugarcube Corner.

"There you are, Pinkie Pie! Come on outside for a bit."

"What is it?"

"You'll see," the blue girl smirked, pulling her friend out the door.

"Oh hey, you found a sleigh!"

"Yup. Now get in! I'm gonna take you and our friends for the ride of a lifetime!" Pinkie Pie hurried back inside the shop and put on her puffy blue jacket before jumping into the back of the sleigh, smiling wide and bouncy with excitement. Rainbow crouched into a starting position, and then used her wings to hover over the stage. The stagehands moved setpieces across the stage and some of the extras jumped out of the way, as if Rainbow was flying quickly through the town.

SCENE 5

"WHEE!!!" shouted out Pinkie Pie in glee.

One! Two! One, two, three, four!

Dashing through the snow
In a one-horse open sleigh
Over the fields we go
Laughing all the way

Rainbow laughed.

Bells on bob tail ring
Making spirits bright
What fun it is to fly and sing
A sleighing song tonight!

Oh, jingle bells (Hey!), jingle bells (Hey!)
Jingle all the way (Hey! Hey!)
Oh, what fun it is to fly
In a one-horse open sleigh
Jingle bells (Hey!), jingle bells (Hey!)
Jingle all the way (Hey! Hey!)
Oh what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh!

"Who should we pick up first, Pinkie Pie?"

Pinkie Pie looked over the edge and pointed to the distinctive tall and circular shape of the Carousel Boutique. Rainbow nods and lowers the sleigh in front of the Carousel Boutique. Rainbow Dash removed the harness from around her and knocked on the door.

"Just a moment, darling!" called Rarity's muffled voice from inside. A few seconds later, the door opened. "Oh, hello, Rainbow Dash. How can I help you?"

"Check it out!" Rainbow exclaimed, and pointed at the sleigh.

Rarity crossed her arms. "Rainbow Dash, why do you have a sleigh?"

"I'm giving everyone rides." She dashed into the boutique, grabbed Rarity's jacket, and put it on her pale friend. "Come on!"

Rarity couldn't avoid being pulled along by her two friends and secured into the seat of the sleigh.

"Girls, I still have decorating to do, and -- Rainbow Dash, are you strapping yourself in? Please don't tell me --"

"I'm flying this thing!"

"Oh, sweet CelestiaaAAAGH!"

Thought I'd grab some friends
And take them for a ride
Not so sure what's up
As ponies run and hide
Put Rarity in the back
Right next to Pinkie Pie
Better buckle up, my friends
'Cause we're about to fly!

Oh, jingle bells (Hey!), jingle bells (Hey!)
Jingle all the way (Hey! Hey!)
Oh, what fun it is to fly
In a one-horse open sleigh
Jingle bells (Hey!), jingle bells (Hey!)
Jingle all the way (Hey! Hey!)
Oh what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh!

The lights raised on the opposite side of the stage, where a setpiece of the Sweet Apple Acres barn was set. Applejack, her big brother Big Mac, and her little sister Applebloom were all giving a festive flair to their farm. Applejack takes a deep breath.

"I love winter. Hot cocoa, the smell of new snow, buildin' a fire in the fireplace... but my favorite part is just bein' home for the holidays with my family."

"Eeyup." agreed Big Mac.

"Me too," said Applebloom. "I don't think anything can ruin this!" Just then, a scream from Rarity pierced the sky. "I spoke too soon, didn't I?"

Applejack looked upwards to see the quickly approaching sleigh. "What in tarnation?" Her eyes widened in realization that it was coming straight for her. "Everypony inside the barn! She's comin' in hot!" Her siblings didn't need to be told twice as all three of them rushed behind the barn's setpiece.

Go grab Applejack
Who's hiding in the barn
Put her in the back
And leave behind the farm
Sky is clear and blue
And the wind is at our tails
Ponies, hold on tight because
We're about to tip the scales!

"Rainbow Dash, you bring this sleigh back on solid earth this instant!" shouted Rarity and Applejack simultaneously.

Tomorrow is Christmas morning
Tomorrow is Christmas day
And Santa's coming 'round the corner and he's bringing presents
'Cause he's been filling up that, filling up that Santa sleigh

We start speeding up
As colors start to show
Streaming through our manes
The higher up we go
Even faster still
Faces fearing doom
What fun it is to fly and sing
As we sonic rainboom!

There was a loud boom, and the stage lights lit up the stage in a brilliant rainbow of flashing colors

Jingle bells (Hey!), jingle bells (Hey!)
Jingle all the way (Hey! Hey!)
Oh, what fun it is to fly
In a one-horse open sleigh
Jingle bells (Hey!), jingle bells (Hey!)
Jingle all the way (Hey! Hey!)
Oh what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh!

Rainbow Dash brought the sled to a stop and turned to her friends, smiling. Rarity was trying to restyle her messed up hair, and Applejack held onto the brim of her hat.

"How was it?"

"It was amazing! I'd never experienced anything like that, ever!"

"Pinkie Pie, please," scolded Rarity. "Where in Equestria did you get such a foolish idea, Rainbow Dash?"

"It was after you left to decorate your house, Rarity," Applejack replied. "Rainbow here heard some carolers, said she had an awesome idea, and flew off. I knew this was goin' to be a terrible idea!"

"Soo... you didn't like it?"

"Asking us if we wanted to come along would have been preferable to taking us against our will," Rarity plainly replied. "And now I'm behind on decorating for Christmas!"

"My family will probably be all right takin' care of the rest. It'll be no different than workin' harder harvestin' apples when one of us gets hurt. Though now that I think about it, you need to make up for this nonsense, and I've got just the thing. You're going to help our friends get ready for Christmas, since you obviously don't have any other plans."

"Aww, do I have to?"

Rarity and Applejack crossed their arms and spoke simultaneously again. "Yes."

"And you can start by helping me finish mine," Rarity continued, "since you so rudely interrupted me from it earlier."

"Aww, man!"

SCENE 6

The stage lights went dark once again as the stagehands reset Twilight's castle. The lights came back up, focusing on Twilight's study, which was now littered with multiple bits of parchment and wastebaskets full of used paper.

We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
And a happy New Year

Twilight stood up and faced the audience.

Day one: time to get my list in shape
Christmas is around the corner
So much to do, not a moment left to wait
Have to get it done before the holidays are here
It's that Christmas time of year
So everypony sing

We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
And a happy New Year

Twilight sat back down at her desk, scribbling notes on her list and spare pieces of parchment. Spike pushed open the door to Twilight's study and stepped inside.

"Twilight, are you okay?"

"No, Spike, I'm not all right. There's still so much I need to do before Christmas in two days!"

"Uh, Twilight? You've been making and checking and rechecking that list all night." Spike hopped up onto the windowsill and slid back the curtain, revealing the morning light. "It's Christmas Eve. Tomorrow is Christmas Day!"

"Oh no!" Twilight groaned and buried her head in her hands as the stage lights darkened and the curtains closed in front of her.