Good Times in Equestria: Thomas’s First Hearth’s Warming Eve

Chapters

Holiday Cheer in Ponyville
Holiday Folktales, Part 1
Holiday Folktales, Part 3
Hearth’s Warming Eve Arrives
Holiday Folktales, Part 2

Holiday Cheer in Ponyville

‘Twas the day before Hearth’s Warming Eve, and all throughout Ponyville, all the ponies were shopping for their loved ones and spreading good cheer with each other. They even set up some decorations on each door, window and everywhere inside their homes. Meanwhile, at Fluttershy’s cottage, Thomas woke up and looked out the window and saw snow on the ground. “Wow...” he said. He then looked at the calendar and another date said “Hearth’s Warming Eve,” but he kinda got confused about it.

He then got out of bed, and put his clothes on. When he got downstairs, he saw his mother cooking him some porridge for breakfast. He quietly went over to her as she was adding the vanilla extract, and then gently hugged her hind leg and nuzzling his cheek on her flank. She then felt the gentle tug, and then she gently patted his head, “Good morning, sweetheart.”

“Good morning, Momma,” Thomas said. “Why don’t you sit down? I got breakfast ready,” Fluttershy said. Thomas nodded, and then he went to the table for breakfast. “Momma, I know that Hearth’s Warming Eve is about the bonding of unicorns, pegasi, and earth ponies to defeat the Windigos, and mostly about giving, but I kinda don’t understand. I’m kinda nervous,” Thomas said. “Oh, is it because you never got anything for your version?” Fluttershy asked, as she scooped a spoonful of porridge into a porcelain bowl. “I think so, but I never get anything for Christmas in my world,” Thomas said. “Aww, that’s too bad. But I’ll see what to do. Now, eat up, and then you can go and play in the snow,” Fluttershy said, as she handed him the bowl and gave him a kiss on the forehead. Thomas nodded, and then ate his porridge.

When he was done, he got his winter gear on, and then he hugged his mother before he left. “I love you, Momma,” Thomas said. “I love you too, sweetheart. Now, be safe and have fun,” Fluttershy said, and then Thomas left to go play outside. “He grows up so fast,” she said.

When Thomas was outside in his winter gear, that consisted his navy blue winter jacket, midnight green patterned hat, and bluish gray scarf and mittens, he was taking a little stroll over Ponyville, and then he saw some fillies and colts playing in the snow by having snowball fights, sledding, ice skating, and building snow ponies.

While he continued to walk around, he suddenly felt like he got lost, until he then suddenly ran into a grayish white foreleg, and then he landed on his rump. “Oh, goodness gracious me! I am so sorry, precious!” said an elegant female voice, and she quickly dropped her bags real quick and helped him up. Thomas looked up and saw his Auntie Rarity wearing a tall light grayish cyan fuzzy ushanka hat on her head, a pale light grayish cyan fur scarf with three purple gems representing her cutie mark around her neck, dark maroon sunglasses with violet lenses, and dark grayish cyan booties with fur cuffs the same color as her hat.

He also saw Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Pinkie Pie, who was making a snow angel, in their winter gear. Rainbow Dash had a purple winter hat with a light grayish amber pom, a red scarf with orange and yellow stripes, and purple booties with red, orange and yellow stripes. Applejack wore a grayish blue jacket with a light green scarf. Pinkie Pie wore a moderate grayish blue puffer vest with a paler ring on top, a striped beanie hat with multiple light blue and one magenta stripes, and blue polka dotted booties on her hooves.

“Thomas!” they said in unison, and then he went to Rarity for a hug. “Aww... aren’t you just so sweet?” Rarity chuckled, and then she lifted him up with one hoof and then hugged him back with one foreleg around underneath him, and then nuzzled the top of his head. “Aww! My little cutie nephew looks like a little cutie in his winter gear!” Pinkie Pie said, as she beamed with big wide eyes and a big smile. Thomas softly blushed, and continued to hug the white unicorn mare as he nuzzled his cheek on her chest fur and hugged her neck gently. “So, what are you doing out here by yourself, precious?” Rarity asked. “I’m actually checking on Ponyville, which I usually don’t do, but there’s one problem,” Thomas said. “And what problem would that be?” Applejack said. Thomas then made a heavy sigh, “I know Hearth’s Warming Eve is about giving and getting together with happiness from family and friends, which sounds like Christmas in my world, but you celebrate it to remember the founding of your homeland, but I just don’t understand why it relates to that. I’ve read the story, but I still don’t understand it. I like sending out cards, and giving out gifts, but I’m not happy.”

“Aww, poor little thing,” Rarity cooed as she comforted her nephew. “I guess you’re havin’ a hard time finding yourself in a right place around the holidays, huh?” Applejack asked. Thomas nodded, until Rainbow Dash softly ruffled his hair, “Don’t worry, buddy. I’m sure you’ll find an answer soon enough.”

“Yeah, I guess so. Is it okay if I go on ahead and talk to you all another time if I find myself cheered up?” Thomas asked. “Of course, precious. We’d be happy to give you some time,” Rarity said, until she placed him back on the ground. Pinkie Pie then gave Thomas a cookie with vanilla frosting and red and green sprinkles on it. Thomas took the cookie and then went off.

“We should do something to make him feel happy, but we should talk to Fluttershy about it,” Rarity said. “I hear ya,” Applejack said. “Well, let’s see about getting him something good for him, and then we’ll see if Fluttershy can help,” Rainbow Dash said, and then they all went to do their parts before talking to Fluttershy.

Holiday Folktales, Part 1

Meanwhile, at Twilight’s castle, Starlight and Spike were almost done decorating the castle with festive Hearth’s Warming Eve decorations since they were going to invite their friends over tomorrow for a hangout. Twilight was really excited, “Okay, so we’ve got the decorations, the tree, and pretty much everything. Now, I just need to come up with a dessert, but what would be a delectable? Cupcakes? Nah. Cookies? Nope. Pies? Pastries? Pudding? *gasps* WAIT! PUUUUUUUUUUUUDDING!” She then found a book about Hearth’s Warming traditions, and found the part that she was looking for. “After defeating the Windigos, the Earth pony, pegasus and unicorn nations prepared the first Hearth’s Warming meal together. Chancellor Puddinghead made a pudding so delicious, legends were written all about it! This will totally be the best dessert ever! But I probably should...” Twilight was cut off by a knock on the door.

“That’s odd,” Starlight said. “Let’s go see who it is,” Twilight said, and then she and Starlight trotted over to the door. When they opened it, they saw Thomas softly shivering and carrying a few presents in a small sack tied onto a sled. “Thomas? What are you doing here?” Starlight asked. “S-S-Sorry t-to-to dis-d-d-d-dist-disturb you or anyt-th-thi-thing... b-b-but I j-j-just want-w-w-wanted t-t-to d-dr-dr-drop off-f-f a f-f-fe-few p-p-pre-pres-presents-s-s f-for y-y-you,” Thomas said while shivering. “Oh...” Twilight said, then she smirked with a warm thoughtful brow after seeing how cute he looked with his winter gear. “Why don’t you come inside? You look like you’re freezing to death.” Thomas nodded and then Starlight helped him carry the presents inside. “I’ll sent Fluttershy a letter,” Twilight said. “Come on, honey. Let’s go sit on the couch by the fire,” Starlight said, and then she lifted Thomas up with her hoof and carried him to the couch, and after Thomas took off his winter gear, and set them on a hanger, and she laid on four legs and brought him against her chest with a comforting embrace. “Feel warm?” Thomas nodded. Twilight then came back with a blanket and then he felt Starlight wrap her hooves underneath the blanket and over him.

“So, what brings you over?” Starlight asked. “I kinda wish I knew what Hearth’s Warming meant to me, but sometimes I feel like I should skip it, but I don’t want to,” Thomas said. “I just feel like I might not get presents like every year because of the other kids taking all the presents before me.” Twilight and Starlight felt sorry for his pain. “Oh, sweetie. I’m so sorry. You know you’re always welcome to talk to us,” Twilight said. Thomas nodded, and then wiped his eyes full of tears, until Starlight hugged him.

Twilight then thought of an idea after seeing him feeling the case of holiday blues, “Thomas? Would you like to hear the right Hearth’s Warming story yet?”

“What story?” Thomas asked. “We’ll, besides the origin of the holiday, which is about how our three tribes, earth ponies, unicorns and pegasi forming together to stop the mythical windigos, I was referring to my personal favorite holiday story, which is one I’ve read many times. ‘A Hearth’s Warming Tail’!” Twilight said. “Oh, I love that one!” Spike said. “I’ve never heard that one either, but I’d like to hear it,” Starlight said. “Can you read it to me?” Thomas asked. Twilight nodded, “Of course I can.” She then leaned down on her forelegs and let him climb on her back and then they began walking. “Let’s go see if I have it hidden somewhere.”

Twilight led Spike, Thomas and Starlight over to the castle library and then took their spots on the couch. Twilight then motioned her hoof over to him and Thomas then crawled over and sat on her lap and nuzzled against her fur as she placed her wing over him as another blanket. Starlight then brought over some mugs of hot cocoa and then took her seat. Twilight then got out the aforementioned book down from the shelf, and then handed each of them some hot cocoa mugs. “Thomas? I also brought some cookies from Sugarcube Corner, but since these are the last ones from this box and have more for tomorrow, how’d you like to have them?” Thomas nodded, and then Twilight handed her nephew a small dish where the sugar cookies were placed, and they were soft, and covered with white icing and red and green sprinkles.

“And in case you both didn’t know, it’s also been a Sparkle family tradition for many generations while growing up,” Twilight said, while comforting Thomas. “When me and Shining Armor were your age, Mom or Dad would read this book to us every Hearth’s Warming Eve to make us smile and have lots of spirits in our hearts. I even found a copy for the library before I would ask Mom to borrow it.”

“Wow...” Thomas said.

Spike sat down next to her, and then Twilight began to tell her nephew about the story as she flipped open the book while he held and hugged her hoof for comfort. “Okay, so this is the story of a powerful unicorn named Snowfall Frost, who hated Hearth’s Warming Eve so much. In fact, the whole entire Hearth’s Warming season. That is, until one fateful night with some unexpected guests.”

“Hey! Just like that book A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens!” Thomas exclaimed, as he recognized the plot. “You’ve heard of this story?!” Spike asked, “Yeah! One of the nuns would read me and the other orphans that story back at the orphanage, but I never even knew you had another version like that one!” Thomas said.

“Aww...” Twilight said, as Thomas got a little bit excited while squirming. “Okay, settle down. How about if we cuddle while I read the story?” Thomas nodded, and then cuddled with her wrapped in the blanket and had his hot chocolate and cookies while she placed her hoof in front of him.

She then cleared her throat and began, “It all began many moons ago in Canterlot. ‘Twas the afternoon of Hearth’s Warming Eve, every home in Canterlot was filled with holiday spirit. Well, every home, except one. That... of Snowfall Frost.”

Snowfall Frost was a lot like Starlight, but she wore a dark purplish magenta tuxedo tailcoat with a white truffle collar shirt and blackish purple neck band underneath, a pair of gold spherical glasses, and white hoof covers over her hind hooves.

“It was said of Snowfall that she was almost as studied as Star Swirl the Bearded. Almost, since everypony knows that Star Swirl was an expert at everything from transfiguration, dimensional calibration, teleportation—”

“We get it. Star Swirl's awesome,” Spike narrated. “Right,” Twilight narrated. “The point is, Snowfall was also a powerful unicorn. She wanted to be perfect. Anything that got in the way of that was a waste of time.”

Snowfall read a page of how to turn a rock of coal into gold, and then concentrated all of her magic by turning that coal into goal, but somehow got startled and lost concentration when she heard bells ringing, and then gasped at the broken piece of coal, until she saw bit collectors ringing bells in the street while walking, “Well, that batch is ruined. Ash Hatchet!”

“Ash Hatchet was short for Ashley Hatchet, and she was Snowfall’s loyal assistant,” Twilight narrated, and she looked like Rainbow Dash, but she wore a reddish white long sleeve shirt with a grayish purple vest, a orange bow tie, and holed gloves on her hooves. “Yeah, boss? What do you need?” Ash Hatchet asked politely.

Snowfall then gave Ash a broom with her magic and pointed at the broken coal pieces, “Get this mess cleaned up, now if you please. Those foolish and pathetic ponies were ringing those blasted bells outside the window once again and I’ve lost my concentration! That’s something I cannot tolerate at all!”

Ash then sighed and cleaned up the mess with the broom, realizing her boss was not the kind of pony you wouldn’t want to waste time arguing with. “Wow. No wonder why nopony ever wanted to work with you,” she mumbled underneath her teeth. “Well, least you forget, I took you in as my new partner when nopony else would. And as so soon after my old partner passed away. So unless you wish to see your payments docked, I suggest that you keep your comments to yourself, Ash Hatchet! Now get back to work!” Snowfall snapped.

Ash Hatchet then kept sweeping, “But I still don’t get it. Ponies actually enjoy Hearth’s Warming Eve. Where did they ever get that crazy idea?”

Well, today is nothing to celebrate, if you ask me,” Snowfall replied. “Hearth's Warming Eve is a menace. A dangerous day for all of Equestria.” Ash somehow commented in protest, “Dangerous?! It's awesome! It's the day we remember how unicorns, Pegasi, and Earth ponies came together in friendship to defeat the windigos! Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten that?”

“Bah humbug, that’s what I’d say!” Snowfall retorted with a sneering scoff. “That silly legend is the problem! Telling everypony that "singing songs and being nice" will solve anything? I've spent years studying magic, and that's not how it works. The so called ‘magic of friendship’ they all peddled with never did anything for me, or anypony else as far as I could tell! Besides, I’ve got to where I was through hard work and determination, not through believing some silly old fairy tale that never held any actual relevance!”

After finishing up sweeping the coal shards into the trash, she looked back at her boss, “I think you might be missing the point there, boss.”

Snowfall then teleported towards Ash and spoke back, “Well, do you know what I believe in, Ash Hatchet? Work hard, learn, and use your skills to better Equestria. It’s done wonders for me, and that’s a worthy goal for any pony who wishes to strive for, so I’d advise you to keep the holiday in your way, and allow me to keep it to myself.”

“But you can’t take it or keep it, boss. That’s not how it works,” Ash said. “Hmph. You’re right. I can’t keep it, otherwise I’d ask you to leave it alone for me,” Snowfall said, unti she sarcastically retorted, “But, by all means, if you want to go home early, ignore all of the work you have, and spend the rest—”

“Sweet! Thanks, boss! Hope to see you at my big party tomorrow night!” Ash cut her off, as she already took off flying through the door. “Hey! I didn’t say you could leave!” Snowfall said, as it was too late for Ash to hear the rest of it. “Ugh! Great, now I’m forced to work alone on today and tomorrow of all days! I’ve no intention of being a guest at that ridiculous party! Unless I’d rather require to consume that much food and drink than anypony else,” she said, after looking at her stomach, imagining herself with a stuffed belly, and then shuddered after wiping away that thought.

She then looked at the crowd below with a sternly cold stare, giving remarks to each other and then turned around with a growl, “I hate Hearth's Warming Eve! Indeed, in fact, I hate the whole entire Hearth’s Warming holiday! It’s a holiday fit for fools!”

“And is that what we would all want, Snowfall? A land without happiness and cheer?” said a voice. Snowfall looked all around the room for the source of that noise, but couldn’t find it anywhere. “Who said that?!” she demandingly asked, stomping her hoof firmly on the ground. “Ash, I swear, this better not be another one of your ridiculous pranks! It isn’t funny!”

“Now, is that anyway to say hello to an old friend?” the voice asked again.

“Enough with this foolishness and ridiculousness of suspense! Who are you and what do you want from me?!” Snowfall demanded loudly, while looking around. “Show yourself!”

All of a sudden, a few candles blew out, as a strong cloudy gust of cold wind swept into the room and Snowfall began to shiver as she placed a blanket over herself. “You mean, you don’t remember me at all, Snowfall? Well, I’m crushed. Really, I am. How soon that the high and mighty seem to forget. Well, I suppose I can’t blame you. It has been years, even a few decades ever since we’ve last spoken to each other. So, I’ll just get to the point.” Suddenly, a glowing pale light blue colored ghostly draconequus appeared, standing in the doorway as if it had just walked right through it. He was wearing a preowned finely tailored wool coat with bandages on his neck, hands and wrists, a truffle neck collar, and was shackled and wrapped in chains tied and locked with concrete blocks, heavy iron balls.

Snowfall gasped in shock as she recognized the ghostly character and nearly jumped back in surprise, “Mr. Montgomery Dickson? Is it truly you?”

“Why, indeed it is,” Mr. Dickson replied, as he floated forward, but he still forgot that he had both his legs and arms wrapped in shackled chains with heavy iron balls and concrete blocks, along with some locks. “Splendid to see you again, Snowfall.”

“But... But it can’t be!” Snowfall said. “You’re dead! You’ve been dead for a long time, meaning after you left me without a note, and when the authorities found no trace of you!”

“Well, as you can see, I’m alive in spirit form now, from a certain standpoint,” Mr. Dickson said in reply. “I also apologize for the crude state of my appearance, but this however wasn’t exactly my idea of a... how should I say... fashion statement. In fact, I’m also kind of not supposed to be here, since it’s strictly forbidden for me to speak to you in this physical form of all knowing existence, so naturally, I still have time to speak, so I’ll make it short. Even though I suspect it’s not long before the forces who gave me this form cuffed me up like an animal and forced me to leave. Do you have any idea how humiliating it is?”

“Well, I’m truly and humbly sorry to hear that, but I don’t have much time to spare myself,” Snowfall said to Mr. Dickson. “But by all means, why have you decided to appear in front of my presence now of all times? What reason do you have to show your face before me?”

Mr. Dickson then chuckled and laughed coldly, “Well, I’m glad you asked. Come closer.” Snowfall then walked closer to him, as he placed his talon arm onto her, as she ignored the gothic garments and chains around him. “I’ve come to warn you. As you can see, you’re heading down a very deep dark path, missy, and it’s one from which there is no going back. But the good news is that it’s not too late to save yourself, so if you act now, it may be possible to save your future, unless you’d rather end up like this.”

“Okay, now I know I’m only hearing things! You’re sounding like those phony fortune telling gypsies that claim they can see the future!” Snowfall retorted, until she noticed his chains. “And did you have those chains when you came in?”

“Oh, these? I was wondering when you’d notice somehow, Snowfall,” Mr. Dickson replied. “Perhaps, you remember so long ago, as your partner, I followed your beliefs and methods while standing by your side, and never, not even once, questioning them?” Snowfall nodded in reply, as Mr. Dickson then continued. “Well, somehow I was wrong, and so are you! These chains are my heavy price to pay, my unforgivable punishment, for I forged them in my life by my own actions. My own selfish, malicious and heinous acts of greed! Made them help me think about what I’ve done year after year! And I tell you, my dear Snowfall, you’d wear such accursed chains like these yourself, except you just don’t know it! They were still as long as this when I left you, and if you could see the size and weight of them now, you won’t even turn pale as me!”

Snowfall scoffed at the so-called warning from Mr. Dickson’s words, “Oh, please, if I really had these chains, I’m sure I’d know of their existence before now. What makes you think this is gonna scare me?”

Mr. Dickson only shook his head, “I tell you, Snowfall Frost, these chains are there and here to stay and they won’t go away so easily! Besides, everything you do is counted against you, as it was for me when I left my existence behind! This is my punishment, my burden, my penalty, my curse! I am doomed to walk down this path for all eternity to walk this path, forever chained up and restrained by my thoughtless, selfish ways! But take heed, for fate is on your side! My path may not change, but yours still might!”

“Enough! Now please, no more of this nonsense, Mr. Dickson! I’m not scared so easily, and I won’t just abandon my ways because you say so!” Snowfall retorted coldly. “Whatever my fate awaits me in... wherever it is you are in now, I’ll answer for it when time comes. I appreciate having this talk though.”

Dickson groaned, as he then screamed while rattling the chains as they began to pull on him as if the were alive, and Snowfall panicked. “Well, it seems I’ve less time to speak to you than I thought,” he said as he cornered Snowfall towards her desk. “But, I won’t be the only one talking to you tonight! Now listen carefully, Snowfall Frost! For the rest of tonight, you shall be visited by three more spirits! You hear me?! Three! Haunted if you prefer!”

“Haunted?! I’ve already had enough of that ridiculous nonsense! I don’t believe in ghosts!” Snowfall protested. “Why can’t I just meet them now all at once, and be done with it?!”

“Oh, no, no, no, no, no. That’s not how it works, because these ghostly spirits work in mysterious ways, Snowfall. Even more mysterious than myself,” Mr. Dickson cautioned. “But I’d pay more close attention to what they’ll have to say, because for without the help of the spirits and their ghostly gifts, you cannot hope to avoid the path that I made so long ago! When the first stroke of 10 arrives, expect the first of them to arrive soon. You’ll know when they’ll make their presence known to you! Good luck, Snowfall Frost, for you have been warned!” Mr. Dickson then vanished without a trace.

A rush of warmer wind restored the candles to their normal bright flaming states as light came back to the workshop, as if Mr. Dickson had never been there at all. It somehow left Snowfall shaken a little, as she felt like she just saw a ghost. “Could he have been anymore cryptic and non informative?” Snowfall thought out loud while hanging the blanket back up, and before shaking her head. “My senses must be playing tricks on me. That sure looked like Mr. Dickson, but how do I know it was really him? Perhaps something I ate must’ve caused my mind to go crazy for a moment or two. But dare I say it, that was somehow far more of a huge gravy more than a grave about that spirit. Now then, where was I before I was so rudely interrupted? Let’s see...”

Of course, it didn’t take long for Snowfall to be reminded of what enraged her earlier, “Oh yes, that’s right. Of course.” The sound of bells jingling and ponies giggling could be heard from miles and miles from her workshop. “Ugh!” Snowfall growled, as she slammed her windows shut. “I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again, even a thousand times if I must! I hate Hearth’s Warming Eve!” It was then that her unicorn brain began to brainstorm and scheme, and then soon it settled down, until she got an idea. Truly the most frightening and unpredictable idea, one that sounded good to her but to anypony else would’ve been crazy and foolish enough to do it. Snowfall got the most wonderful, AWFUL idea she had ever gotten! “In fact, all of Equestria would definitely be better off if we just skipped the day altogether. And luckily, I’m just the pony to do it,” she said, while scheming and preparing a cauldron, and filling it up with such things as a discarded wreath, a toy from a child that has been tossed aside, and all sorts of chemicals in all sorts of colors.

Happy Hearth's Warming, they say in the street
Happy Hearth's Warming, they think they're so sweet
Words said so often that they lack any meaning
Why should I join in when I could be intervening?

Everypony loves this cursed holiday
But would they be better off with it out of the way?
Well, okay

Say goodbye to the holiday
With my magic, I'll erase it
The greatest gift that I give today
And everypony will have to face it

No more little games for you to play
After you say goodbye to the holiday

Goodbye, Hearth's Warming, you had a good run
Goodbye, Hearth's Warming, it's over, you're done
Finally set free from your forced celebrations
No need to reply to your trite invitations

Calendar shorter by a single day
Is my magic up to the test?
Time to see, I can't delay

Say goodbye to the holiday
Prepare the spell, no hesitation
All memory shall fade away
See Equestria's new transformation

No more shall anypony say
Happy Hearth's Warming... ...after today!

After today...

She then laughed sinisterly, ignoring the ominous projections of the windigos in her cauldron. But without anypony noticing or witnessing the actual events, they could only speculate with no actual proof or evidence. Snowfall somehow payed no mind to whatever she saw. Perhaps she must’ve had hesitated too briefly, or maybe for one good reason or another.

But in the end, whatever disastrous reasons she might have had for her decision to erase Hearth’s Warming from existence, it was enough to overpower any concerns or doubts that the powerful unicorn mare might’ve had, as she continued preparing her spell. “Once the spell is cast, all of Equestria will be better off, and they'll have me to thank for it!” Snowfall proudly said to herself, while standing over her simmering and bubbling cauldron with her magic charged and ready.

“Wait, wait, wait, wait! Wait just a minute!” Starlight spoke up, interrupting the story for a moment. “Let me get this straight. Snowfall doesn’t like Hearth’s Warming Eve so she decides to just cast a spell to get rid of it altogether? That seems a little bit extreme.”

“In our version, Scrooge only cared about money and banking investments rather than just the holidays,” Thomas said. “I don’t want the holiday to go away.”

“Don’t worry, sweetheart. We’ll get to the good parts,” Twilight said, and then saw his mug empty. “Do you want more cocoa or are you full?” Thomas nodded that he wanted more cocoa and then they took a little break so Twilight can refill their cocoa and bring some cookies. “Come here, honey. Why don’t you tell me about some more of this Christmas tradition in your world?” Starlight asked, as she then laid him down on her lap while holding him with her hooves, and then Thomas told her about Christmas back in his birth world, including the birth of Jesus Christ, and how they celebrate the holidays, but how and why he’s always asking Santa for presents.

Author's Note

Ash Hatchet is owned by SuperPinkBrony12. I asked permission because I like that name better.

Holiday Folktales, Part 3

After a few minutes, Twilight finished humming her song to Thomas as he finally calmed down and almost fell asleep on her chest fur. “Do you feel better?” Twilight asked softly. Thomas nodded and then wiped his eyes, before receiving a kiss on the forehead from his Auntie Twilight. “Okay, I came back with more cocoa,” Starlight said, as she passed the mugs back over to Twilight and Spike.

“So what happened next, Auntie Twilight?” Thomas asked. “Well, let’s see where we left off,” Twilight replied, as she opened the book again and searched for the pages she left on, until she quickly remembered with a smile. “Ah! Here we are. We were just getting to the part where Snowfall returns from her trip to the past.”

“Ooh! I love this next part! It’s always my favorite!” Spike said happily. “What does he mean?” Thomas asked. “You’ll see,” Twilight said, and then Thomas laid back and then he continued with his snack.

Twilight then continued the story, “The Spirit of Hearth’s Warming Past vanished mysteriously as the entire surroundings around Snowfall went black as night.”

Snowfall then blinked her eyes open, and found herself back in the present and was alone once again. She then looked at her cauldron as it was still bubbling meaning her roaring hearth remained untouched, like nothing happened. She looked around the room, but found no trace of the spirit, “Spirit? Are you still there? What am I supposed to—”

Snowfall’s thoughts were suddenly interrupted as she saw a gigantic present bos wrapped in pink and blue wrappings, “Was it there when I came in?”

Without warning, the ground began to shake, until then came a thunderous boom, and confetti launched into the air with the sound of a cannon fire and out came a giant shadowy figure of a pony. “Greetings, Snowfall Frost!” The figure spoke in a reverberating tone, until it revealed herself as a earth pony mare with light pink fur, a puffy dark pink mane and tail, blue eyes, and she wore a candy covered wreath crown and a yellow and white robe. “Don’t be afraid! It is I, the Spirit of Hearth's Warming Presents!”

Snowfall was terrified for a moment, until she got confused, “Um, don't you mean "Present", like the time?”

The spirit then replied back in a normal tone, “No! Presents! You know! Toys, Hearth's Warming doll... Here, want a cupcake?”

Snowfall sighed heavily, “Fine, "Presents".” She then tossed them into a wastebasket. “All of the pointless things ponies waste their time on,” she emphasized with a groan.

“Oh, Snowfall, it's not what the gift is that matters, it's what the gift means!” The spirit replied while reaching into the wastebasket and removing the gifts from there. “It doesn't mean anything. It's just stuff!” Snowfall protested.

“Exactly!” The spirit answered happily. “Sometimes a cupcake means "I love you!" Or a toy means "Hi, how're you doing?" Sometimes a book means "Your mane looks amazing!" And sometimes a scarf means... Well, a scarf usuallymeans you look cold. That one's easy.”

“I don't understand anything you're saying,” Snowfall said. The spirit then began to shake and tremble, as her whole body twitched, “Whoa! Whoa!”

Snowfall started to feel freaked out, “What's happening to you?!”

“My Spirit of Hearth's Warming Presents Sense is going off!” The spirit replied while she continued to twitch.

“And that means...?” Snowfall asked. “That means a song is coming on!” The spirit giggled, and then they went out to the streets.

Take a look at everything around you
All the smells that surely will astound you
Open up your heart, it will surround you
In the magic of Hearth's Warming Eve

The little things that make it better
Little ponies spreading cheer
Give a toy, a hug, a sweater
Memories that last all year

The present's always filled with presents
Large, medium, and small
Sometimes the most important things
Aren't very big at all

The spirit cured a little colt who couldn’t walk normally, and together they shared a quick tap dancing performance for a few minutes.

After that, the Spirit of Hearth’s Warming Presents led Snowfall onward, eventually stopping at a relatively unimpressive but largely built brick house. The lights were on, and had wreaths and garlands on the outdoor windows, until Snowfall and the spirit looked closer and saw a huge Hearth's Warming Eve party going on, as everypony seemed cheerful and upbeat.

What a party, there's so much to see here
Can't believe you didn't want to be here
You'd have had a blast, I guarantee here
This is the spirit of Hearth's Warming Eve

Cider's flowing, this is living
Come on and feel the beat
Life is better when you're giving
Each time you do it feels so sweet

The present's always filled with presents
So come on, open your eyes
Spend time with ponies just like you
And watch your spirits rise

The present's always filled with presents
Take a look around
The reason for the holiday
Is quite easily found
Yes, the reason for the holiday
Is quite easily found

And the reason is to be with your friends!

“And the reason is to be with your friends!” Twilight sang, mimicking Pinkie Pie. When she had stopped, Starlight looked at her suspiciously with a smile, until they heard Thomas laughing, thinking it was funny. And he was finished with his cookies and hot cocoa.

“Oh, you think that’s funny, huh?” Twilight asked suspiciously. “Well, how funny is THIS?!” She then blew a raspberry on his belly, making him laugh out loud and let out a few screams. Thomas then sat back up and then placed his mug on the table, and rubbed his full tummy.

Twilight giggled, and then rubbed it for him, and then Spike came back with more cocoa for himself. “Sorry, I just wanted to refill my cocoa,” he said. “That’s okay, Spike,” Twilight said. “You’re just in time, anyway. And Thomas? There’s a Tiny Tim reference in this story, but you’ll find out who he is in a moment.” Thomas nodded, and then she continued with the story, “The party was in full swing. And all Snowfall Frost could do, was watch.”

“Spirit, why did you bring me here?” Snowfall asked the Spirit of Hearth’s Warming Presents, confused about why she was near the brick house. “This seems like some random Hearth’s Warming Eve party. I don’t see why I should even care.”

“But wait!” The spirit said. “What?” Snowfall asked. “But you haven’t seen who’s inside yet!” The spirit replied. “What do you mean?” Snowfall asked. “Well, let’s take a look,” The spirit said, as Snowfall walked over to the window and looked closer towards it, and saw her coworker, Ash Hatchet! Except she wasn’t alone. There were two ponies she knew.

One was a white unicorn mare with a purple curled mane and blue eyes with light blue eyeshadow, and she was wearing a crimson red dress with reddish violet trimmings, a pale crimson red hat with a reddish violet band and gold rings, and she had a small black collar with a gold piece around her neck. Her name was Merry.

The other was a creamy yellow pegasus mare with a braided light pink mane and tail and aqua green eyes, and she was wearing a whitish apple greenish gray dress with flowers on it, green and pink trimmings on the sleeves, a lime green shirt ring, and a moderate green scarf on her neck. Her name was Flutterholly.

“Oh! Ash Hatchet! How nice of you to attend the party!” Merry said elegantly, as she hugged Ash.

“Hey, Merry. Nice to see you too,” Ash said, with a depressing sigh.

“Why, whatever is the matter, darling?” Merry asked in concern. “Was it the eggnog? Oh, I knew I put in too much cinnamon!” Flutterholly remarked.

“Oh, no, the eggnog was awesome, Flutterholly, I'm just mad at somepony who was complaining about how awfully boring Hearth's Warming Eve is,” Ash explained with a disappointing tone. “And you’ll never guess who it is.”

Merry and Flutterholly knew who she mentioned as they exchanged their glances, before Merry began, “I don't suppose that pony's name starts with "Snow"?”

“And ends with "Frost"?” Flutterholly ended.

“Yep. That’s right,” Ash confirmed with a nod. “She even said that Hearth's Warming Eve is just an excuse to party, and we would all be better off spending time working to make Equestria a better place. She also said ‘Bah humbug!’ when I tried to tell her behind the holiday.”

The crowd booed, while some made insulting names about Snowfall, but they weren’t aware that Snowfall was overhearing everything from outside, like it was as if she was invisible but even though she was just outside the window.

Merry sighed, “Well, that’s Snowfall all right. I honestly can’t remember the last time I saw her take a day off from hard work, not even for a holiday. I even absolutely hate to speak ill-mannered of a certain pony who’s not here, but it seems she’s turned her back on the holiday for good. Once, she asked me why I have to be so merry when I’m rich and poor in between m and then I would just ask her what gives her the right she has for her to be so grumpy and grouchy even though she’s rich enough with her money, potion making and spell casting. I just have always hoped that hosting this party and offering her an invitation would melt that icy stone cold heart of hers, except there no ponies left to warm her up.”

“Yeah. Tell me about it. I just don’t know what her problem is that makes her hate the holidays. But I guess we’ll never know,” Ash said.

Snowfall felt something inside her being stirred, like for the first time, the grouchy and grumpy mare felt hurt. ‘Is that what they really think of me? I never meant to be that cold. I thought my intentions were purely desirable,’ she thought to herself. ‘Was I mistakenly misled?’

Suddenly, they heard a younger and softer voice yawning that sounded like the coo of a dove. “Are you talking about Miss Frost again?” The voice asked again, until he coughed softly.

Ash, Merry and Flutterholly turned around and made their attention to the source of the noise. It soon revealed herself as a small human boy with dark brown streaked hair, greenish blue eyes, and he wore a bluish gray fiddler cap with a black trim on the front, a light heathery gray long sleeve shirt with dark gray stripes, a green, blue, yellow and black button vest, darker brown pants, black shoes with socks underneath, a pair of brown fingerless cotton and leather gloves, and a red and blue plaid scarf. He also had a cast on his right leg and a wooden crutch for him to use. He also had faint bags under his eyes that indicated a few sleepless nights while he had several others that were peaceful for him.

“Timber Todd?” Ash asked, addressing the boy by name. “What are you doing up this late? Don’t you know that it’s still past your bedtime, meaning you should still be in bed, mister. Doctor’s orders.”

“I’m sorry, Miss Hatchet. But I couldn’t sleep,” Timber Todd said, before he coughed softly again. “I just wanted a glass of water before bed. I’m also excited about tomorrow, since it’s Hearth’s Warming Eve.”

“Right, and you don’t want to spend it all stuck in bed, coughing up a storm, now do you?” Ash asked, placing her wing over him and holding him in her hooves for a hug. Timber Todd shook his head in reply, and then Ash ruffled his hair with her hoof and then carried him down to meet Merry and Flutterholly before she then held him with one hoof. “Oh my! Who’s this sweet and adorable little thing?! He’s so precious!” Merry asked with a beaming smile and a hoof over her chest. “Oh, he’s so cute!” Flutterholly said in agreement.

“Merry, Flutterholly, I’d like you both to meet Timber Todd. I’m foalsitting him this season because his mother’s out of town this holiday but she’ll come back for him later in the week,” Ash said.

“But at least my Momma can still make enough money to put food on the table and pay for my medicine, right?” Timber Todd asked, before coughing as it sounded a bit harshly sickening. “Oh my. Are you alright, precious?” Merry asked, with a hoof against her chest. “I... I have pneumonia, and my leg’s sprained, but I can still walk,” Timber Todd replied. “He got this 3 weeks ago, but he still had some time to play, but until he sprained his leg by accident,” Ash said. “It’s not contagious, though.”

Flutterholly then placed her hoof on his neck checking for soreness and then checked his temperature on the forehead, “Oh my, he did burn up with a fever. He does has pneumonia.”

“Oh, you poor little thing,” Merry cooed, as she reached out her hoof and placed it around Timber Todd. “Come here, precious.” Timber Todd then scooted over towards the mare and leaned his head on her chest, until she hugged him gently.

He suddenly saw Merry’s collar around her neck. “That’s a pretty nice necklace you have, Miss Merry,” Timber Todd asked, as Merry looked at the collar around her neck. “Oh, this? It’s just something I sometimes like to wear. But that was very sweet about what you said, so thank you,” Merry said, then thought of an idea. “Would you like to touch it?” Timber Todd then nodded, as he continued to nuzzle with her chest fur and hear her heartbeat and gently stroked her neck collar. “Awwwwww, isn’t he adorable?” she asked while stroking his shoulder with her hoof after kissing him on the forehead. Timber Todd smiled warmly as he felt comfy with her bare soft and warm chest fur.

“So, what does Snowfall think a better Equestria looks like?” Merry asked in a teasingly tone while hugging Timber Todd. “Ponies working hard, learning, and using their abilities for the benefit of Equestria. I don’t know, she said she learned it from some old professor whose name I can’t remember,” Ash replied mimicking her boss. Merry and Flutterholly giggled at the remark.

“I’m sorry she’s like that,” Timber Todd said. “I sometimes wish she would have friends like us, so that she wouldn’t feel alone on Hearth’s Warming anymore.” Merry and Flutterholly were pleased for the boy’s kind and thoughtful words.

Snowfall then felt concerned about the poor sick boy, and then felt touched about what he said about her. Timber Todd then coughed some more, both softly and hardly.

Ash quickly grew and felt concerned, so she flew over to Timber Todd and took him into her hooves, “Okay, kiddo, that’s probably enough excitement and holiday spirit for you for one night. You still need to rest and get your strength back, meaning it’s probably time for you to go back to bed. That pneumonia’s not gonna go away if you keep staying up late all the time.”

“Okay,” Timber Todd said in disappointment. Merry kissed him on the forehead and cheek first, and then hugged him towards her chest, until Flutterholly also hugged and kissed him as well. “Don’t worry, darling. I’m sure you’ll feel better soon. Besides if you don’t go to sleep now, Santa Hooves will pass you by, leaving no toys underneath the tree for you,” Merry said in singsong. “And you have been a good little colt this year, haven’t you?” Flutterholly asked. “Yep! Super duper extra good! And I’ve been eating my fruits and vegetables, and my soup and bread everyday!” Timber Todd replied, until he coughed.

“Come on, sport. It’s probably bedtime for you,” Ash said, carrying him over to the kitchen as she got him a drink, which was a cup of ice cold water, and then she sent him back to bed, before there came a snowball thunking towards the window, and the sound of foals laughing and running about. Snowfall then saw Merry and Flutterholly coming towards the window.

“It looks like we've got everything on Snowfall's list right here. Don’t you agree, Flutterholly?” Merry asked. “I think a perfect Equestria looks a lot like a Hearth's Warming Eve party,” Flutterholly said, as she and Merry drew the curtains closed.

Snowfall suddenly found out that she was filled with new emotions: sorrow, sadness, and regret. ‘I don’t understand. I’ve treated them all so horribly, and given them all nothing but bad things to think of when it comes to me. Yet here they are, in this house, in that party laughing, talking, eating, drinking, playing, and having a good time. And they still find a good word or two to say about me. Is this what it’s really like to care about others? And... to embrace the friendship, love, and magic of Hearth’s Warming? Was Professor Flintheart... wrong?’ She thought to herself, feeling tears in her eyes.

Unaware of Snowfall’s thoughts as she saw Timber Todd sleeping peacefully in his guest bedroom provided by Ash Hatchet after she tucked him in, the Spirit of Hearth’s Warming Presents commented out loud, “Me too! Too bad it's going to be the last one ever! Ever! Ever! Ever!” Her voice ghostly echoed out, until a mysterious snowy fog began to roll in. “Spirit? What do you mean? What's going to happen?! What about sweet little Timber Todd?! Is he going to get better?! He’s going to get better, won’t he?! Please tell me!” Snowfall asked. “Can’t tell you that, but the next spirit you’re about to meet will! Good luck!” The spirit said as she then vanished making silly ghostly sounds, until Snowfall then saw herself in a foggy and snowy wasteland, and a colder gust of wind blew.

Snowfall then saw the presence of a gigantically large figure, even more bigger than the Spirit of Hearth’s Warming Presents had initially appeared to be from Snowfall’s standards. The spirit was wrapped in a dark grayish midnight blue hooded cloak with her wings sprouting out and had a crescent moon crest and black splotches, and transparent white and blue tendrils underneath her cloak, but she couldn’t see her face. “Who are you?” Snowfall asked, until she knew who it was. “Am I now in the presence of the Spirit of Hearth's Warming Yet to Come?” The spirit replied with a nod.

“Are you here to show me what my actions have caused?” Snowfall asked. The spirit nodded again. “Spirit, I don’t know what it is you have to show me, but I want to say I’m sorry. But I’ll do anything for you to forgive me, and hopefully everypony, if you’ll show me what happens next.”

At long last, the Spirit of Hearth’s Warming Yet to Come spoke, but in a loud and echoey voice, and revealed her face, “It’s too late, Snowfall Frost.”

“What? Why?” Snowfall asked. “But aren’t you here to show me what future Hearth's Warming Eves are like, especially how miserable mine is, and how terrible I’ve made it for others?”

“No, for there are no more Hearth's Warming Eves for me to show, either to you or to anyone,” the spirit replied ominously. “Why not?” Snowfall asked.

The spirit shook her head, “You will succeed in erasing the holiday of Hearth’s Warming Eve forever, as you wished, Snowfall Frost.”

“And what happens? Why is it that everything is hidden and covered in snow and ice?” Snowfall asked, until the spirit replied by singing.

[Princess Luna]

I see a cold wind blowing through
I see days neither fun nor free
I see a future caused by you
I see a path not meant to be

The future should be filled with magic
Dreams and wishes brought to life
But the days ahead are dark and tragic
No time for hope when all is strife

Whatever might have been
All the dreams that ponies share
Because of you, Snowfall Frost
Now the future is a cold nightmare

As the spirit sang, Snowfall saw what appeared to be horses made of ice and snow, creating blinding blizzards that buried entire cities and towns. “Windigos?! They aren't real! It's just a little filly's story! Professor Flintheart said so!” Snowfall exclaimed horrifically.

“They are all too real, Snowfall, and your actions will allow them to return. The future of Equestria shall be bathed in a blanket of eternal snow! That is the fate you’ve foolishly brought on it!” The Spirit of Hearth’s Warming Yet to Come replied firmly.

Horrified and terrified at this realization, Snowfall laid on her stomach and grabbed the edge of the spirit’s cloak and then pleaded desperately and mercifully with it, “No! I never meant for this to happen! I didn't understand! I didn't see how important Hearth's Warming Eve was! Please, I’ll do anything! Please, spirit! Let me go back! I haven't cast the spell yet! Is there still time?! Tell me there’s still time to make things right! I'm sorry! I won’t try to erase the holiday ever again! I see now, that it is important! That it is worth celebrating! Whatever wrongs I’ve done in the past, it doesn’t matter or have to define my future, or even Equestria’s future! Please, spirit! Send me back to the present, let me give those ponies, including poor sweet little Timber Todd the present they truly deserve instead of this! Please! I beg of you!”

She then felt herself being pulled into a dug up hole towards a coffin underneath, and she held onto a root. “Spirit?! No, please! I don’t want to hate the holiday or try to erase it! I’ll change my ways! I’ll change!” Snowfall exclaimed, but suddenly the spirit tapped her with her hoof, and Snowfall fell into the pit. “NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!”

All of a sudden, the wind stopped, and then Snowfall opened her eyes gasping and screaming. She then took a few deep breaths, and found herself laying on the wooden floor of her study, as though she once thought that it was all a bad dream, which of course, she knew otherwise. Except it was no dream, it had all been real, as she felt her icy heart melting, until its size adjusted with the magical warmth of holiday spirit and cheer. “I... I’m alive? I’m alive!” Snowfall exclaimed happily. “Thank goodness! Thank you, spirits. Thank you.” She would’ve been lucky enough to be blessed with a second chance to save the holiday and change the future.

Eyeing her cauldron that had the potion that she’d whipped up, Snowfall suddenly felt her heart fill with dread, as just looking at the bubbling green liquid made her feel guiltily ill, so she made the right choice. “I don’t know what I was thinking trying to create such a spell!” She said in concern as she rushed over and took the cauldron off the hearth. She quickly carried it out of her study and down the hall, and into the kitchen towards the sink, and started to pour the potion into the sink, dumping all that dark magic contained. “But this can’t never happen! It wouldn’t! It couldn’t! It shouldn’t! Not now, not then, not ever again!” She vowed, as she solemnly swore she saw a windigo briefly emerge from the drain and let out a faint and weak whiny.

Shaken with fright, Snowfall carefully carried her now empty cauldron back to the study, and snuffed out the flames on the hearth, and lit the candles she remembered. “There. That takes care of that,” she said, until she saw that it was almost sundown. She then pushed her study window open and saw that it was a mid-late morning, and then saw three fillies with winter scarves, boots and vests walking by, which were a orange pegasus filly named Susie, a yellow earth pony filly with a red bow named Heidi, and a white unicorn filly with a purple and pink mane and tail and a neck collar on her neck, and a sweater named Claire.

“Hey! You three, right there! What day is it?!” Snowfall asked. “What?” Heidi asked. “Today! What day is it?! What’s today?!” Snowfall asked in reply. “Today?! Why, it’s still Hearth’s Warming Eve!” Claire replied.

Snowfall gasped, “It’s still Hearth’s Warming Eve!” She then realized that they were right after looking at the clock, saying 5:50pm. “There's still time to make everything right and good again!” She then looked back at the fillies, “Thank you, girls! Here, take these bits as a donation. Use it to buy gifts for your families to be happy, and enjoy yourselves with a nice treat from the bakery! Now, hurry!”

“Thanks, miss!” Heidi exclaimed. “You’re the best!” Susie said, and then they ran off with the bits to find some presents for their families. Snowfall then thought of an idea, “Now, to give Ash Hatchet and all those party goers something to talk and give about, and to save Timber Todd!” Later on, she went downtown shopping for gifts for the party later tonight and donated some bits for charity and tipped her hat as other ponies were glad to see her happy, and then she came back to wrap her gifts properly.

The party was still going on as an hour and 15 minutes passed. Music was playing, food and drinks were flowing, and ponies of all different species were laughing and chattering up a storm, spreading good cheer.

All of a sudden, there came an unexpected knock on the door. While the ponies kept enjoying themselves without hesitation, Merry and Flutterholly went to answer it. “Hmm... I wonder who that could be,” Merry said.

When the door was opened, there stood the last pony anypony wouldn’t have expected to see out and walking about on Hearth’s Warming Eve. It was Snowfall Frost with a warm, forgiving and apologetic smile on her face, and wearing her top hat.

“Oh, my,” Merry gasped with a hoof over her lips, along with Flutterholly gasping in shock. “Snowfall Frost?” Flutterholly asked in confusion.

Snowfall nodded, “I was hoping I wasn't too late for the party? I brought gifts,” Snowfall then brought her gifts for the party over. The record needle scratched and the music stopped playing, and everypony became unaware of the presence of their unexpected guest.

Ash, while drinking a mug of apple cider, couldn’t hardly believe her eyes, and then spat out her drink in shock, “Boss?!”

“I was wrong earlier, about Hearth's Warming Eve, and in fact the whole entire Hearth’s Warming season in general. It's not all about just singing and presents. The singing and presents are all about celebrating the ponies in our lives. The ponies we should listen to more often: our friends. So, I know it’s not much, but here. Think of it as my long overdue present. A way for me to say thank you for all the great hard work you’ve done for me, Ashley Hatchet.”

“Wow,” Ash replied, and then ripped open the hastily wrapped box presented for her. It turned out to be a potion full of some kind. “Dragon toenail? Uh... thanks? I think?”

“Sorry. I was in a hurry. I'll do better next time. I promise,” Snowfall said. “Ha. You kidding? No one's ever given me dragon toenail before! It’s awesome!” Snowfall smiled warmly, and then thought of something, “I’ve also been thinking about raising your salary up a little so that I’ll make sure I treat you fairly. And as for the kid you’re foalsitting, I left him a little something.”

“What’d you give him?” Ash asked. They then saw Timber Todd coming over, “Miss Hatchet!”

“Todd? How’re you feeling?” Ash asked. “I’m feeling a little bit better, but my leg’s still a little bit sprained,” Timber Todd said. “I donated some bits for the proper medicine he needed, and then hired a nurse to give it to him. And I also asked for a teacher to help him with his sprained leg,” Snowfall said. The crowd was surprised about Snowfall’s new personality, and then Ash, Merry and Flutterholly were proud of her. “So, is it okay if I join the party with all of you?”

“Oh, Snowfall, you didn’t have to do that! But I’m really glad you did!” Ash said, as Timber Todd walked over to Snowfall and wrapped his arms around her neck and laid on her chest for a hug, and then Snowfall smiled warmly and hugged him back. She then lifted him up and placed him on her back and placed her hat onto him for fun. “Now come get some eggnog and have fun with us! We’re gonna dance the night away!”

Snowfall then came inside fully and enjoyed the party with Ash, Merry and Flutterholly as Timber Todd rode on her back and wore her hat. “And from then on, it was always said of all the Hearth's Warming Eve celebrations, Snowfall's was the Hearth's Warmingest. And Timber Todd indeed get a lot better. And Snowfall Frost became something of an aunt to him. In fact, Timber Todd was heard to say on that fateful Hearth’s Warming Eve: ‘May Celestia bless us, everyone!’ The end,” Twilight narrated, and with that, Twilight closed the book, and placed it back on the shelf.

Thomas was happy for Timber Todd and Snowfall Frost. “That was a good story, especially like the one in my world,” he said, still snuggled against Twilight’s chest fur. “Well, you’re more than welcome to come over and let me or your Auntie Starlight, or your Momma read it to you whenever you want,” Twilight said, placing her hooves on Thomas. He then yawned until Starlight looked at the clock, “Wow, it’s that late already. Guess we better get you home to your Momma,” Starlight said, as she got his winter gear and helped him put it onto him.

Thomas then got onto her back and then hugged Twilight quickly. “Goodnight, sweetheart. We’ll see you tomorrow,” Twilight said, kissing him on the forehead. “Goodnight, Auntie Twilight,” Thomas said, and then Starlight took him home to Fluttershy’s cottage.

Hearth’s Warming Eve Arrives

The next morning, Thomas woke up and then looked at the calendar, “Hearth’s Warming Eve is today!” He then went over to his mother sleeping on the couch, and then he gently woke her up. “MOMMA! MOMMA, WAKE UP! WAKE UP!” Fluttershy suddenly woke up, “Sweetie, sweetie! I’m up. I’m up.” Thomas giggled excitedly, and then Fluttershy smiled warmly at him, until she pulled him over for some tickles. “Come here, you!” Thomas started laughing and giggling as Fluttershy kept tickling him on his sides and on his belly. After that, she held him in a cradle and gave him a kiss on his forehead. “Happy Hearth’s Warming, sweetheart,” Fluttershy said. “Happy Hearth’s Warming, Momma,” Thomas said. “Do you want to have breakfast before we go to Auntie Twilight’s castle?” Fluttershy asked.

“Yeah, I’d like that,” Thomas replied. “Good. Now go get dressed and come sit down at the table so you can eat,” Fluttershy said, and then Thomas went upstairs to get dressed. He came back down wearing the sweater Mrs. Shy made for him underneath the same light gray plaid hoodie. Thomas then saw a plate full of scrambled eggs, and Fluttershy made herself some toast. After they were done and their plates were in the sink, Thomas and Fluttershy put on their winter gear. Fluttershy’s was a purple sweater and a pair of earmuffs.

“Alright, sweetie. Let’s head on over,” Fluttershy said, and then Thomas climbed onto her back and they both started to walk over to Ponyville to go shop for some presents for their friends, since Thomas did his.

Meanwhile, at Twilight’s castle as the sun lowered a little, Twilight was almost done setting up dinner and almost done finishing up the pudding. When things were set up, Starlight and Spike checked to make sure. “Looks like everything’s set up,” Starlight said. “Oh, this is perfect! I can’t wait for Cadance, Shining Armor and Flurry Heart to be here! And I can’t wait to see our cutie nephew again since yesterday!” Twilight exclaimed. “I know, so am I,” Starlight said.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, and when Twilight answered it, there was Cadance and Shining Armor in their scarves and booties, and Flurry Heart in a warm sky blue bunting with pink booties and a light green blanket underneath. “Surprise!” Shining Armor said, as Flurry adorably giggling. “Shining! Cadance!” Twilight exclaimed, and then gave them a big hug. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“We’re glad you invited us over. We were looking forward to spending the holidays with you all,” Cadance said, and then Flurry wiggled her cute little hooves for a hug, until Twilight used her magic to bring her niece over and held her in her foreleg and hugged her gently against her chest. “I missed you too, Flurry,” she said, until she gave her a kiss on the forehead.

“So, how’s she been?” Twilight asked, while Flurry played with her mane. “Oh, she’s been really good, but sometimes she’s been a little fussy, so we gave her this,” Cadance said, showing her a snail plushie. “We call it her Whammy. When she gets fussy, she would grab this and calm right down.”

“Interesting,” Twilight said, and then she invited the royal couple inside for some hot chocolate. Later on, they waited for the others to come. Suddenly, there was another knock on the door, and when Twilight answered it, the others were on schedule. “Hey, Twilight!” they said. “Happy Hearth’s Warming, Auntie Twilight!” Thomas said. “Guys! You’re here!” Twilight said. Thomas suddenly saw Cadance and Shining Armor in the living room as he climbed off Fluttershy’s back and then ran over to them. Cadance suddenly saw Thomas running over to them, “Oh my gosh! Thomas! Is that you?!”

“Hi, Princess Cadance! Hi, Shining!” Thomas exclaimed. “Hi!” Cadance exclaimed as she reached out her forelegs, until Thomas jumped onto her barrel for a hug, and then Cadance hugged him back by wrapping both her forelegs around his small form and rubbed his back. “How are you?” Cadance asked. “I’m good. I just missed seeing you both since it’s been so long, like how my Auntie Twilight does,” Shining said in Thomas’s tone. Cadance made a smirking smile with a confused brow. “It’s good to see you, little guy,” Shining Armor said. “I missed you too, Shining,” Thomas muffled underneath Cadance’s hug.

“You look so adorable in your winter gear!” Cadance said, as she held him underneath his armpits. Thomas blushed softly, and then Cadance gave him a few kisses on his cheeks, and then after she took off his gear, she lifted his shirt up a little and blew a raspberry on his bare belly, causing him to laugh. After she finished blowing her raspberry, she placed him on her lap and then the others came over to say hello.

After a nice dinner of poached salmon with a nice salad, but small pieces of turkey for Thomas with some mixed vegetables and baked potatoes, they gathered at the living room again for some presents.

Cadance and Shining Armor gave Flurry a new blanket. Twilight got her friends some beloved novels they might be into, Rarity got her friends some beautiful sweaters, Fluttershy got her friends some friendship bracelets, Pinkie Pie got her friends some rocks, but with gems inside, Rainbow Dash got her friends some Wonderbolts posters of herself, and Applejack got her friends some Apple family scarves. Thomas suddenly liked the gifts he got from his aunts, including a few toys from Pinkie Pie, clothes from Rarity, Fluttershy, and Applejack, and some books from Twilight, until he went over to the tree and got out his presents for his aunts, and his mother and gave them to each one of them.

He got each of them an ornament of their element of harmony. They smiled warmly and then hugged him softly. Fluttershy got her last gift for her son, and gave it to him. When Thomas opened it, he received a new necklace, but it was a silver chain with a dark blue heart shaped gem in a gold pendant. He leaked tears in his eyes, and then hugged his mother’s neck gently, until she hugged him back. “I love it, Momma,” Thomas said. “I know you do,” Fluttershy said, until she gave him a kiss on the forehead. “Happy Hearth’s Warming, sweetie.”

“Happy Hearth’s Warming, Momma,” Thomas said. Twilight then came over and got out the pudding she made. “Do you guys want some pudding?” she asked, and then they nodded in unison, until she scooped some into each bowl. When Thomas tasted it, it tasted like mint chocolate chip ice cream with chocolate chip cookie dough. “This is tasty,” Thomas said. Twilight nodded, and then gave him a hug. Flurry placed her entire face into the bowl and ate it with giggles, and they all laughed together.

“This has been the best Hearth’s Warming Eve ever,” Thomas said. “Just like how I would spend Christmas in my world, but now I’m glad I’ve got to enjoy it by trying Hearth’s Warming Eve with all of you.” They all smiled warmly at him, until he decided to sing a song from his world.

They all gave him one more gentle group hug, and then continued to spend the rest of the evening enjoying Hearth’s Warming Eve together, and then Thomas felt happy as he could since he enjoyed his first Hearth’s Warming Eve in Equestria.

Holiday Folktales, Part 2

Later on, Twilight came back with more hot cocoa, and then gave the mug to Thomas and then sat down on the sofa, until he leaned back towards her again and then she continued the story, “Okay, so where did we leave off? Oh, right! Now, get ready, sweetheart. This is where things get interesting.” She then cleared her throat, and then continued the story.

“Anyway, Snowfall was all set to cast her spell so that it would erase the Hearth’s Warming season for all time. When suddenly, a voice from the hearth caught her attention."

“Ya sure ya wanna go through with this, Snowfall?” an unfamiliar voice asked, seemingly originating from the bubbling cauldron resting above the hearth.

“Huh?! Who’s there?! Who said that?!” Snowfall nervously asked, feeling a little on the edge from her encounter earlier with Mr. Dickson.

Just then, there was a huge seeming apple shaped bubble that rose up, and then a huge puff of smoke appeared, revealing a light grayish blue earth pony mare with western attire that looked like a dress and sweater vest and tuxedo shirt into one, winter boots that looked like mittens on her front hooves, two pigtails on her mane, and a stetson hat on her head. “The Spirit of Hearth's Warmin' Past, that's who. And you and me have got to have us a little chat,” she said, rising out of the cauldron and appearing in front of Snowfall.

“A spirit?!” Snowfall exclaimed, before recalling Mr. Dickson’s warning from earlier. While giving out a suspicious look, Snowfall stared at the spirit. “I didn't cast any spirit summoning spell. What are you doing here?” She then remembered something, “Wait. Don’t tell me you’re that so-called spirit whose coming was foretold to me.”

“Yep. Right as rain, sugarcube,” the spirit chuckled while she phased right through Snowfall, causing her to shiver as she felt she’d been hit by a cold gust of wind from outside. “And to answer your question, it’s really simple. You don't think a spell like that would get by without some powerful forces noticin'? You've got our attention, Snowfall Frost, and we've got some pretty strong opinions on this spell of yours ya got yourself brewin’.”

“Wait a minute. "We"?” Snowfall asked, not knowing who the Spirit of Hearth’s Warming Past was referring to. Snowfall’s suspicions suddenly seemed to be confirmed a moment later, before the spirit turned around to her, “Yep. The other spirits. But don’t worry. They'll be along in a bit. For now, it's just you and me. So, let’s get a move on. We got a ton to see and barely any time to see it.”

Snowfall felt her top hat landing on top of her head. “Beg your pardon. Sorry to disappoint you, spirit, but I'm not going anywhere. I've got a spell to cast, and I don't need a history lesson about Hearth's Warming Eve, so thank you.”

The spirit then pushed the study window open, “We aren't goin' to the past to learn about the holiday. We're goin' to learn about you.” She then spun and threw her lasso at Snowfall, until she felt it land onto her. “I’ll explain when we get there. Now, hold on tight, because it's gonna be a bumpy ride."

Snowfall yelped as she found herself being pulled by The Spirit of Hearth’s Warming Past, who was leading her right towards the window, and then wailed feeling certain she would fall and die. Suddenly, as if by magic, not only did she fall before finding out she was flying like the spirit who had her tied up by the rope around her stomach, she didn’t feel the winter wind biting her, since it no longer seemed to bother her. It was as if she didn’t even exist at all.

While they were traveling through time to the past, The Spirit of Hearth’s Warming Past started to sing as she led Snowfall along.

As a young thing, life sure is somethin'
You go makin' choices large and small
Always growin' like a seedlin'
And playin' is like dreamin'
And before you know it, big and tall

And every little bitty choice you make
Sends you down a path to who you are today
So let's take a little trip down memory lane
And see just what the past has to say

After a few seconds of warping travel, Snowfall and the spirit touched down lightly onto the snow covered ground. But things have changed. They were no longer in the hustle and bustle of Canterlot that was before Hearth’s Warming Day. They were now clearly in a small tree-filled countryside village, with snow covering the branches of each tree. The only trace of civilization in this remote area that they both could find was a small schoolhouse that seemed to be brand new, but had not clearly existed about just a moment ago.

“Now, tell me this, Snowfall Frost,” The Spirit of Hearth’s Warming Past asked. “Does this place ring a bell to you?”

Snowfall carefully examined the building while looking around and taking in every single little detail. The chalkboard, the shelves full of books, the desks, the floorboards, all the windows, and the brick walls. Everything about them all to her seemed absolutely familiar to her. “I... I don’t believe it! I remember this place!” she exclaimed happily. “This is the old schoolhouse I used to go to when I was but a little filly!”

Just then, Snowfall heard some childlike giggles, and after turning her head, she saw herself but as a little filly with the most innocent looking eyes like hers, her mane styled in two short pigtails. The filly Snowfall wore a grayish blue puffy sleeved and truffle skirted schoolgirl shirt with red stripes along with a bandanna on her neck, and a white collar and sleeve cuffs with red stripes, and a matching skimmer hat with a red ribbon on the back, and white frilly tube socks with black dress shoes on her hind legs.

“Aw, look how cute you were. Looks like you're not too upset it's Hearth's Warming Eve either,” the spirit said with a coo in her voice. “Yeah, but it’s been so long,” Snowfall replied. She then saw her younger self playing with her friends from childhood, which were a bluish white pegasus filly with a light grayish blue mane and tail and grayish bluish purple eyes, a grayish purple unicorn filly with a yellow mane and tail and yellow eyes, and a light aqua greenish white unicorn filly with a purple mane and tail and grayish purple eyes. They each were dressed up for the cold weather with matching hats, boots and scarves.

“I assume you know those three?” The spirit asked. “It’s been a long time, but I think I kinda remember the good times I used to have with them, even when we were excited about the holidays,” Snowfall replied. “Yep. But problem is they can’t see or hear ya since we’re invisible, but not physically since we can still see each other and we’re only observin’ everythin’. That's the rules for visitin' the past, ya can look but don't touch. Messin' with the past's a big penalty, meaning all kind of bad things can happen even if ya have good intentions to do so.” Snowfall nodded in reply, meaning she now understood. “Now let's see where and when that all changed, shall we?”

The seeds of the past
They grow pretty fast
Just look at who you were back then
The seeds, as they grow
Look what they can show
Reveal the truth time and again

The scene then changed, and now the young Snowfall was inside the classroom hanging decorations. Until all of a sudden, she hung an ornament on a grouchy unicorn stallion who had a scowling frown on his face, and who seemed to have a little space between his nose and mouth. He had greenish gray fur, wore a dark black coat with two buttons, his eyes were a disapproving blackish purple color, and a disheveled mane and tail that hung limp against his body. “Just what do you think you're doing, Snowfall?” he asked in a bitter tone. “Slacking off again, are we not?”

“No! Of course not. I’m just decorating the classroom for Hearth's Warming Eve, Professor Flintheart!” Young Snowfall replied.

“Ah yes, I see the holiday has come once again,” Professor Flintheart remarked, as he began using his dull dark purple magic aura to lift the star shaped ornament off his horn. “And for you, I see that seems to be an excuse to foolishly neglect your lessons. If I were you, I wouldn’t waste my time with the holiday, not if you truly wish to be successful in life.”

“What do you mean, Professor?” Snowfall asked innocently. “Don’t you celebrate the holiday with family and friends too?”

“I have no family, or friends, and let’s just say that you’re the only pony who’s ever so much taken an interest in what I have to say. Where this school not so desperate for teachers, they’d want nothing to do with an old stick in the mud like me,” Professor Flintheart grumbled. “So let me ask you something, Snowfall. You said you wanted to learn to be a powerful unicorn, did you not?”

“I do!” Snowfall replied happily.

“And do you somehow remember what is the way that one becomes a powerful unicorn?” Professor Flintheart asked his student. Snowfall then cleared her throat, “Work hard, learn, and use your skills to better Equestria. You say that all the time.”

“Ah, yes. I see my ways are not entirely lost in the current generation after all. But a pity it is that the rest of your classmates are as big a bunch of nitwits as I usually have to teach such a lesson or two towards,” Professor Flintheart commented, holding out the ornament from before. “But tell me. How do these help you to learn magic?”

“Oh, I want to be strong enough to stop windigos and help ponies!” Snowfall eagerly replied. To her surprise, Professor Flintheart coldly looked at her. “Snowfall, I’m so very disappointed in you. I thought you of all ponies would know the truth.”

“About what?” Snowfall asked. “You see, I’ve never met a windigo in all of my life, and neither has anypony else,” Professor Flintheart lectured.

Snowfall’s heart sank, realizing why hadn’t anypony ever told her this before. “But... but...” she stammered. “What about the tale of Equestria’s founding, and how the three tribes came together to fend off the windigos?!”

“Please don’t embarrass yourself, Snowfall,” Professor Flintheart scolded in a bitter tone. “That's just a story we tell little ponies. The three tribes did unite, but not over some make believe ice horses that don’t exist! Real magic takes time to learn, not just something you can do just to put off for a silly nonsense holiday.” He then proceeded to use his magic and shattered the ornament into a million tiny pieces.

Poor Snowfall could feel her little heart breaking in a similar way, until her eyes were filled with tears. Pushing the box of decorations towards Snowfall, Professor Flintheart turned his back on the filly and coldly told her, “So, do you see now? There’s no time for fun and games if you wish to be as powerful as any other unicorn or even Starswirl the Bearded. It's your choice, Snowfall. Spend your time learning to become a powerful unicorn or play with your toys and make nothing of yourself.” And then with that, he departed from the room, leaving Snowfall all alone with her thoughts and broken heart, while the present Snowfall and The Spirit of Hearth’s Warming Past then watched the terrible scene unfold as the young Snowfall made the fateful decision to turn her back on the holiday that had once brought her great happiness.

Then some distress, words so careless
Standin' there, you don't know what to do
Feelin' helpless, you can't make it hurt less
So you go and change your point of view

They then saw her friends run up to the window to say hello, but Snowfall glared at them, and shut the curtains in front of them, leaving them concerned about their friend. Snowfall then tossed the decorations into the waste bin, and then started studying magic, as she felt sad and angry in between.

And in that moment, though you didn't know it
Your defenses set up walls you built to last
Leading to the pony you've become today
And the spell you're about to cast
It all comes from your past

The seeds of the past
We grow up so fast
Some hurts never go away

The seeds, as they grow
This we can't let go
All tied to this one holiday

Present Snowfall was feeling guilty about how she felt from her professor’s lecture, and how it twisted her holiday spirit into waste, and then she and the spirit moved onto another memory.

They saw themselves in an old Hearth’s Warming party at a big barn. There were ponies dancing and having fun with music playing, and lots of ponies were having either apple cider or eggnog, and eating holiday hors d'oeuvres. They then saw her younger self sitting outside the barn reading books and studying magic, and wearing a dress that seemed formal enough.

“I recognize this. It’s an old Hearth’s Warming party I went to, but I had no choice but to go, since I needed somewhere quiet to study magic,” Snowfall said. “Yep. But do you remember what happened before that?” The Spirit of Hearth’s Warming Past asked. “I think it’s happening right about... now!” Snowfall said, as she pointed at a golden orangish yellow unicorn stallion with a red mane and tail, and a beard, and he was wearing a aqua blue sweater vest with a coral blue tie and a white tuxedo shirt. “Snowfall Frost, I assume?” he asked, as Snowfall looked at him. “Uh-huh. Who are you?” Snowfall asked. “I’m Curtis Stellar,” he replied. “Uh... nice to meet you,” Snowfall replied.

“Say, I kinda like your dress, but are you okay out here by yourself?” Curtis asked. “Oh, this? Well, I kinda needed a break from home, so I’d wear something formal enough, but I came here to study a little more,” Snowfall replied.

“Interesting. Studying magic, I see,” Curtis said, until he thought of an idea. “Hey, why don’t you save the studying for later, and come dance with me? I’ll show you how.”

Snowfall then thought for a moment, and then smiled nervously at him before taking his hoof as they walked inside the barn and joined the party and danced together, until they saw each other as friends and study partners.

The present Snowfall and the Spirit of Hearth’s Warming Past smiled warmly at the younger versions of themselves dancing together. “Ya made a good decision right there, Snowfall. I’m proud of ya,” The spirit said. “Thanks, Spirit. But I wish I could take back what happened after that,” Snowfall said. “I agree with ya. Why don’t we go see?” The spirit asked, and then she led Snowfall to another year, which is where they saw Curtis packing up a wagon full of luggage. They then saw the young adult Snowfall rushing outside.

“Curtis! Curtis, wait!” she called out. “What are you doing?! You’re leaving me?! I thought we were friends!”

“We are. I’m just moving out somewhere, probably Ponyville or something,” Curtis said. “Did I do something wrong?” Snowfall asked, with tears in her eyes. “No, you didn’t do anything wrong. I just got accepted to a college in magic, so I’m moving to the designated town to go there,” Curtis said. “But I’ll write to you if I have the time.”

Snowfall and Curtis then hugged each other, and then Curtis got into the carriage and as it went off to the train station, Snowfall never saw him again, as she walked home with tears in her eyes feeling heartbroken.

Present Snowfall had been watching the entire scene unfold, and she had tears in her eyes as well as she felt her heart breaking again from all that suffering. Turning to the Spirit of Hearth’s Warming Past, she looked at her both sadly and angrily, “Why, Spirit?! Why did you show me this?! Why are you tormenting and torturing me like this?!”

“Hey, now it ain’t my doin’, Snowfall Frost,” The spirit replied with a shake of her head. “I told you before, these are only projections of your past. So obviously, you’ve had a history of bad memories associated with the holiday. And the only way y’all can move on from ‘em is to confront ‘em. Besides, ya really think that castin’ a spell to erase the holiday from existence will magically make all that pain and sufferin’ go away? I’d suggest ya think about it first.”

Snowfall growled and gritted her teeth, narrowing her eyebrows in anger, along with tears in her eyes. “Please, spirit! Show me no more! Leave my sight at once! I closed the door on my past long ago and for good reason, but I really don’t enjoy having it reopened again!”

The Spirit of Hearth’s Warming Past sighed heavily with unwillingness, and then reluctantly obliged with disappointment and felt unamused with her tone, “Very well, Snowfall. If that’s what you wish. But don’t forget, there are still two more spirits you have yet to meet with momentarily. So I’d say both of them have some advice that’s worth listenin’ to. Hopefully, you’ll heed their advice before to late.”

Snowfall nodded, and then she was lost in the blackness everywhere and then she felt the light going out.

Twilight then saw Thomas crying into her fur and hugging her hoof, and then she put the book down for a moment and hugged her nephew. “Shhhhhh... There, there, sweetheart. Did that upset you?” Thomas nodded, and then he hugged his aunt as she placed both her hooves around him and then hummed a soft melodic lullaby for him.

“Mind if I refill our mugs and fix the fire?” Starlight asked, and then Twilight nodded in reply and then as Starlight left, she continued to him the tune to her nephew.