Dawn's new day.

“Twilight, tell me again why we’re putting up a tree and decorating it.” Star Song asked as she flew up and hung an ornament near the top of the massive Pine tree she was helping Twilight and I decorate. I was also curious, I knew the origin of Christmas trees but not how they relate to Hearth’s warming. The Apples hadn’t bothered with an indoor tree last year and instead just decorated part of the orchard and my moms had never bothered with a tree before since we normally celebrated with Forest’s family. This may be my first time actually having a tree to decorate since Pegasi don’t often have them.

Thestrals also apparently celebrated the holiday, but their traditions were more about having a feast. Closer to America’s Thanksgiving, which was not a thing in Equestria.

“The tree represents the green flame of the ‘Fire of Friendship’ which was created when the three primary pony tribes set aside their differences and reunited. According to the princess, ponies that lived on the ground would cut down a few Pine trees, decorate them really nice as thanks for the wood, and then use them as firewood in their hearths.” Twilight explained happily as we decorated the tree in Celestia’s study.

Although it was only one of the many trees being set up in the castle, it also would be used as the one to house our presents. “The tradition of course evolved over the generations as more magical heating options became available and now it’s just mostly a nice decoration. The old trees do still get used for wood or garden mulch.”

“Huh.” I hung another ornament as Star Song landed near Twilight while thinking about the history.

“Hey Twi, What about stockings?” I asked while looking towards the fireplace. Song’s ears perked up for another lesson.

“That one’s a bit more complicated.” I noticed her blush while looking away and flicking her tail nervously. “It has to do with, um… Socks.”

“Well I figured that~, but why?” I tilted my head as she sat on her haunches and covered her face with her fore hooves. Song giggled at the filly.

The two were not exactly friends, considering Song kept trying to ‘claim’ me once she found out Twilight was my lead, but the fillies had a mutual agreement about sharing information to learn more about each other’s cultures.

Twilight took a deep breath. “It started when traveling mares would hang their socks above the fireplace to dry out after walking through the snow when meeting up at their stallions’ homes. The stallions would often put gifts in them if they… had a good time as a joke. Or so the legends go.”

I blinked a few times then laughed. “That. Can not. Be true!” I couldn’t contain myself.

Twilight became even more embarrassed as I laughed.

“Actually, it is true Dawn. Though, there’s a few things pony history leaves out.” I stopped laughing as Imago spoke up. She was watching over us while relaxing on the cushions by the fire with her sleeping nymphs and Spike. Lyra had left for the kitchens to bring us all back some snacks, even though the maids had insisted on doing it for her, and Celestia, sadly, still had a country to run.

“Wait really?” I asked after catching my breath.

“Oh yes, the history is quite accurate, except most of those first mares to wear socks were changelings as they helped keep Lings warm. We don’t generate as much body heat as ponies after all so they were necessary. Pony mares then adopted the socks as fashion trend and changelings went along with it since stallions found a mare in socks… appealing.” She rolled her hoof. “They would also often visit well after the holidays and closer to spring and the pony mating season.”

Song blushed and looked at her back legs, mumbling under her breath. “Maybe I should get a pair.”

“Really. That’s fascinating. I had no idea changelings had a part in the old traditions.” Twilight wiggled with excitement over learning something new.

“You would be surprised how much changelings and ponies influence each other without realizing. Hearts and Hooves day is a great example. Some of the old hives really expanded that holiday in order to improve love collection.” Imago looked int the fire wistfully.

“I could see that.” I hung the last ornament and flopped down next to the changeling princess. “Emotivortes improving a love holiday would make sense.”

Twilight finished up then loafed at my side while scratching her chin causing Song to look a bit jealous. “I’ll have so much more to research while taking changeling influence into account.” Twilight hummed happily.

“Granny who are all these ponies?” Morning Dew asked the elder mare as more Apple clan members began congregating outside of the Canterlot train station. Despite what the show portrayed, the station had trains come in from many locations.

“Why it’s the Apple Clan ah course. Every few years the whole family does Hearth’s warming together and this year was our turn.” Granny Smith said as if it was the most obvious thing in Equestria.

“Granny did you really invite the whole family to come with us to the castle?!” Pear butter had just escaped a conversation with her half sister Orange Blossom.

“Well course I did. Celly has the room at host, so why not?” Pear butter just shook her head.

It was at this moment a small group of guards arrived and one spoke up. “We’re here to escort the Apple family to the castle…”

“That’s us.” Everypony in the group shouted happily

“Well come on sonny let’s get a’ going.” Granny Smith, the family matriarch began walking towards the castle with the rest of the clan following.

Forest couldn’t stop chucking as she hovered near her wives.

“And what’s so funny?” Pear poked her lightly, Scootaloo was riding on Forest’s back while Bloom was on her own and she didn’t want to knock either filly off.

“We look like a parade.” Forest motioned towards the ponies watching their large group walk, or in the foals case, jump happily through the snow while chatting.

“This is so awesome.” Scootaloo said in quiet wonder. None of them knew if she was talking about the city or the situation they found themselves in.

Pear couldn’t help but smile at her daughters’ enthusiasm. “How shocked do you think Dawn will be?”

“Dawn? I would be more worried about the Princess.” Dew giggled which quickly spread to the rest of them.

“Eeyup.” Mac said while keeping Cheerilee moving. The young mare was still in shock over the size of the family she would be hopefully joining.

“Oh I just hope they won’t be too bad.”

I couldn’t control my laughter as I watched the Princess try to speak then fail a few times. The two of us had gone to greet my family in the throne room and found out that the whole clan had shown up. Most of them who hadn’t seen the castle before were looking around with great interest.

“Think that’s real gold?” Apple Fritter idly commented.

“Course it is!” Golden Delicious retorted.

“And cousin Dawn lives here?” Braeburn asked Mac.

“Eeyup.” I interjected with a wave towards them.

The two strolled over and we shared bro hoofs. “So Granny brought the whole clan?” I kept an eye on Celestia as she still tried speaking.

“Eeyup.” Mac nodded as Celestia’s eye twitched.

“Didn’t know about it till today?” I noticed Celestia watching as a few of Grannie’s generation commented on the tapestries causing one to fall when touched.

“Eenope.” Cheerilee looked just as flustered as Celestia by the clans actions. One of the older mares had tried putting the tapestry back up but was nowhere close to tall enough.

“Nice.” I nodded then was immediately tackled by a pair of fillies.

“Dawn!” Bloom and Scootaloo both gave my legs a nuzzle.

“Well hi sisters.” I nuzzled the tops of their heads causing them to giggle. Celestia was talking a few calming breaths as a unicorn guard stallion helped the older mares hang it back up then was immediately dragged over to meet some of the younger single mares of the family.

When Celestia did eventually calm herself she rose her voice. “Alright my little ponies it’s…”

“Aww Celly none of that now.” Granny Smith was somehow at her side poking it with a hoof. “You’re one of the family.” No one had even noticed her getting so close.

There were some smiles and nods around the room that caused the ancient mares mask to crack again.

Looking at Granny she sighed in defeat which made me smile. “Apple clan!” She said happily and with some authority, the whole family waited with baited breath. “The maids will lead you all to the guest rooms to unpack then we’ll meet up at the main dining hall for dinner. Can’t wait to see you all there.”

There was plenty of excited cheering as the family moved out, eventually leaving only my direct family, Celestia, and the flabbergasted guardsmares stationed around the room. The poor stallion had been dragged along by the family.

“Well that was something.” I eventually said.

“Uh huh.” My moms nodded as the younger fillies played by running around under my and Celestia’s wings. Unfettered looked a bit nervous while helping Cheerilee recover and Granny was still over by the Princess.

“So where’s Lyra?” Dam eventually asked while giving me a nuzzle.

“Oh, she was helping Twilight, Star Song, and I decorate the main tree though we might need to move it into the dining room. I’ll take you all.” I happily stared leading the way towards the study.

“I can not believe you brought the whole of clan Apple.” Celestia hung her head and snorted at Granny.

“Well course I did. You finally decided to celebrate the holidays with us so ya had to see them.” Granny waved her hoof dismissively. “Sides your not the only member needing introduced this year.”

“Do they even know why I’m part of the clan?” Celestia asked nervously keeping one eye on her former, unofficial herd sister and long time friend.

“Now don’t you fret Celly.” Granny put a comforting hoof on her side. “Most just assume it’s because you’re like another mother to Dawn, what with you both being Alicorns and all. I haven’t told a soul about our Sunset or how she ran off. Now why don’t you introduce me to this new marefriend of yours and we three share a drink before dinner while everypony else gets settled in.” Granny gave her a big smile and a swat on the flank with her tail.

“Lyra!” Morning Dew hugged and nuzzled her adopted daughter. While they often shared letters they were gone much too long though the year. “It’s so good to see you, oh we have somepony to introduce.”

I watched as dam introduced Lyra to Scootaloo and then get her talking with the rest of the family. While they all were talking Unfettered came over to greet me with a nuzzle.

“Good to see you again Balanced Dawn.” It always felt strange when a pony used my full name.

“It’s good to see you too Unfettered Breeze.” We both laughed. “How’s the continued freedom treating you?”

She gave a big smile and sat at my side as we watched the others interact. “Really well. Mom Dew helped me get all caught up with my education and Mom Forest helped me get my wings in shape.” She ruffled her feathers. “Mom Pear and Granny have taught me a bunch of new recipes, plus I’m getting along great with Cheerilee and Mac.” She blushed a bit.

I playfully nudged her side. It was nice seeing her express herself more. When Unfettered first joined the family she was still stuck in her old habits as a maid until she began receiving her crown provided therapy and the family encouraged her to get out and try more things.

“Joining their herd?” I joked, she could but I wasn’t expecting her to give a small nod. “Huh. Well good on you sis.”

She blushed.

“Hey Dawn who’s this?” The new voice of Twilight joined us and I began introducing the two before the rest of the family joined in.

“You’re family is massive.” Twilight’s jaw hung open as we entered the main ballroom. It was the only room large enough to host the entire clan, dinner, and the other guests, such as Twilight’s family, comfortably. Said family was already mingling with the rest of the Apples.

“Yeah, I don’t even know everypony, so I don’t expect you two to.” I nudged her side as Trixie rolled her eyes at my joke.

“Trixie is impressed and intrigued that she will be joining such a large and happy family in the future.” She strolled right into the crowd and began introducing herself to some of the family members.

Spike, who was on Twilight’s back jumped off and followed after her while Twilight tried and failed to catch up to him.

I just shrugged. “Guess I should join them.”

As the party went on the visiting Thestrals and the Changelings from Imagos hive joined in on the festivities and It all became overwhelming so I escaped out onto one of the balconies. Twilight and Celestia apparently had the same idea as I found them chatting while watching the evening snow fall.

Celestia’s ear flicked as she noticed my approach but didn’t say anything.

“It’s just all so overwhelming.” I heard Twilight speak up form her spot between Celestia’s legs, she was resting her head against one and the sight made me smile until she spoke again and I froze. “I don’t know if I belong at all.”

“Twilight I don’t think…” Celestia’s words died as Twilight stomped her hoof.

“But I keep falling behind!” She sniffled. “I’m supposed to be your student yet he became an alicorn. I’m supposed to keep him safe and yet he was foalnapped and the escaped all on his own and even brought back a lost pony tribe!” Twilight cried out, her horn sparking with unrealized emotion. I hadn’t realized just how much she had been worrying as it was unusual for ponies to think that deeply, it made my heart ache.

“Princess. I love him so much and he’s great with Spike yet I can’t help but feel jealous about everything he has accomplished.” I flinched from my spot a ways away as she spoke so softly while hanging her head. Celestia’s ear flicked my way and yet she still didn’t make my presence known.

Without speaking I stepped in front of Twilight as Celestia backed off not quite sure if she was making the right choice. Without warning I pressed my nose against Twilight’s and wrapped her in my wings. The contact made her gasp while flinching and she looked scared when she opened her eyes and saw me.

“Twilight Sparkle I love you too. You have every right to feel jealous but just know that everything I have belongs to you as well.” I nuzzled lightly against her. I could tell she didn’t know what to say but she did slowly relax. I wish I could tell her how much she will accomplish in the future.

“Hey Celly where have you..? Oh sorry for interrupting.” Granny Smith had come outside and pulled the Princess back into the party with her leaving Twilight and I behind. I noticed a nervous Trixie eventually showed up and I gladly welcomed her into the embrace.

Twilight noticed the new presence becoming even more relaxed. Eventually she pushed us both away and rubbed her face. “Thank you. Both of you.” She smiled at Trixie.

“Of course Sparkle. You will never be without one of us around.” Trixie puffed up. I knew she didn’t quite understand everything that happened but went with the flow well enough since Twilight laughed and shook her head.

“Let’s get back inside and warm up.” Twilight wrapped her tail around mine and put a leg over Trixie. I hope it doesn’t take her years to realize how amazing she is.