It was the end of the month of November, a very cold day. It was almost time for the snow to start falling. Ponies were starting to clean up and prepare their sleds and other snow related gear.
One day, in the plaza of the seaside town of Maretine Bay, ponies were gathered. Izzy stood with Hitch as he happily made an announcement.
”Alright everyone. Calm down.”He said to the crowd of excited ponies that signed up for this event. They calmed down after a bit and watched happily. Ready to be here for anything he needed to say.
”Besides the event. What do you think he will talk about?” Windy asked Posey.
Posey smiled and looked at Hitch. “Hrmph. Maybe something a bit cheesy like Hitch does every year. Like an ice skating dance or a snowman contest. Which Phyllis somehow wins every year… Ugh!”
Being close to the front, Hitch had indeed overheard them. “Oh yes, Posey! We’ll be doing the snowman contest again this year. It’ll be on the 10th. The ice skating show’s date will soon be announced. Presented by Pipp Petals. She-“
”I’ll be so excited for you all to witness it! Right, Rocky and Jazz!?” Pipp called out. Interrupting Hitch.
The latter jumped up excitedly with a loud cheer. Where'd Rocky chuckled nervously and rubbed his foreleg. Looking out a bruise on the side. Coming from an accident from when, he had tried to ice skate the day before. “Yeah…” He cringed slightly as he touched it. “Ouch.”
Before Hitch could say anything else. Izzy excitedly hurried to the microphone and explained.
”We are doing a secret Santa!” She exclaimed. Despite the crowd already being aware of this. They literally signed up their names for the secret santa weeks ago. They had arrived for their assignments and any other important details. There was some cricket chirps before she spoke again. “Each of you will be getting a slip of paper with a name on it! You buy a Christmas present for that pony!”
Hitch nodded. “You cannot reveal to the pony on the paper that you are their secret Santa. But you may reveal yourself after the event is over. When you got your gift, you’re to take it to Mane Melody where it’ll be stored till the 23rd of December. Any questions?”
”Oh!” Pipp exclaimed. “If you’re not sure what to give your assignment. You’ll be supplied with a Wishlist!”
Izzy interrupted her with a jump, much to her annoyance. “Yes yes!” She cried. “Everyone who entered had to write down three things they’d love to have!”
“Or wouldn’t mind having…” Pipp said quietly. "Like if someone like me, who would prefer a strawberry scented-"
”Don’t worry everypony.” Hitch said with a smile. Interrupting Pipp without thinking. “You all got plenty of time! Today is the 23rd… So you get a whole month!”
”Only a whole month!?” Cried a random pony in the audience.
Hitch realised he may have caused a bit of panic. “I-it’s a lot more time than you think! U-uh- If you run out of time, then go for a box of chocolates! Ponies love chocolate! Right?”
”Sooo!” Called out Izzy, hyped on excitement. “Any questions?!”
Izzy and Hitch worked together to answer any questions. Before giving a paper with a name and wishlist on it to each pony. Taking care to not partner a pony up with themselves. Most ponies seemed pretty happy with who they got. They did, however allow a few swaps. Like Posey refusing to be partnered up with Raincloud for some reason. So she swapped assignments with someone and ended up with Ash instead.
“Oh my!” Posey exclaimed as she looked at hers. “I wonder what this pony would want…” She said with a smile and looking at the wishlist. ”Huh? Easy, I can do that, I think.“
Hitch looked at his. “Oh wow, gee, I do think I have a good idea for him. Hope he likes it.”
Izzy look a peek at his and smiled. He had gotten Alphabittle. Alphabittle wasn’t originally going to join, but decided to eventually. Izzy wasn’t sure on what changed his mind. But perhaps it had something to do with what Misty said to him a few days before submissions closed.
“Oh boy! I can’t wait to see what you’ll gift him! I’m sure he’ll love it, Hitch.”
”Y-yeah..” He nodded. A little nervous because he did look a bit big and threatening at times. He didn’t know why. But he did hope he’d enjoy his gift. After all, he had a heart of gold once you knew him.
Jazz squealed in excitement as she got hers. “I can’t believe it!”
”Who did you get, Jazz?” Rocky asked.
”Oh! Uh…” She looked at him and packed the paper into her sash to hide it from him. Not wanting to reveal it for some strange reason. Was she wanting to make it extra surprising on the day? Or did she simply want Rocky to guess? “Someone I’m really excited to be their secret Santa for!”
”Oh really!” Rocky chuckled. “It’s Pipp, isn’t it? Ruby? Dahlia? Or maybe Queen Haven!”Then he made a light chuckle.“Or your secret crush?” He joked with a grin. Nudging her.
“Oh Rocky!” Smirked Jazz as she nudged him with a hoof. “Quit it!”
“Oh well, glad you’re excited, wonder who mine is!” He looked at his and his mouth opened in shock. Queen Haven. “Okay… This may be a little tricky for me…” He knew she was a sweet queen and would like his gift regardless. But he couldn't help but feel a little nervous about having to give a gift to the queen, one that she would like!
Nearby. Dahlia looked at hers with a smile. “Oh boy… I think I might know what Pos-“ She then realised the pony she was about to mention was nearby. “What this fella might like!”
Ponies walked off. Thinking what to buy as a gift for the event. Some were nervous and were excited. Zipp looked at hers with a smile, she believed buying a gift for that particular pony would be easy. She knew Thunder well. He was a guard at the palace. She knew what he might like. Izzy happily jumped around, excited for everyone to enjoy their gifts.
As Zipp flew over the shrinking crowd. She overheard a pony who was confused by their assignment. “Zoom?” She questioned. Luckily Zipp was flying close by and overheard her.
“Oh! Zoom Zephyrwing. She’s one of my mother’s favourite royal guard. You see her around, the blue one.”
”Oh! That’s Zoom!” The pony answered."Thanks, princess Zipp!"
You’re welcome. Also, Just call me Zipp!"
Sunny rushed around a shop that sold accessories, she ran down an isle that sold scarves and jackets. Stuff like that. She groaned as she looked back at the paper. “What on earth does Nikki like?!” She groaned as she hurried into another isle that sold funny hats.
“Wishlist literally only says.‘Fluffy, Sweet and Kawaii!” She then groaned.“I don’t even know what kawaii means!” She started to complain as she looked at the list. Deciding to ignore the last word and just go for something sweet and fluffy. Now then they mean sweet in taste or?
Misty was nearby and nodded in agreement with her agreement. She had a similar problem herself. “I don’t know what Rudy Timber means by sick and smooth?” She looked down. “Why would he want a gift that makes him sick? I personally wouldn’t.”
Dapple, the unicorn who is usually with Onyx, playing his bongo drums was nearby. Overhearing their convo, he joined them and sighed. “Do you know what “Ninja Squirrel” merch is? Because I do not!”
“I think it’s supposed to say Nina squirrel.” Sunny answered. “It’s a new video game. Well, a reboot of a very old video game series.”
“Oh… Dang… That sounds way easier.” He looked at his list. “I suppose the next thing isn’t supposed to say Stash Bandicoot, either?”
Sunny nodded. Wondering why on earth, his assignment was so bad at writing the name of video games. Well. She didn’t see the list, so she just assumed the writer or someone smudged the ink or pencil on accident. “Yeah… That’s meant to be a video game, too. You won’t be needing to find a bandicoot in Equestria anytime soon…”
“Thank goodness… The closest bandicoot is miles away!”
As days went on. Ponies did their own things, a few looked around for something to buy. A certain guard, known as Zoom was having a day off. A request from the queen. Since she liked the guards to relax a bit more closer to the holidays.
Zoom was in a random store in Zephyr Heights. It had a whole assortment of stuff at a good price! Food, books, games, tools and anything! She was happily looking around in the sport section. Trying to get an idea. She knew Zipp would be happier without jewellery. Which made things harder but a bit cheaper, too.
Her ears then drooped as she heard a familiar voice nearby.
"Gee... When this store expanded. It improved a bit!"
With a gasp, she looked and saw her assignment walking down an aisle. She couldn't be seen here. She couldn't be caught! Or else she would completely fail the quest!
Unfortunately, standing out in the open. Looking nervously while looking at her assigned pony. While near stuff she is interested in might just scream. "This pony is your secret Santa!"
With quick thinking, she ran down an open area near where balls were stored in boxes. Near a shelf on a wall. She quickly went to a few nearby books and grabbed a random one about music as Zipp walked out the aisle she was in. Walking towards where Zoom was.
"She won't suspect a thing." She told herself as she opened the book. Hoping Zipp would assume she was buying something for someone who was interested in music.
When she flipped to a random page, she saw some familiar music. "Oh, I know this song!" She started to silently hum to herself. Not noticing her shaking booty. It wasn't noticeable, but she was swaying slightly as she hummed a song she liked. Tapping a hind leg eventually.
Unfortunatley, tapping the hind leg was a mistake, as she accidentky hit the fake wall next to her. Which wasn't very sturdy at all. She noticed the wall move immediately. Wondering why it most aggressively to slouch a slight touch. That shouldn't happen.
"Uh..."
A huge trio of boxes labeled 'rocks' fell off the edge of the shelf. Zoom gasped in horror. Ready to get beaten by a pile of rocks. Maybe she'd have to sue or simply report the place for a dangerous, unstable fake wall!
She braced for impact. Only to be surprised when they opened up. Dropping down feathers instead of rocks like they were labeled. Which was odd, but she sighed in relief, despite being completely covered. At least they didn't have something big and heavy on such an unstable fake wall!
As Zoom was completely covered by the pile of feathers, she noticed Zipp very close to her.
"Huh... I should tell someone about that wall of Zoom only slightly touched it, and it shook like that and dropped stuff..."
Zoom gulped nervously as she heard her name. Wondering if Zipp could see her at the moment or was only assuming it was her because she had perhaps seen her near the wall. Unfortunately, she did.
"So... Uh... Where'd Zoom go, anyway?" Zipp asked herself. Then facing the pile of feathers. "Maybe she ran away!"
“Keep going your majesty. Nothing to see here, just a talking pile of feathers.”
Zipp could see Zoom’s helmet poking out. She gave a playful smirk. “Oh?“ Playing along slightly. “Oh, so my mother hired a pile of feathers to be a guard? Wow, wonder why she did that.”
“Because feathers are very tough and uh... Can survive a punch? Yeah!-"
"Oh wow. Nice to meet you pile of feathers. Good luck!" Zipp looked so smug as she saw the feathers shake.
“A-a-a—aaaachooo!” The sneeze sent many feathers flying, uncovering the pony underneath. Noticing her cover gone, she looked at Zipp sadly. “I’m sorry Princess Zipp… I-“
“Blesh you… It’s fine, Zoom.” She smirked. Watching as she got up and brushed the remaining feathers from herself. Wondering why the store had a box of feathers that fell so easily. What a mess! Zipp was a little suspicious of Zoom.
“Why were you hiding?”
Zoom started to get nervous. “Well… You seee.. I was uh… Buying the secret Santa present… Didn’t want them to see me!”
There was a pause as Zipp looked at Zoom. Wondering why she would feel the need to hide while buying a secret Santa present. It wasn’t like they’d know it was here. Hence the secret. So why was she hiding? Unless. “You’re my secret Santa, aren’t you?”
Zoom gasped and looked to the side. Then back at Zipp, she seemed a bit shocked. But also a bit confused. Seemingly wondering how she found out. Then she started to appear uncomfortable, that’s when Zipp’s smirk vanished. She slowly realised that Zoom must be feeling pretty bad, like she was a failure. She didn’t want to make anyone feel like a failure just because they made one mistake in a silly, fun event.
It wasn’t a big deal being discovered as someone’s secret santa, they still had something to look forward to. But Zipp felt bad as she watched Zoom be ashamed of herself for being caught.
“Nevermind! It must be Izzy, now I think about it! I overheard her last night!” Zipp exclaimed, “Oh well, if it’s Izzy, then I still have the gift to look forwards to!” She smiled a bit as she walked away. Soon overhearing Zoom sigh in relief right before she walked out the door.
“Whew. That was close.”
Thunder was standing in the guard quarters of the palace. He had just brought two sleds. One was a pale green with a blue gradient and the other was blue with a purple gradient.
“I can’t wait to take Zoom sledding! She’ll love it so much!” He exclaimed with joy, imagining himself on the highest hill he can find with Zoom. Racing to the bottom in their sleds. Maybe even making snowmen after and treating themselves to hot chocolate with marshmallows! What a dream! “I’ll ask her when i see her.”
It was time for the gift giving to begin. Ponies were gathered around the tree, waiting excitedly on what their gifts would be and who their secret Santa was. Of course the gifts weren’t there yet. But ponies were still excited to see what was about to happen.
Many gasped in delight as they saw Izzy and Hitch run towards the area in front of them. One dressed in a Santa costume and the other dressed as a reindeer. Carrying sleighs filled with presents behind them, the crown watched with awe. Excited to be gifted.
Onyx smiled slightly, Izzy seemed so happy doing this. Next to her was Dapple, smiling with excitement, his face just screamed he was excited for what was about to come up. It was nice to see him smile after his incident a few days ago. Onyx hoped she'd see him happy again. Even tho her face didn't show it, she was so glad and happy for him. Wondering what he'd get!
Haven tapped her hooves in excitement as she watched Izzy jump over to Posey to give her a gift. Not because she was her secret santa assignment, she was not, but it was because she was excited to see her assignment get their gift, she was also joyed to think about what she could get.
She didn't want anything crazy or expensive. Like some ponies would think. She didn't enter to receive something fashionable or rare. She did it just for fun! She didn't care if was going to get something like a scrapbook or a plant. Or some sort of silly decoration.
“Oh Alphie! I just cant wait to see what we get!”She bounced with joy slightly. Cloudpuff barking as a result. Unfortunately, being a dog meant he could not really take part in the event.
“Feel free to start opening your gifts!” Hitch said before he started digging into his. “Wh-what?” He looked at his gift. A dancing flower that would ‘sing’ any song assigned to it via an app on a phone. Hitch snickered a little as he looked at it. The flower had a pair of eyes and a mouth. “Oh, this is adorable!” He exclaimed at his silly but decent gift.
Next to Haven were her two guards. Thunder ripped open his present with joy. A pair of custom sneakers with an ice pattern with “Thunder” on the side. “Aww my goodness!” Exclaimed Thunder. “Thank you so much!”
Next to him was Zoom. Looking around, puzzled.Wondering where her box was, she watched in confusion as Zipp zoomed past on her new skateboard that was designed for more weather and terrain than a normal skateboard was. “Thanks Zoom!” She cried out.
She watched as Queen Haven gently opened her gift. Not noticing Rocky a few feet away watching nervously. Before smiling at her. The queen slowly opened a box, inside was a pair of snowboots that could be replaced at the bottom to become regular boots or ice skates. Depending the attachments, you put on. There was also a small box of handmade cookies and a lil costume for Cloudpuff “Oh! These will come in handy!”She exclaimed, excited try them out some time.
Rocky grinned happily and sighed in relief. Jazz playfully nudged him a little “My my, you gave Cloudpuff a gift, too? Thats sweet, Rocky!” She bumped him and looked down at the box he was yet to open. He seemed a bit excited. But he seemingly wanted to not risk watching Haven open hers.
Alphabittle laughed a little at his beanie and scarf he received. The beanie had a reindeer face and antlers on them. The scarf was so soft, bigger and felt warmer than his usual one. It seemed hoof-knitted, too! There were a few minor errors, but they didn't matter much, wasn't like he was entering to expect a golden teapot or something.
He smiled adoringly at the scarf. There were tiny, little bunnies on them with a snow theme. “Aww..” He smiled, then noticed a blanket at the bottom. Decorated with teacups and teapots. “Wow! He smiled. “My secret santa sure wanted to spoil me.”
Haven smiled hearing what he said. It wasn't from her, but seeing how happy he was just made her happy, too. He could tell there was no regrets.
“Where'd you get those knitting skills from, Hitch?” Smiled Izzy, knowing she's learning something new about what one if her friends liked. “Oh… Well.. I got advice from Grandmare Figgy. So she taught me to knit… I kinda already had an idea, but my skills were rusty. But i am glad I was able to do it!” He smiled proudly.
After most the gifts were open. Hitch diverted everyone's attention to Sunny. It was time for the amazing star Izzy had made herself to be put on the top. She had asked her friend, Sunny to do it for her. Due to her not having as much of part in the planning of the Secret Santa. Or even any of the events at all!
Sunny was halfway up the tree. Everyone watched in awe as she reached the crystal star towards the top of the tree. But then something caught her eye. Everypony’s face was filled with awe and cheer, excited to see what made this star so special. Except for one. Zoom, the royal guard. She wasn't looking very excited, she looked miserable. She did look like that sometimes, but during events shes known to at least smile a little when theres no threat around.
Sunny’s heart dropped as she saw her. It didn't feel right to put the star on when someone was troubled. It just didn't feel right tp just ignore them and go on like they were okay. She had the urge to figure it out. “Excuse me everypony, sorry!” She exclaimed as she flew back down. Next to Hitch, who was a little puzzled on her return.
“What's the matter, Sunny?” Hitch asked.
“Its just that…" Sunny then realised she hadn't seen either Hitch, Izzy or anyone else give her a gift. "Who was Zoom’s secret santa this year? Shes looking very down because I think she didn't get a gift…”
“What!?” Izzy exclaimed in horror. “No wonder shes so… blue- more than usual…”
Hitch gasped in worry as he saw the guard stand around. Looking a bit glum as she watched everyone with their gifts. “But everyone told me they got one… Except her… I just hope the pony hasn't decided to just because… Some racism or grudge…”
Izzy was hurt “Somepony would do that? But why?” She wondered. One the day of the assignments being handed out, ponies were allowed to swap if they got someone they didn't like!
Zipp raced over on her new skateboard. Stopping it just before hitting Hitch. Who proceeded to jump back in shock of nearly being hit. “It was Lemon Squeeze that got assigned to Zoom. I remember her asking who she was, and I answered!”
Hitch shook his head. “Lemon Squeeze came to me the two days later asking to be swapped. I… I told her we couldn't but… She really didn't want to for some reason, apparently she looked too serious or something!”
“But… Where is she now?”Asked Izzy, “Thats so mean! Zoom did nothing wrong, she does a good job in doing what she is told to do. Even if its putting a tennis ball on my horn…”
“I’ll go talk to her.” Hitch stated. "I'll sort it out..."
Onyx looked down at the sweater she revived. It was the same colour as he hat. It had a picture of an onyx gemstone and the word “Onyx” above it.
“I love it.” She said calmly.
Dapple noticed, adjusting his coffee coloured cape that had coffee means pictured on it. “Nice sweater, Onyx.” He smiled at her. Admiring her sweater that looked all snuggly on her. She looked so warm and cozy. Even if her nearly bored looking face didn't really show it. She was clearly enjoying it.
The two looked at each other briefly and back at the tree, enjoying each other’s company. This was not really Bridlewood. But the view in Maretime Bay wasn't too bad. Bit better in summer but both Onyx and Dapple thought it was pretty. They heard that watching the sun set from the beach was great. Maybe they should try it once.
Dapple was about to say something. Only to be disturbed by a nearby pony screaming. Who was known as Jazz. She was holding up a box hear her friends, Rocky and Dahlia. Who were shocked by her loud, excited scream of delight.
"Jazz! I know you're excited. But calm down!"
“Look what Onyx got me!” She screamed in delight. Before watching Rocky finally begin tearing the wrapping paper from his own gift. It was huge, he guessed what it could be. He grew more and more excited as he undid the ribbon and ripped away at the paper. Seeing the box more clearly as he did so.
What could it be?
An ice cream machine? A pop corn maker? A bunch of music albums he doesn't have that are from his beloved bands!? As he completely stripped the whole thing of wrapping paper. His mouth dropped on shock as his eyes went wide in surpise.
“No way…” He said with a giant grin.
He pulled out a customised guitar. His one was stolen from the salon a few weeks ago before he was about to do a song there with Jazz. It was heartbreaking because he had that one since his teens.
But this new one was pretty. There was a golden pair of wings pictured on the bottom. Just like his own gorgeous golden wings! The guitar was a dark brown colour that faded to a lighter brown in the middle. It looked pretty. The edges were painted in gold, making it look so royal.
"It's amazing!" Rocky exclaimed with joy. He gasped when he realised. "Wait. This must have been so expensive!"
Jazz smiled cheekingly "Im sure they had some help.." She then whispered to Pipp as she flew past. "I will pay you back!"
Pipp grinned as a result. "No need to, Jazz."
Dahlia took a few steps away from the excited ponies for some peace and quiet. She hummed to herself as she opened her gift. When she opened it, she gasped. He mouth was wide open in shock. A little set 3d she could piece together with glue. It made of paper and cardboard. You had to build the whole thing from scratch. It usually took a long time. But the satisfaction was worth it.
The cherry on top was the theme. It was themed on a flower shop. Just like the one her mother owned. The windows, the overhang. Even the door looked similar. It was gorgeous. Tears appeared in her eyes as she stared at it. Wondering who her secret santa was because this was the best gift she had gotten that year.
Her question was soon answered when a pegasus mare walked up to you. Looking a little offended as she stared at her when she wiped her tears. After rolling her eyes, she put a hoof on the box.
“Fine. If you don't like it. Ill give it to someone else.” The pegasus said before picking it up and flying away.
“Wait!” Screamed Dahlia. “Those were tears of Joy! Im sorry!”
It was a lovely day. Ponies played with their new gifts. Some decided to guess who their secret santa was and thank them. Ponies sung songs and exchanged non-secret santa gifts.
Izzy smiled happily. This idea was totally worth it in the universe this story took place in. Totally…
Author's Note
Yeah. I had plans for other chapters. But i was honestly hating this so i wanted to end it
