It was the day before Hearth’s Warming vacation in Equestria. The sun had just started rising. Sunset Shimmer woke up to the sound of sleigh bells ringing playing on the smartphone she brought from the human world in her room at the Castle of Friendship. Normally, Sunset took a while to get up in the morning. Today, however, was different. She woke up eagerly within seconds. She dressed up in winter clothes as she started singing.
“Houses decked with lights, glowing bright on frosty nights~
With a wreath on every door~” she sang as she made her way to the kitchen to make breakfast. “Drifting through the air, is the laughter that we share~
With our dearest friends once more~”
Twilight Sparkle and Spike, who were doing their winter tradition of cuddling through the night, woke up and made their way to the dining room. They found Starlight Glimmer and Trixie Lulamoon there, watching Sunset making pancakes while singing.
“And that's what I love about Christmas~
Hard to believe that it's almost here~
That's what I love about Christmas~
Have a merry one this year~” Sunset sang before sprinkling powdered sugar on some pancakes. “Snowflakes in a swirl~
Every boy and every girl~
Bundled up in red and green~” She then gave Twilight, Starlight, Trixie, and Spike red and green stocking caps before placing a Hearth’s Warming tree centerpiece coiled with tinsel on the table. “Tinsels on the tree~
Every year we all agree~
It's the grandest one we've seen~”
The three mares and one dragon couldn’t help but smile at Sunset’s singing.
“And that's what I love about Christmas~
Hard to believe that it's almost here~
That's what I love about Christmas~
Have a merry one this year~” Sunset sang before using her magic to levitate a Santa Claus sleigh decoration. “The Santa Clause sleigh will be heading our way down a river of stars he'll fly~
Donner and Dancer and Dasher and Prancer will leave a leap for the sky~
A thousand bells ringing, a silver soul singing, we’re joining in far and wide~” She then gave the four others warm hugs. “The happiest faces, the warmest embraces, the feeling of joy inside~”
She then placed them gently in their seats before serving them pancakes.
“That's what I love about Christmas~
Can you believe that it's almost here~?
That's what I love about Christmas~
Have a merry one this year~” she sang before dancing ballet. “Carols in the park, trees that twinkle in the dark, easy smiles and great good cheer~” She then pulled out a picture of her human world friends before embracing it against her heart. “Memories all aglow, friends we met so long ago that are still all near and dear~”
On the last verse, all present joined in. “That's what I love about Christmas every year~!”
Sunset gave a bow as Spike, Starlight, Trixie, and Twilight applauded.
“Excellent performance, Sunset,” Trixie said. “Just like every year since I came to live here to learn other branches of magic.”
“And every year since Sunset came to live in Ponyville,” Twilight said. Suddenly, Twilight, Trixie, and Starlight’s bellies gave a loud rumble in unison. “Sounds like we better get started on eating breakfast.”
“You can get started,” Sunset said as she poured hot sauce on her pancakes. She always had a high tolerance for spicy food. As the mares ate, Sunset noticed that Spike didn’t have his usual appetite. Seeing the little dragon as a nephew, she decided to address the issue. “What’s wrong, Spike?”
“I was hoping Rarity would be back by the time I woke up,” he said.
Spike and Rarity’s relationship had bloomed in recent years and they’ve officially become a dating couple. Sunset could see that Spike wanted Rarity to enjoy breakfast with them and decided to give Rarity a call. She picked up her smartstone (a gemstone that acts like a smartphone and an invention of Sunset’s) and dialed Rarity’s number.
Meanwhile, Rarity was on her way to the Castle of Friendship at that very moment. “I can’t believe I overslept!” she said. Suddenly, her smartstone rang. She used her magic to levitate it and answered the call. “Hello~?”
“Hey, Rarity, it’s Sunset,” Sunset’s voice called. “What’s going on?”
“I overslept,” Rarity explained. “I’m making my way to the door of the Castle of Friendship right now. Tell Spike to wait for me a little longer.”
“You got it,” Sunset said as the call ended. Back at the castle, Sunset turned to Spike. “She’s on her way here right now.”
This got the little dragon excited as he made his way to the front door. By the time he made it there, he saw Rarity wearing a Santa Claus coat and hat while she sat on her haunches. “What do you think, Spikey-Wikey?” she asked.
As if to answer her question, Spike jumped at her and hugged her body warmly, the latter act Rarity reciprocated. “I’m so glad you made it,” Spike said.
“Of course, my little gem*,” Rarity said before kissing his forehead. Suddenly, Rarity’s belly gave an audible gurgle, causing her to blush. “Out of curiosity, is there any breakfast left?”
“There might be if we hurry,” Spike said as he let go. Rarity got up on her hooves and levitated Spike onto her back. “A pony ride?”
“I know how much you enjoy them, Spike,” Rarity said as she made her way to the dining room, where her own stack of pancakes was waiting for her.
After breakfast, Spike and the mares were on their way to the School of Friendship with Spike on Twilight’s back, meeting Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie along the way. On Applejack’s back was her 3-4 year old little filly, Honeycrisp**. She had a reddish-pink coat, a leafy-green mane and tail with the mane done up in pigtails, and unusual heterochromatic eyes. Her left eye was a moderate sap green like her mother’s while her right eye was moderate cerulean like her father, Caramel. She didn’t have a Cutie Mark yet, as she was too young.
“Bringing Honeycrisp to the school again?” Rainbow said.
“Eeyup,” Honeycrisp said, doing her best imitation of her uncle. The others found this adorable.
Fluttershy made her way to Spike. “Happy Hearth’s Warming, Spike,” she said before giving him a hug.
“Ooh~!” Pinkie said. “I want hugs!” She then eagerly hugged Spike as well.
“As heartwarming as this is,” Sunset said. “We need to open the school.”
So, they made their way to the school and opened it up to see the top students (Sandbar, Ocellus, Silverstream, Gallus, Smolder, and Yona) decorating the halls.
“You’re all up early this morning,” Sunset said.
“We were so excited for the Christmas*** party this year,” Silverstream said.
“She was,” Gallus corrected.
“She made us work before we could have breakfast,” Smolder complained as her belly growled.
Sunset could see that most of the students were hungry and decided to remedy this. “I have a little idea for a starting assignment today,” she said. “Everybody, report to the HomeEc room. We’re making a breakfast buffet.” The students and staff alike liked that idea. Pinkie and Applejack’s bellies growled loudly.
On the way to the HomeEc room, Silverstream and Ocellus’ bellies would growl as well. “Maybe I should’ve planned breakfast first,” the hippogriff said.
“Ya think?” Smolder said sarcastically.
In the HomeEc room, Sunset was wearing a chef hat and apron. “Today,” she said in a Prench accent. “We are making latkes.”
“Ooh, those potato pancakes?!” Silverstream asked in excitement as Sunset had made them before.
“Zat’s right, Seelvairstleam,” Sunset confirmed. “As we work, I will play ze Chlistmas songs.” She set her phone up to play various Christmas songs.
Soon, the latkes were ready and they enjoyed their work. Afterwards, Sunset removed her hat and apron and spoke normally. “Now, who’s ready to set up the Christmas party?” she asked.
All the students eagerly said yes when there was a knock at the front door. Sunset went to answer and saw her younger brother, Sunburst, there. “Brother****!” she said.
“Sister!” he said as the two embraced. “It’s good to see you again.”
“Back at you,” Sunset said. “Here for the Christmas party?”
“I wouldn’t miss it,” Sunburst said. “I brought all the other guests with me!” He gestured to the door, revealing Caramel, Shining Armor, Princess Cadence, Dragon Lord Ember, Thorax, Flurry Heart, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Derpy Hooves, Doctor Hooves, Dinky Doo, Lyra Heartstrings, Bon Bon/Sweetie Drops, Twist, Octavia Melody, Vinyl Scratch, Gabby the Griffon, Pinkie’s family, Mudbriar, Quibble Pants, Clear Sky, and Wind Spirit. They all started making their way in.
“Merry Christ–whoa!” Derpy said as she made her way in before slipping on an icy patch. Several others behind her followed suit. Luckily, nobody was hurt.*****
After a round of greetings, Sunset got to a podium. “Listen up,” she said. “You’re all a little early, but, since you are, how about helping us finish up setting up for the party?” The guests made sounds of agreement to varying degrees. “To make it more enjoyable, I’ll be providing musical accompaniment,” Sunset said, pulling out her guitar.
As Sunset sang “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” the other guests helped set up the party. Though, Flurry and Honeycrisp were too young to help, so, Spike, Fluttershy, and Pinkie looked over them.
“Uh, Spike?” Fluttershy asked.
“Yeah?” Spike responded.
“Would you like for me to give you a pony ride?” Fluttershy blushed.
“Really?” Spike asked. “I can’t remember the last time you gave me one.” Fluttershy allowed Spike to climb onto her back. Spike noticed Rarity watching this. “This isn’t what it looks like!”
“Oh, you don’t need to worry,” Rarity said. “I won’t get jealous of you riding on close friends as long as you save the dancing for me.”
“You got yourself a deal,” Spike said. And Fluttershy took him for a ride.
Within an hour, the party was ready.
“It’s all ready!” Sunset said. “While you all enjoy yourselves, I’ll make some Hot Jones****** for everyone.”
“Don’t you mean everycreature?” Pinkie asked.
“Okay, Pinkie,” Sunset said, trying not to lose her temper. “I will actually pay you to not say that. It’s not going to catch on!”*******
“Why not?” Pinkie asked. “It can be used for creatures besides ponies.”
“So can everybody or everyone,” Sunset said. “Do you want Hot Jones or not?”
Pinkie knew this meant Sunset wasn’t going to argue further and was putting her hoof down. “Yes, please,” she said.
“Thank you,” Sunset said. And she went into the kitchen.
After a few minutes, Sunset came back with Hot Jones (hot chocolate with white chocolate, whipped cream, and sprinkles) in enough mugs for all in attendance.
“Everybody gets one,” Sunset said.
“That means you, Pinkie,” Rainbow said.
“I swear,” Pinkie said. “I Pinkie Promised to take it easy when it comes to food years ago and I’m still being reminded of what happened beforehoof.”********
“Welcome to my world,” Starlight said.
After all had their Hot Jones, Sunset announced that it was time for dancing. While the attendees danced, Sunset sang “We are Santa’s elves,” for all to hear.
Soon, the sun was setting. “Seeing as it’s getting late,” Sunset said. “I suggest we all start heading home for the holidays. Until then, have a good vacation. See you all in two weeks, students.”
With that, all in attendance left for their homes. Spike rode on Sunset’s back for warmth as they headed back for the Castle of Friendship with Twilight, Starlight, and Trixie. After dinner, they all settled in bed. Sunset read herself various Christmas stories to sleep. As she slept, she smiled in anticipation of the approach of Christmas.
Author's Note
This is a one-shot I did for a friend on deviantart. I wrote this all on my own, so, if it doesn't meet the standards of my usual content, that's probably why.
*A little nickname I got the idea for from a fanfic called Fire Spores.
**Fan foal for CaraJack.
***Sunset was very insistent on using Christmas termonology.
****Yes, I made them siblings. You got a problem with that?
*****Muppet Family Christmas reference FTW.
******Homestar Runner reference. Click here for recipe.
*******As you can probably tell, Sunset dislikes the everycreature term.
********It's a callback!
If you enjoyed this, Merry Christmas/Happy Hearth's Warming to one and all of dang y'all!
