As the season of winter arrives in Equestria, Ponyville is bustling with excitement and joy for the holiday of Hearth’s Warming Eve. A time of the year in which everypony of Equestria celebrates the birth of the land, and share the gift of harmony. In the skies above the pegasi is working hard to bring forth snow for this joyous occasion.
While most of the town ponies are enjoying the holiday with their families inside their homes, the Apple Family is heading to Fluttershy’s cottage to spend the holiday with the pegasus and Toby. Trotting along the snow covered path of Sweet Apple Acres, Big Mac is pulling a cart with a small pine tree on it and some wrapped packages as Applejack, Applebloom, and Granny Smith trot beside him.
“Ya know Big Mac, Ah’ believe the little feller will love this tree.” Applejack gave a blushing smile.
“Eeyup.” Big Macintosh replied.
“Ah’ can’t wait to celebrate Hearth’s Warming Eve with my little buddy. We got to make his first Hearth’s Warming Eve the best one.” Applebloom smiled happily.
:”Nyah.. don’t worry ya young whipper snapper, the little fella is going to have a great holiday.” Granny Smith gave Applebloom a wink and smile as the four continued on their way to the home of Fluttershy and Toby.
Inside the cottage Fluttershy and Toby sat next to the warm fireplace in the den having hot chocolate together. Fluttershy had a butterfly patterned blanket draped over her as Toby had a sunflower patterned blanket wrapped draped over his shoulders. He took a drink of his hot chocolate sighing warmly as he looked at the crackling flames and let out a soft sigh.
Fluttershy looked over at him with a look of concern. “Is something the matter sweetheart?”
He took his eyes off the fire and turned to her with a soft smile. “I am okay Momma. I remember me and Mommy used to do this when winter came.”
Fluttershy smiled warmly at him as there was a knock at the door. “Oh, I wonder who that could be.” She thought to herself as she carefully stood up and looked down at Toby. “I’ll get it sweetie.” She turned and trotted to the door and carefully opened it. She was greeted by the Apple clan.
“Howdy there Fluttershy, may we come in?” Applejack asked and tipped her hat.
Fluttershy nodded. “Um.. of course.. please come in.” She turned her head toward Toby. “Sweetheart, we have some visitors.” She gave him a warm smile.
Applebloom trotted inside with a big smile on her face and looked over at the small child. ”Howdy there Toby. How is my little buddy doing?” She trotted over to him and sat down beside him on her haunches. She laid a foreleg over his shoulders and carefully brought him to her side for a hug so not to cause him to spill his hot chocolate. She nuzzled her cheek against the top of his head and pulled him back to look at him.
He smiled up at her. “I am doing good Applebloom. How are you doing big sister?”
She smiled at being called a big sister and rubbed at the side of his arm. “Ah’ am doing pretty good.” She looked up to see the rest of her family trot inside.
“Howdy Fluttershy, Happy Hearth’s Warming Eve.” Applejack greeted her pegasus friend as they entered and Fluttershy closed the door. The two friends gave each other a warm hug.
“Happy Hearth’s Warming Eve everypony.” She smiled brightly. “Um.. would you all like some hot chocolate?”
“Well, that is mighty sweet of you sugarcube. Ah’ would like some. How about ya three?” Applejack looked at each her family.
Big Mac simply replied. “Eeyup.”
‘Nyah.. Ah’ wouldn’t mind some hot chocolate after being outside in that snow.” Granny chuckled.
“Thank ya very much Fluttershy, Ah’ would like some too.” Applebloom smiled softly at the pegasus.
“Um.. okay. You all can take a sit by the fireplace.. um.. if you would like. I will be back with your hot chocolate.” She nodded at them and smiled warmly at the little colt before trotting into the kitchen.
Applejack trotted close to Toby and reached up with a forehoof to rub at his head. “Howdy little feller. Happy Hearth’s Warming Eve.” She gave him a warm smile.
“Happy Hearth’s Warming Eve Auntie Applejack.” He smiled at all of them as Big Mac unloaded the small tree off the cart. ‘Oh, Papa Big Mac, what is that tree for?”
Big Mac smiled. “Well, big guy, Ah’ just thought maybe ya and your momma would enjoy decorating it for Hearth’s Warming Eve. What do ya say big guy?” He gave the little colt a wink as he set the tree up in the corner of den between the fireplace and sofa.
“That sounds like fun Papa Big Mac.” He smiled excitedly as he finished his hot chocolate.
Fluttershy returned with the hot chocolate for her and Toby’s guests. She served them their glasses and sat on one side of Toby while Applebloom sat on the other side.
Toby looked up at Fluttershy with a hopeful smile. “Momma, will it be okay if they stay and decorate the tree with us?”
Fluttershy looked down at him and nodded. “Of course sweetheart. That sounds like a wonderful idea.” She leaned down to give him a kiss on the top of his head.
After she finished with her hot chocolate, Applejack trotted over to the cart and unloaded a wooden box. She trotted back over to the fireplace and sat down between Granny Smith and Big Mac. She took the lid off to reveal several ornaments a small set of lights. Toby looked at the box and its contents curiously.
There were two ornaments that were of a red and green apple, a golden ornament that spelled out Apple, a small brown Stetson hat ornament, and a lasso ornament. Next to them was a small string of white lights rolled up. To complete the box of ornamest as a golden star.
Toby smiled brightly as he looked at the decorations. “They are very pretty Auntie Applejack.” He looked up at the cowpony.
She tipped her hat. “Well, thank ya sugarcube. These have been passed down from generation to generation of Apples.” She looked over at Granny Smith. “Ain’t that right Granny?”
“Nyah.. that is right little fella.” Granny Smith nodded and gave the child a soft smile. “Ah’ my ma passed them down to me when Ah’ celebrated my first Hearth’s Warming Eve, and Ah’ done the same for Applejack.” She gave Applejack a wink.
Fluttershy carefully stood up and looked at her son. “Sweetheart, I will be right back. I am going upstairs and get some ornaments that I have kept after my first Hearth’s Warming Eve.” She smiled at him and the group as she turned to trot upstairs.
She returned with a small and carefully folded cloth. She carefully sat down and placed it in front of her as she started to gently unfold it. After finishing, there were three small animal-like ornaments. One was that of Angel, one was three pink butterflies in a triangular shape just like her cutie mark, and the last one was a gold heart.
Toby looked at them and smiled brightly. “Oh, those are very pretty too Momma.”
“Thank you sweetie.” She gave her son a warm smile.
Applejack sighed softly. “Ah’ know, how about me and Fluttershy put the lights on the tree, and Applebloom, Toby, and Big Mac put on the ornaments?” She tipped her hat as she turned to Granny Smith. “And Granny, ya can just sit here if ya would like.”
“Nyah.. Ah’ am okay Applejack. How about Ah’ help put up ornaments with the young whipper snappers?” The others nodded as they all got up and walked over to start decorating.
As everypony and Toby was decorating, he started humming a tune, catching the attention of the others. They continued to decorate the tree and smiled warmly at the child’s humming.
Applebloom looked at him as she was putting the last of her ornaments up. “What is that song ya are humming little buddy?”
He looked at her. “Oh, it is just one of my favorite Christmas songs called Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” He smiled softly.
“If Ah’ may ask sugarcube, what is this Christmas ya speak of? Is it something like Hearth’s Warming Eve?” Applejack asked as her and Fluttershy was putting the remaining lights on.
“Yes Auntie Applejack. Christmas is just like Hearth’s Warming Eve. Mommy and me used to always decorate the tree when she did get one. Also, we would sing Christmas carols together and open presents.” He sighed warmly at the memories.
Fluttershy looked at him softly as her and Applejack finished putting the lights up. “Sweetheart.. um.. if it is okay.. um.. would you like to sing your song?”
He swallowed deeply. He looked up at his momma with a nervous look. “Well, I don’t know Momma, I really can’t sing.” He hung his head some.
She frowned and lowered her head to nuzzle at his cheek. "Listen sweetheart. If you can play the piano, I bet you can sing." She gave him a reassuring smile as the others did too.
He swallowed deeply and nodded. "Okay Momma. I will do it if you all believe I can do it." He smiled as he let out a deep sigh and started to sing.
After Toby finished singing, the others smiled at him softly and lightly stamped their hooves on the floor to give him a round of a applause.
"Well, that was some mighty fine singing sugarcube." Applejack smiled at him and tipped her hat.
"Eeyup." Big Mac nodded and smirked at the child.
"Nyah.. that was good little fella." Granny Smith smiled and winked at him.
Fluttershy nodded and rubbed at his back with a foreleg. "That was very good sweetie. I told you that you could sing." She squeed.
He smiled up at her and then at the other. 'Thank you all. That is my favorite song because although the other reindeers was mean to Rudolph for being different, they accepted him with time."
"Ah' liked that too little buddy." Applebloom smiled. She looked at him curiously. "Ah' have one question though. Who in tarnation is Santa Claus?"
He giggled. "Santa Claus or Jolly Old Saint Nicholas he is also called delivers presents to good little kids all over the world during Christmas!" He smiled brightly. "He rides a sleigh to travel, pulled by his reindeers, and he delivers the presents through the chimney." He sighed happily. "He wears a big red suit, a red pointy hat that has a white fluff ball on top, and he carries the presents in a big red sack. He has a big round belly that shakes like a bowl full of jelly, and rosy red cheeks."
The others listened and giggled lightly at the child's excitement. Applejack spoke up. "Sugarcube, why in tarnation would he want to go down the chimney, when he can use the door?" She looked at him curiously.
"Hehe.. because Auntie Applejack, it would take him a very long time to go to all the houses in the world. It is faster if he comes down the chimney." He giggled as he smiled up at her.
"Nyah.. have ya ever seen this Santa Claus before little fella?" Granny Smith asked raising an eyebrow at him.
He looked up at Granny Smith and shook his head. "Well, no. He comes when all the little kids are asleep. It is also good to always leave milk and cookies out for him." He gave a soft smile. "There is another Christmas song that I like that is about Santa Clause."
"Oh, really little buddy? Ah' would like to heart it." Applebloom said with a big smile.
"Yes sweetheart, that would be wonderful. Um.. before you do, would you like to hang the star on the top?" Fluttershy asked and he nodded. She smiled down at him and carefully got behind him, lifting him up under his arms very gently and hovered up to let him put the star on.
"Thank you Momma." He giggled as she lowered back down to the ground setting him down on his feet. He smiled up at her and the others. "Okay, I will sing it. This one is called Santa Clause is Coming to Town." He giggled as they all decided to take a seat by the tree.
He let out a deep sigh and started to sing.
They gave him another round of applause after he sang again.
"That was good Toby. Ah' wonder though, what does the naughty kids get for Christmas?" Applebloom asked curiously.
"Well, they get a lump of coal in their stockings." He giggled.
"Well, that ain't very nice of him to do that to the little critters." Applejack shook her head.
"Hehe..it is okay Auntie Applejack. It just teaches them that if they want something for Christmas next year, they got to learn to do good." He smiled softly up at her.
"Well, Ah' guess that makes sense." She blushed and tipped her hat.
Big Mac looked at the little colt. "Heya big guy, what other one of these Christmas songs do ya like to sing?"
He gave a little smile. "Well, there is one that my Mommy loved to listen to each Christmas we had together. It is a sad one though, but I will sing it if you want me to."
Fluttershy rubbed at his back with a foreleg. "That is up to you sweetie. You don't have to if it will make you feel sad." She gave him a nuzzle on his cheek.
He smiled up at her." Thank you Momma. I will sing it though. It helped me remember her during this time last year. It is called The Christmas Shoes." He smiled at everypony with a tearful smile as he let out a deep sigh.
He shook a little with sobs as he finished singing. Fluttershy rubbed at his back soothingly with her foreleg. "That was very beautiful sweetie. I can tell you that your Mommy is very beautiful and she is watching over you. I can also tell you that she is very proud of the most precious boy you are." She gave him a kiss on the top of his head.
"That is right sugarcube. That was a very touching song." Applejack and the other Apples nodded in agreement giving him a warm smile.
He reached up and wiped away his tears. He sniffled and gave a soft smile to everypony. "Thank you all. I love you."
"We love you Toby." They said in unison.
As the Apples was getting ready to leave Toby gave them each a hug starting with Granny Smith. "Happy Hearth's Warming Eve Granny Smith. Thank you for coming to visit me and Momma." He looked up at her as he hugged her neck gently.
She reached up and rubbed at his back with a winkled foreleg. "Nyah. ya are very welcome little fella. We couldn't miss our little one's first Hearth's Warming Eve, could we?" She chuckled as she gently broke the hug.
He walked over to Big Mac and smiled up at him brightly. "Thank you Papa Big Mac for the tree. It is very pretty." He wrapped his little arms around his thick neck as Big Mac wrapped a foreleg around his small form.
"Ya are welcome big guy. Ah' had a good ol' time decorating it with ya too." He reached up and rubbed at the top of Toby's head getting a giggle in return.
Applebloom trotted up to the child and sat down on her haunches. She wrapped him up in her forelegs and pulled him close in a big hug as he laid his head on her shoulder and wrapped his arms around her neck. "Ah' sure did enjoy spending this Hearth's Warming Eve with ya my little buddy, my little brother." She nuzzled her cheek against his.
He sighed softly. "I enjoyed it too Applebloom. I love you big sister." They held each other for a little bit before breaking the hug.
Applejack placed her hoof on his shoulder as she gave him a kiss on top of his head. "We all enjoyed being here with ya and your Momma tonight sugarcube. Might Ah' say ya have a pretty fine singing voice too." She gently nudged at his cheek with a forehoof.
"Hehe..thank you Auntie Applejack." He looked at them as Fluttershy came up behind him and placed a foreleg around his shoulders. They waved bye to the Apples. "Happy Hearth's Warming Eve!" They nodded and trotted out of the cottage as Fluttershy trotted over to shut it.
Toby let out a soft yawn. "My, sounds like some little colt is sleepy." She giggled as she trotted back to Toby and lifted him up onto her back. "Time to go to bed sweetheart." She trotted upstairs.
After making sure he was tucked in warm and snugged she gave him a kiss on his forehead. "Goodnight my precious little one, Momma loves you."
He gave her a soft smile. "I love you too Momma. Goodnight, and Happy Hearth's Warming Eve." He let out another soft yawn and closed his eyes peacefully.
She smiled at him and reached up to rub at his side through the covers with a foreleg. "Happy Hearth's Warming Eve sweetie." She quietly trotted to the staircase and turned to look at him one more time with a warm smile. "Momma loves you, and your Mommy loves you." She softly whispered.
yay update!
That song was just so touching and heartwarming I could just imagine Toby singing it. I loved the description that he gave for Santa Clause.
"Ah still think he should be usin' a door," LOL. Touching chapter with Papa Big Mac Great job my friend.
Nice chapter, but I have to ask.
Why do you always put an apostrophe in 'Ah' when writing dialogue for the Apples? It's not needed.
Aw... its so cute...
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2725491 Yep, sorry for taking so long with it though.
2725659 Thank you always my friend. Haha.. that was cute with Applejack with what you said. Also, I wanted this to include a special moment with his Papa Big Mac.
2725808 Oh, okay, thank you for that. I am glad to know that now, so I can only put Ah for now on. Also, thank you for your kind words.
2725885 Thank you very much, and "The Christmas Shoes", it is sad, yet beautiful.
2726040 Thank you very much.
Do they have a Equestria New Years?
"Ah good chapter. Ah can say."
"Eeyup. I hope he will like the pre... OH MY GOSH! I FORGOT THE PRESENTS!"
Every Father have the Super-Power to Buy ALL Christmas (or Hearts-warming-Eve Presents) at the last hour^^
(Think of this as a VERY HAPPY Applebloom) "HE CALL ME BIG SITER! HE CALL ME BIG SITER!! YAY!!!"
"I'm so Proud of my little Precious son!"
2726289 Hmm.. I never thought of that, I really don't know.
2726305 "Thank ya very much Applejack." *Speaking as myself*
"It's okay Papa Big Mac. Just getting time to spend with you and my family is the best present ever." *Toby smiled brightly up at his papa. He looks over at Applebloom.* "YES, AND I LOVE MY BIG SISTER!"
*He looks up at his momma.* "Thank you Momma, I love you."
Thank you very much always for your kind words.
I just realized, do they have the mistletoe in Equestria? if so that would be a PERFECT scene for Fluttershy and Big Mac.
2726371
to the comment from qazse:
"I would LIKE a New Year Firework!"
"Maybe I can perform a Magic Firework!"
"No one can Perform better FIREWORK magic as the GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE!"
"Dinkelberg.. äh, I mean, Trixie..."
"Well, the Author promised Trixie an act in his Story. So, why Not?"
"Hm... I'm Okay with the Idea, when the Author is Okay with it, too"
2726384
Uh, Maybe he can make a second Part from this Holiday!
2726421 *Looks at all three, Pinkie, Twilight, and Trixie.* "That isn't a bad idea at all. To really give Toby a good New Year's Celebration in Equestria. Trixie and Twilight, you two could work together to give him a good show, and Trixie I know I am the author, but I don't want you to be mean toward Toby, okay?" Looks at Pinkie* "And maybe Pinkie, you can shot some sort of fireworks out of your party cannon?"
2726489
"Silly Willy. The Party Cannon can only fire Party supplies. Thats why I call her PARTY-CANNON! For Fire work, I have my FIRE-WORK-LAUNCHER!"
"Pinkie? What are you... "
(pulls from behind her an Anti-Tank Rocket Launcher ) "So, how want a Firework?"
"You know what? Never Mind"
2726534 "Oh, lol..you are right Pinkie, I am a silly willy. Yes your party cannon only shoots party supplies, but you be careful now around Toby while shooting that Anti-Tank Rocket Launcher, which I know you will." *Shakes head and giggles.* "It is alright Twilight."
That was wonderful! I loved the choice of songs. They were in perfect character. Well done!
2727407 Thank you very much. I wanted to select a good choice of songs for Toby to sing, it being his first time singing.
2727462 Thank you very much for that. I just don't want to disappoint any of my readers with any lateness in my updates. I do my best to get one up as soon as I can.
2726123 ALL IS WELL!
Aww, what a cute chapter. Bet Hearts and Hooves is the next holiday for him or something else.
Maaaan, thinking about all this actually happening in the show is making my head hurt from the cuteness. And now Applebloom is his big sis?? *Slams head against desk several times*. Papa Mac...
Friend: What are you doing?
Me: Trying to *SMACK* regain my *SMACK* masculinty because *SMACK* I love this fic.....ow...*passes out*
Great chapt :)
2727958 We'll see.
2727977 Lol.. thank you very much.
Christmas shoes?! ..... da FEEELS!
As I've said previously I personally am beginning to wish for something to happen. This had even less conflict then the last one!? Would the royal wedding be considered a holiday by any chance?
But templar! Why put poor Toby through that?!
Because something needs to happen! I'll keep coming back for the easy feels as long as your writing. Maybe I'm just a soulless warmongerer....
2728656 Well, I know it will be a wait, but when I do his Birthday Chapter, there is going to be a cliffhanger that will lead into the sequel for "A New Home".
Okay I have no idea what other holidays or events you have planned but I am going to be presumptious and throw a few ideas out.
Winter wrap up - Might be interesting to see what job Toby would end up helping with, and how he would react to seeing how seasons change in Equestria
Cinder season - Given the long line we saw in the episode with this, it seems like its a big event in Ponyville
Apple family reunion - Toby is so involved with the Apple family it would be easy to see him getting an invitation to this, might be a good excuse to introduce him to more of the family like Bab Seed
Monarchs Birthday - England celebrates the birthday of the Queen given how much Celetria and Luna are respected I would find it odd if they didn't have a holiday for their birthdays
Running of the leaves- You could turn this into a rescue mission of Toby getting lost if he runs, playing the role of jockey and comparing it to the Kentucky Derby or put him up with Pinkie watching in the Ballon.
Thanksgiving- A pony version of this could be connected to hearth warming eve in that it was a celebration towards the three tribes celebrating now being at peace, or you could pull in Zecora and make the zebra's take the place of the aboriginals in the pony version of the tale
Easter - I can imagine quite a bit of fun ponying this one with Angel around.
Flutershy's birthday - If your doing Toby's birthday you have to do this one, and I would look forward to seeing what you can think up for Toby to give her
Sisterhood social- Seems like an event that Toby could at least watch or help run with the Apple family and cheer on those friends he has with sisters to compete with
Anniversery of the founding of ponyville- Granny Smith listed out the story of how it was founded, and it seems the sort of thing a small town would celebrate
Summer sun celebration - This kicked off the whole show, seems like it might be worth doing
2730026 Well, I know I am definitely going to Apple Family Reunion, Winter Wrap-Up, and probably Running of the Leaves. I love all of your ideas for the holidays. Fluttershy's birthday and the Sisterhooves Social sound very interesting and intriguing. Thank you very much for your ideas, I truly appreciate it.
**thud* a doctor walks by* Dam it get a gurney here we got another one
nurse: what is it doctor a new virus
doctor: no fluffy overload third case today what is causing this!
thank you another great chapter can't wait for the next one
2730516 Lol..thank you very much.
Every time the shoes song came on the radio I'd change the station cause I knew that watery eyes and driving is not a good idea. I still can't listen to it for that reason though I agree about the connection to Toby.
2733309 Don't worry, I will change that.
2747037 Thank you for that. I knew that would be a real good song for Toby to sing.
You know it will be somewhat awkward for Toby to celebrate Father's Day and Mother's Day when they roll around assuming that there would be an Equestrian equivalent.
2747724 That is very true. I never thought about that.
2747838 Idea! How about Toby introduces Father's Day and Mother's Day? That way it won't be that awkward.
2747849 aww.. I like that idea. Thank you for that, I will think about adding those two as well to the holidays.
Nice chapter. Can't wait for the next one.
2752345 Thank you always for your support. Working on the next chapter now, hopefully I can get it done by tonight and put it up either tonight or tomorrow.
2752564 Sounds good to me!
hope Toby doesn't get too bored or messes up too badly when the dreadful Great Galloping Gala comes
2753605 Oh, I almost forgot about the Grand Galloping Gala. Just one question, and I am going to myself for it, but what would the Grand Galloping Gala be after?
2753617 never though about that, and I just remembered the tornado stuff after watching Hurricane Fluttershy a few days ago
2753793 Very true as well. Also, after a good night's sleep last night, I thought about maybe putting the Grand Galloping Gala in the sequel somehow. Thank you again for me reminding of it, and now the tornado that the pegasi had to create to get the water into Cloudsdale.
2754997yeah, a great time to show some some Fluttershy character development
were those 2 your favorite Christmas songs?
that last was a great choice 4 hooves up
I love the Chirstmas Song you put on but "The Christmas Shoes" is the sad song for me when I first heard it as well the movie.
Because of that song I'm all teary eyed now, thanks. I don't even like Christmas, but that song always gets to me.