One of the most special things about Christmastime was the idea of families getting together, celebrating together for being together for so many years. And this year was no exception for Twilight Sparkle and her family; although this time it was much more happier and joyful now that Twilight had changed for the better. Ever since she had made friends with the former bullies known as the Rainbooms, she began turning herself around in a whole new way. She was much more brighter, cheerful, happy, and back to the ecstatic girl she once was before.
And to celebrate Christmas, Twilight and her family set up a Christmas tree in the family room, with the inclusion of Cadence of course. Stockings all hung from the fireplace, decorations were all around the house, and even busted out some old Christmas themed clothes that were hanging in the back of their closets. And as if Twilight hadn't shown she changed enough already, she suggested inviting the Rainbooms and their families over for a Christmas get-together, which they were completely on board with.
And attending the party at the Sparkle household were all of the Rainbooms; Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie. All of their parents were invited including but not limited to; Granny Smith, Windy Whistles and Bow, the Pie family (all three of Pinkie's sisters included), and many others. Even the CMC, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle were here as well, but they were having more fun in their own cluster while their older sisters talked with the rest of their friends.
Currently, the Rainbooms were all cuddled up in the massive family living room in their own little Christmas attire, keeping warm. And all the while, the CMC were sitting close together, watching one of the classic Christmas specials that was airing on TV.
And soon Twilight came around with some early refreshments of hot cocoa for her friends.
"Hot cocoa, anyone?"
"Ooh, count me in," Pinkie squeaked.
"I want in on that," Applejack added.
Soon all of them got their own individual cups and were sipping them, sighing in relief at the delicious hot flavor.
"Thanks for inviting us all here, Twilght!" Pinkie Pie smiled.
"We're really happy you invited us all over, darling," Rarity cooed.
Twilight squeaked with a smile as she sat with the rest of them.
"Sooo... anyone know what they're getting this year?" Fluttershy asked, looking for a topic of conversation.
"I don't know, I mean I already made my wish-list, but after how awful we were the past few months... I dunno, I don't see our good sides being looked at," Applejack shook her head.
"But you all turned yourselves around in October," Twilight stated.
"I know, but... I don't know. Sometimes I wonder if that was even enough to spin ourselves around," Applejack said. "I wish I could have undone every nasty thing we've done, but..."
"Time travel's not a possibility?" Rarity asked, raising a brow.
"I wouldn't say it's not, but it's not something you should really mess with. Even the tiniest of changes can have a huge affect on your current present which can become the future," Twilight explained.
"So, we went back in time to try and stop us from becoming friends with Sunset Shimmer, it would still have dire effects on the future?"
"Maybe," Twilight said, nodding. "Honestly, if that happened, well... I don't think I'd meet any of you, I don't think any of us would be here celebrating Christmas together."
The Rainbooms hadn't given that idea a thought. Most of the few weeks that followed Sunset Shimmer's defeat were filled with dread and desire to go back and make sure that what they did never happened; but none of them realized that because it happened, that they were able to help turn Twilight around, help someone who needed it.
"I guess none of that had really considered that," Fluttershy said softly.
"Well, it shouldn't matter anymore now, right? Look at us, we've turned a new leaf! We're nicer now, we've made new friends, and we saved everyone at CHS at the Friendship Games!" Pinkie squeaked, yanking Twilight and Fluttershy close for hugs. The two were a little shocked, but they slowly reciprocated back with happy hugs. "And now that Sunset Shimmer's gone, we don't have to worry about her now!"
"I wouldn't say another word on that. Talkin' about that more and more is probably just gonna jinx it," Applejack said, shivering at the thought.
Everyone shared a collective shiver at the idea.
"Oooh, I just remembered! Only a few more days until Santa Claus makes his journey and delivers!" Pinkie Pie squeed in excitement.
"You believe in Santa Claus?" Applejack asked after taking another cocoa sip.
"Yep!"
"I... uh," Applejack stopped herself. "I don't mean to offend but, isn't he just a legendary figure?"
"Come on, Applejack! How else could he have delivered all those presents in one night?"
"Uhhh..."
"Answer's magic!" Pinkie said quickly.
"I don't know darling, I'm not sure about that. It's not whether the character is real, it's the spirit of Christmas that matters," Rarity said, setting the cup down to adjust the strands that were hanging in front of her head.
"Honestly, after everything we've seen and witnessed... I'm just gonna say, yeah, he's real," Rainbow said, shrugging her shoulders. "Heck, if you tell me aliens are real, I'd believe you. I mean three of our friends are immortal seaponies who can sing to hypnotize people, Sunset's a pony from another world and turned into a raging she-demon, and we also saw a giant dragon come out into the games field."
Scootaloo poke her head up from where she was sitting with a raised brow. "We really missed a lot, haven't we?"
"More than you know it, squirt."
"Hey, girls. Dinner's ready!" Shining called.
"Oooh, food time," Pinkie vanished in a cloud of smoke.
"Sweet."
"Finally!"
"About time!"
The dining room was crowded with the families all slowly sliding into the chairs. Most of the adults parked themselves at one end, and the teenagers sat the the other end. Thankfully there was enough space for them all to gather together. And plenty of food to go around; some turkey, spaghetti, lasagna, salads, they had everything!
With everyone finally getting their own food,Twilight stood up and clinked the glass cup, silencing everyone. All eyes turned to her and she cleared her throat.
"Before we dig in, I'd like to say a few words, if that's okay?"
No one objected, and her parents gave the okay.
"Okay. So... a lot of you may not know this, but I wasn't the most social person in school, and I was always seen as a weirdo to my classmates. But the reason that I wanted to invite you all here is well... it's because of my friends," Twilight smiled. She looked at the Rainbooms who looked back at her, smiling graciously with pride. "Because of them, they helped spin me around and see that things are not always so bleak. I am proud to call them my friends. And I am also proud of how they spun themselves after the bad days following Sunset Shimmer's defeat."
Rarity and Applejack exchanged glances with each other, smiling some more. And they looked back at Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash who were all equal with them.
"And I also want to thank my mom, my dad, my brother, Cadence--"
A soft bark came from the floor near where she was sitting, and the girl giggled. "--And Spike too, for supporting me even when I didn't deserve it. You're the best family I could ask for, and I hope I can make you all proud."
Night Light and Twilight Velvet smile and their hands intertwined with each other, and Night Light gave his wife a soft peck on her cheek in between.
"Which is why I want to raise a toast. To friendship... and family."
Everyone raised a glass and their voices boomed, "To family!"