//------------------------------// // Chapter 1: It's a Pony Kind of Christmas // Story: The Hearth's Warming Eve Holiday Concert // by Trombone15 //------------------------------// There was plenty of snow on the ground in the town of Ponyville on the evening of Hearth’s Warming Eve when the annual concert was just about to begin. In the week leading up to the concert, Slide had received a letter from Mayor Mare, saying that the concert can be scheduled, giving him permission for the chorus to sing at the Ponyville Town Hall as well. During the week, Slide and his friends rehearsed the songs with ease, feeling confident that they will sound absolutely awesome. Making their way to the stage that evening, they noticed that a decent sized audience had shown up to see the performance and were excited to hear the songs that the choir had rehearsed only a few weeks before the holiday. Lining up on stage facing the audience from left to right, Limonella Citrus, Lupi, Heroic Armour, and Slide Fortissimo, wearing their winter scarfs and hoof coverings to keep themselves warm, were ready to perform. A beautifully decorated holiday tree stood at the rear center of the stage in between Lupi and Heroic Armour. Two choral books were being shared by the four ponies, with Slide and Heroic holding one book with one hoof each while Lupi and Limonella held open the other book in the same manner. Slide Fortissimo glanced at his three friends and felt happy to know that they were going to give one of the finest performances of carols for everypony to enjoy. Clearing his throat, he turned to address the audience. In the audience, Slide Fortissimo could see his twin brother, Lupi's coltfriend, and an orange unicorn filly that was happy to see her parents who will be singing during the concert. “Fillies and Gentlecolts, it is my pleasure to present you with this year’s annual Hearth’s Warming Eve Concert!” The audience cheered and stomped their hooves with glee. “Our first song is called It’s a Pony Kind of Christmas, with Limonella on Soprano, Lupi on Alto, Heroic on Tenor, and myself on Bass." Looking back at his friends, he smiled as with a swift movement from his right wing to start the song, the chorus began to sing: It's a pony kind of Christmas In every color shade All around the world of Equestria It's Christmastime here today It's a pony kind of Christmas Its light never fades All around the world of Equestria Christmas is here to stay Christmas is a time of joy When the light of friendship burns bright Takin' time for family To recall the past and do what's right And outside gentle snow is falling Forest creatures keeping warm below And all throughout Equestria We feel the light of friendship only grow It's a pony kind of Christmas Its light never fades All around the world of Equestria Christmas is here to stay Dashing through the snow In a one-horse open sleigh Over the fields we go Laughing all the way Decorate with boughs of holly Fill the halls with wonder Wrap the presents, silver paper Trim the tree and place them under Time for counting down the days to Christmas Every day that passes is a party we can throw Time for counting down the days to Christmas And everyday our friendship grows It's a pony kind of Christmas In every color shade All around the world of Equestria It's Christmastime here today It's a pony kind of Christmas Its light never fades All around the world of Equestria Christmas is here To stay With the first song complete, the audience immediately erupted in applause and cheers. It was a wonderful way to start off the annual holiday concert. Limonella, Lupi, Heroic, and Slide all took a bow as the audience continued their applause until they were ready to hear the next song in the program. "Thank you everypony!" Slide exclaimed. "It's so nice to see you all here for this performance." "Absolutely," said Limonella. "Being here with my friends is a wonderful feeling indeed." "Of course Limonella," replied Heroic, who was happy to sing with his friends. "Anyway, Lupi and Limonella will be taking a break while Slide and I sing the next song." "Have fun!" shouted Lupi with excitement as she and Limonella stepped carefully off the stage.