The Crystal Empire was decked out in Hearth's Warming decorations. Inside the castle, Shining Armor was getting everything ready for the big day. He had placed the final gift on top of the present pile, and was setting up the rest of decorations.
Cadence walked into the room while holding North Star. “Wow Shining, you’ve really outdone yourself.”
“What can I say? Hearth's Warming eve is my favorite time of year.” Shining then noticed what Cadence had done to North Star. “Um Honey, why is North Star dressed up like a present?”
Cadence smiled and giggled. “Because he’s the greatest gift we have ever received.” Cadence nuzzled North Star, causing him to laugh. Cadence then placed him among the present pile and took a picture.
“I have to admit Cadence, this is the most adorable sight I have ever seen.” Shining then walked over to the fireplace and put up plushies of himself, Cadence, and North Star.
Cadence heard a knock at the door. She answered it and was greeted by a guard. “Miss Haze is here to see you.” The guard said.
“Great, send her in.” The guard stepped aside and Daisy entered with Summer. “Cadence! Shining! Thank you so much for inviting us over!”
“Oh, it was no trouble.” Cadence said waving her hoof. “After all, this time of year is about friends and family. And you have been very helpful in teaching Shining and me how to be parents.”
Daisy placed Summer next to North Star. The two foals smiled and playfully hugged each other. Daisy also placed four gifts onto the present pile.
“Daisy, you didn’t have to get us anything.” Shining said.
“But I insist. You and Cadence have helped me and Summer so much.”
North Star and Summer both grabbed presents and began shaking them. “Now now, you two will just have to wait.” Cadence said with a smile.
Suddenly, there was another knock at the door. “Shining, are we expecting anypony else?” Cadence asked.
“Just a few more.” Shining said happily.
Cadence opened the door. She was greeted by Twilight, Spike, and Shining’s parents. “Happy Hearth’s Warming!” They all shouted.
“Twily, Spike, mom, dad, you made it!” Shining rushed over and gave them all big hugs. Cadence hugged them as well.
Shining introduced Daisy. “Mom, dad, this is Daisy Haze. She’s been helping me and Cadence with North Star.”
Daisy shook their hooves. “It’s very nice to meet you.” Daisy then picked up Summer. “This is my daughter Summer. She and North Star are inseparable.”
Twilight Velvet pinched Summer’s cheeks. “She is so sweet!” Summer giggled in return.
Shining walked over, carrying North Star. “Here he is, your grandson!”
Twilight Velvet and Night Light both took hold of North Star.
“He is so precious!” Twilight Velvet said as she nuzzled North Star.
North Star looked at them both and smiled. “Gwanny! Pop Pop!”
Night Light could not help but smile. “Well I’ll be, I have a nickname!”
Twilight, Twilight Velvet, and Night Light all placed plushies of themselves above the fireplace. Daisy did the same with plushies of her and Summer.
Everypony then sat in the royal dining hall for dinner. Shining rang his glass to give a speech.
“This Hearth’s Warming eve is very special for Cadence and I. For the longest time, the two of us have tried to have a foal of our own. But we never gave up hope. And then North Star entered our lives. When he came into this world, he was all alone. It’s as if we were destined to be a family. Even though there are ponies who are suspicious of North Star, Me and Cadence only see the good in him. North Star is a kind, sweet hearted little foal who has brought love and joy not only into our lives, but into the lives of our friends as well. And so, I dedicate this Hearth’s Warming eve to North Star.”
Everypony raised their glass. North Star drank from his sippy cup while Summer knocked hers over and clapped.
Everypony enjoyed the delicious meal, even if North Star and Summer got most of it on their faces. After dinner, Spike spoke to Twilight. “Twilight, can we still do our yearly tradition? Please?”
“What tradition is that?” Shining asked.
“Well, every year Spike and I open up our presents on Hearth's Warming eve instead of waiting until the morning.” Twilight replied.
“That sounds like a wonderful idea!” Cadence said. “Why don’t we all do it tonight?”
“I agree. But first, the Equestrian flag must be raised.” said Shining. “And by tradition, that honor goes to the youngest in the family.”
Shining picked up North Star and took him over to the flag pole. Shining placed the rope in North Star’s little hooves. “Ok bud, give it a big pull.” North Star pulled with all his might, but he still got a little help from Cadence when she used her magic. North Star looked up at the raised flag with awe and wonder.
“Um, can we open the presents now?” Spike asked.
“Pwesents!” North Star cheered.
Cadence could not help but snicker. “Yes, we may open presents now.”
Twilight gave a present to North Star. He quickly tore away the wrapping to paper to find out that it was, surprise surprise, a book.
“It’s a collection of Equestria’s fairy tales.” Twilight said proudly. “This was my favorite book as a filly, and I hope that you enjoy it just as much.”
North Star put the book in his mouth. Everypony else then broke out laughing.
After all the presents had been opened, North Star and Summer fell asleep atop their pile of toys. The everypony else all gathered by the fire and drank cider.
Shining snuggled up to Cadence. “This has been the happiest Heart’s Warming eve of my life.”
“Mine too.” Cadence and Shining then kissed.