"Okay, so now that we've all agreed on the times when all of you will be staying, I'll be going over some of the ground rules," I said about half an hour later. We were in the living room still, and Ember, Gemini and Mica had gone outside to do some exercises and spar around the property while I had a talk with the Mane Six, Zecora, Scarlet, and Spike. Even if Scarlet and Zecora had been joking about me having no control in my house, I still felt the need to take charge, and I did just that after a few minutes of them all talking and discussing the best times to be at my house for the night. "For nights when only one or two of you are here, I'm perfectly fine with you sleeping in the same room as me, but there can't be anything too loud going on after, say, eleven o'clock. So no late night parties, Pinkie."

"Aww, you're no fun," Pinkie said, "but fine! You owe me an extra super duper fun date though!"

"Yes, yes I do," I agreed. "Second, my house, my rules. I know you're all capable adults, so I don't normally have to say this, but lately you all have become overly protective of me, and it's a bit worrisome. While I appreciate it and it means the world to me to know how much you care, it is a bit smothering at best. I love you all, and I appreciate the sentiments, but right now, Chrysalis and the Sirens are not as dangerous as they could be with their magic."

"Darling, I had no idea you felt smothered," Rarity said softly.

"There's the good kind of emotional smothering, and there's the bad kind," I said. "I know you care, Rarity. It's part of your je ne se quoi, but I'm not some weak-no, that's the wrong comparison to make," I quickly corrected myself. "I'm very capable of handling myself in a fight. The last two examples notwithstanding."

"Dude, you nearly got your ass handed to you each time!" Rainbow exclaimed with wide eyes. "Can you blame us?"

"No, no I can't," I admitted, "but if you are all constantly protecting me, I can't do the same for you if the time ever comes."

The Mane Six all blushed at that. Whether it was from embarrassment or something else I couldn't tell. After a few seconds, Twilight walked over to me. "Jethro, can I be honest with you?"

"Please do," I said.

She took a deep breath and began. "When I saw you become that monster back in Aelyssia, I was scared. Not scared of you. Scared for you. I thought I'd lost you as a friend then. It hurt so much, and it hurt back when we were in the Lycan Empire to see you getting hurt by Gemini. You're the first creature-no, that's the wrong word-the first individual I've ever felt this way about. I don't know what I'd do if you were lost to…to us." The poor mare was trembling slightly and there were tears in her eyes. "Even if…we're not in a relationship right now, I can't stand the thought of losing you or any of my closest friends in this room."

Automatically I wrapped my arms around her, holding her close as she wrapped her forelegs around me, clinging tightly to me. "Have you talked to anyone else about this? Maybe your parents? Your brother? Cadance, even? You're not the only one who feels this way, you know?"

She sniffed and buried her face into my neck tightly. "I know…and you're right. I should talk to somepony…"

I stroked her mane affectionately. Beside her, Fluttershy appeared, putting one hoof on her withers as she said, "We all feel that way, Twilight."

"I can't be a smiling party Pony all the time!" Pinkie said with a sheepish smile as she joined the trembling unicorn. "Even I get worried about Jethy-wethy!"

I smirked as I held Twilight closer. Even though she was snuggling close, I heard her giggle slightly at Pinkie's antics. "Sorry, everypony," she said after she slowly pulled away from me. Pinkie hoofed over a tissue, which Twilight grabbed with her magic and used to wipe her tears away then blow her nose. "You're right, Jethro. I'm being a bit overprotective."

"I appreciate it, but like I said, I can handle myself well enough," I said. "Let's try and make things fun tonight, though. You're all staying the night tonight, right?" I asked. When they nodded in affirmation, I smiled. "Good! We've got plenty of time before sunset, so let's get started on what we can do tonight!"

With that, the Ponies cheered up and began making multiple suggestions.

"Can I make a cake in your kitchen?" Pinkie asked.

"I reeeeally wanna try that cider you gave me!" Rainbow Dash gave me her best puppy dog eyes, which didn't work as much on her. "Pleeeease let me off the hook just for tonight? I'll really read that story, I promise!"

"Yah think it might be a good idea to invite the Crusaders over? It might help that young Pegasus," Applejack suggested.

"Is it okay if I try and design some adooorable baby clothes for the new Princess? I have so many ideas!" Rarity looked excited now.

"Um, are there any movies of yours that relate to that holiday from Earth that's like Hearth's Warming? I'd like to see one," Fluttershy asked. "If that's okay with you."

"Isn't the first snow of the season happening later? We could have a snowball fight!" Twilight asked excitedly. "I've never had one, before! I've read all about how you're supposed to have one, too!"

"Jesus, they don't stop, do they?" Scarlet said to me.

"True, but they're all excited," I said. "It's pretty endearing if you ask me. Still…" and with that, I clapped my hands loudly. "Okay, everyone! Hold your horses!" As they calmed down, I smiled. "I get that you're all excited. After all, our first sleepover didn't really go the way we wanted. So let's do this: you all can go back to your homes and get ready for the night. Pack an overnight bag of whatever you need and I'll get things started here. For one, only my Earth house is decorated for Christmas." I looked around at my Equestrian house. "This place needs some sprucing up. Or rather, some tree fir-ing up. Think there are any Hearth's Warming trees left at the lot?"

"I can go get the decorations!" Pinkie exclaimed happily, her tail twitching excitedly.

"Now hold on, Pinkie Pie," Rarity said, holding out her hoof to stop the pink mare from rushing out into the streets, "You cannot simply throw any old decorations into a house this gorgeous. You have to use the kind that will fit in." She looked around the living room with a careful eye. "Yes, I know precisely where we can go."

"You're willing to help?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.

"My dear Jethro, who do you think I am?" Rarity asked, putting a hoof to her chest.

"Rarity…what is your last name, anyway?" I asked.

"Belle, of course!" Rarity said.

"I should have figured," I chuckled. "But you think you can find some decorations that would fit this house? You and Pinkie?"

"Of course! I'm sure we can do something," she said.

"I hope they haven't taken that one really tall fir tree," Pinkie said. "Oooh ooh! Jethy! Do you have any recipes from Earth that you have for holiday food or drinks?"

"Depends. You guys have eggnog here?" I asked.

"What's eggnog?" Pinkie asked.

"Oooh, do I have a treat for you, then," I smirked.

"What can the rest of us do?" Twilight asked, referring to herself, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Spike.

"Well…for starters, Rainbow, can you get some extra snowclouds over the house?" I asked the prismatic Pegasus. "A snowball fight might be in order."

"I might be able to swing that," Rainbow said with a smirk, "but you owe me big time, mister!"

"That's where Applejack comes in," I said, turning to the stalwart orange mare. "Do you have any cider left that I can buy from your family?"

"We sure do, sugarcube!" Applejack said. "How many barrels yah want?"

"Depends. How long do you think a few barrels will last?" I asked.

"With or without Rainbow Dash here?" Applejack asked, giving the aforementioned Pony a sideways glance.

"Hey! I can handle myself just fine!" Rainbow huffed.

"Either way, I've had your family's cider, AJ. It won't last long. Especially if we do invite the CMC over. Although I think it'd be better if they had their own party. They're still kids. I remember whenever my parents would have adults their age over. I was sooo bored since there weren't kids my age there to play with. And we outnumber them."

"Ah suppose yer right," Applejack said. "Ah'm sure Granny won't mind them bein' over at our house tonight."

"They could certainly use it," I said.

"Actually, Sweetie Belle's been excited to see the ship you brought back," Rarity said with a giggle. "She's been begging me to ask you if they can go explore it."

"Apple Bloom's been askin' the same thing," Applejack said.

"Well, I'll be sure to give them a tour when things calm down," I said. "And anyone else who wants one."

"You promised me I could take a look at it!" Twilight whined.

"I wouldn't mind taking a peek, myself," Sunset admitted. "I mean, a genuine flying ship? Sign me the hell up."

"You'll get a crack at it, yes," I said. "But let's focus on tonight. It'll be a good chance for us to unwind. So…movies? Snacks? Games? A snowball fight? Anything else we're missing?"

"Ah'm sure we'll let ya know if we think of somethin'," Applejack said. "Now, ah've gotta git them barrels. Six sound like enough?"

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Rainbow's eyes widen in anticipation. I chuckled. "Maybe a bit more than that. I'd like some for the winter. Especially since whenever I heat it up, it makes for some amazing hot cider."

"Ah know!" Applejack said with a wide smile. "Welp, ah'll be back in a jiffy!" And with that, she galloped out of the house.

"I'll go to the snow factory and see if I can convince some of the Pegasi to send some extra snow our way," Rainbow said, zooming out of the house with a rainbow following in her wake.

"Pinkie Pie, come with me," Rarity said, trotting to the door gallantly but excitedly. "We're going shopping! Ohoho!"

"Sunset! Spike! Let's get our overnight stuff packed!" Twilight said, running to the door with the little drake following close behind. Sunset smirked, raised her horn and vanished in a pop of displaced air.

"I'll be back too," Fluttershy said, walking towards the door. "I need to make sure my animals will be safe overnight." So saying, she walked over to the door, but I noticed that she was swaying her flanks a bit seductively at me before she opened the door, spread her wings and flew away.

When it was just me, Scarlet and Zecora, Scarlet lifted her nose and sniffed the air. "Whoo boy, that Fluttershy is sneaker than she lets on."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Can't you smell it? The lust in the air?" Scarlet asked, grinning as she sat on my lap. "I certainly can," she cooed as Zecora giggled, grinding her lower half on me.

"Oh my God! How horny are you?!"

"Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way! Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh, hey! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way! Oh, what fun it is to ride in a once-horse open sleigh!"

Hardly an hour later, I was singing the song as me, Zecora, Scarlet, Spike and the Mane Six decorated the living room, kitchen and dining room with all manner of holiday linens, garlands, lights, candles, wreathes and even a large nine foot tree that Pinkie had managed to snag from the Hearth's Warming Tree Lot before it was gone. I had taken the job of decorating the tree along with Zecora, who herself had some traditional Farasi ornaments she wanted to place on there. For the most part, however, the tree could hardly be distinguished from a Christmas tree, with sparkling warm milticolored lights, gold sashed garlands, silver garlands, ornament balls, and, the cherry on top, a glowing white orb of light hovering over the top, which I learned was the Fire of Friendship. Of course, I had to sneak on a spare Christmas tree star right underneath it.

"Do humans really enjoy one-horse open sleighs?" Twilight, who was covering one of the couches in the living room with a large covering with Hearth's Warming bells, garlands and snowflakes sewn into them, asked curiously.

"It's a reminder of simpler times, I think," I said as I found a spot on the tree to put another ornament. "Before cars, humans used horses to get around, whether by riding or having them pull on carts or sleighs during the winter. Couples would go on sleigh rides together underneath the falling snow or during a cold starlight winter night. I'd try that now, but I haven't heard of a horse even existing here, and being pulled by a Pony just seems rude."

"Horses do exist here," Twilight said, "but they're an endangered species."

"Really? That's a shame," I said as I found another spot. Unplugging the lights, I stepped back and narrowed my eyes, looking for any imperfections or too many ornaments on one section and too little on another. Finding nothing, I nodded in satisfaction before looking at it from a few other angles before finally plugging the lights back in. "Perfect!"

"Ooooh! That's the coolest Hearth's Warming tree I've seen!" Pinkie, who was busy making a large batch of eggnog from a recipe I'd printed off the staticnet for her. She'd been super intrigued when I mentioned it that she begged to try it. When I said I didn't have any but that she could make it herself if she wanted, she eagerly volunteered to try. "It's so big!"

"That's what she said," Scarlet, who was hanging up garlands on the walls near the ceiling, snarked.

"Hey look! Rainbow's back!" Spike, who was helping Twilight, said as he looked out the window. I looked out as well and saw the world outside darken just a tad before the Pegasus landed and ran in. "Well? Did we get the extra snow?" the young drake asked.

"It took a bit of fenagling, but I managed to convince them to let a couple extra inches fall over Ponyville," Rainbow said. "I couldn't convince them to just do this house."

"That's fine," I said. "When is the snow supposed to start?"

"In about thirty minutes," Rainbow said.

"It's been forever since I've enjoyed a Hearth's Warming Season, or even a Christmas season for that matter," Sunset said with a sad smile on her face.

"Well, then let's make this the best Hearth's Warming ever!" Twilight said happily.

The door to the dining room opened and Rarity came walking through, a tired but proud smile on her face. "Your dining hall looks splendid now!" she said. "Please come see it when you have the chance."

"On my way," I said as I rushed over towards her, but not before stopping at where Pinkie was still staring at the tree, dipping my pinkie finger into the mix, and taking a small taste. "Very delicious," I said, winking at the startled Earth Pony before I followed Rarity into the dining room. "Whoa…"

The dining room table itself had a large tablecloth on it, one made of intricate fabric interwoven into a holiday themed scene. Hearth's Warming scene, not a Christmas scene. I saw a large orb of light in the center of the table itself, and on three sides were three Ponies, each reaching out towards the center light. One was a Unicorn mare with pale white fur, a dark pink mane and tail, and who was wearing regal purple garments and a crown on her head tilted slightly to the side. The second was a Pegasus stallion with cream colored fur and a dark purple tail. He wore armor that seemed to match those of Roman legionnaires, only made of gray armor mixed with gold. The third was an Earth Pony stallion who had pink fur, a dark crimson mane and tail, and who wore a very unusual ensemble, from a hat which had a brim that looked like a Pringle to mismatched colored clothing with those unusual collars around their neck. They were floating in a sea of stars, and at the edges of the table were sewn in garlands with holly and woven in. Rarity turned to me and said, "I bought this when I was in Canterlot a couple of days ago. What do you think?"

"What do I think? Rarity…I love it!" I smiled wide, rushed over and lifted the startled Unicorn in my arms, hugging her close. "It's perfect!"

"Oh my, well, this is…um, Jethro…?"

I chuckled a bit, then put her down. She was blushing slightly but still smiling. "Sorry," I said. "Guess I got excited."

"Goodness, I should say so," Rarity said, putting a hoof to her mouth and giggling cutely. "I'm just sorry I couldn't find anything that would do well with your Christmas celebration."

"Don't be," I said. "I'm the only human in Equestria right now. Besides, Hearth's Warming is celebrated practically the same way. You've got presents, trees, decorations, goodwill to your fellow Pony and non-Pony, and so much more. Besides, I've decorated my Earth house already with all my Christmas stuff."

"Well, next year, I'd love to try and make some Christmas themed decorations or fabrics for you," she insisted.

"When the time comes, I'll sit down and show you some stuff," I promised as I looked more around the room. The tablecloth wasn't the only part of the table that had been added to. There were tablemats at each place at the table with green and red poinsettia scenes on them and red and green striped hoofkerchiefs on their right. On the windows overlooking the outside, I saw that she'd replaced the normal curtains with red and green striped ones. There were three candelabra's on the table and two more on a smaller table right next to the windows, each with blue and silver candles in them. What surprised me was that the artwork and fabric worked matched the older aesthetic of the house itself. "Rarity…this is amazing. You've really outdone yourself."

"Thank you," she said with a smile, "I do try."

"And succeeded quite fabulously," I said. "Hell, I might just ask to hire you to do all of my interior decorating."

"Darling, as fun as this was, I know somepony ten times better at interior decorating than I am," she said. "I'm just a seamstress, after all."

"Well, I'll keep that in mind," I said.

"Jethy!" Pinkie poked her head in from the kitchen, "this recipe says you can use alcohol. Are we?"

"No, Pinkie," I said. "No booze tonight."

"Oki dokie lokie! Also, it says we need to refrigerate it, but it won't be ready in time!"

"I'll put what you make in my Earth fridge for a while," I replied. Turning to Rarity, I gave her an apologetic smile. "Sorry about this. Seems like I need to go help Pinkie for a bit."

"Sweetheart, don't worry," Rarity said, "I still have the living room to look over."

"You're the best," I said as she turned and walked towards the living room.

"Yes I know, darling. I know," she replied, and I was instantly tempted to call her Edna.

Instead, I turned and walked over to where Pinkie was waiting. "Okay, so how far along are you?"

Snow had been falling for only half an hour, but the ground was already covered in white. Ember and the Lycans had come in when the snow started. Mica had asked if he would be allowed to stay down to observe, and the group all agreed. They'd grown used to him and a couple had even said how much they liked seeing him since he was always decent and kind to them. Spike was excited to have another male with him, and the two quickly bonded. Phlogiston had come downstairs with Aurora to see what the fuss was about, carrying the overly curious baby Dragon. When I explained, she asked if we could be a bit quieter, especially since it was nearly time for Aurora to sleep. I instead told her I could cast a spell around her room so no noise got in, which she readily accepted.

Aurora was immediately surrounded by the eager Ponies, who greeted her with baby talk and smiles. Aurora couldn't stop giggling and smiling, reaching out with her small claws to try and touch them all and greet them in her own babbling language, whatever it was. Phlogiston gave her to me for a while so she could take a break, and I carried the young Dragon around, even showing her off to Spike and Mica. The former was really happy to meet a younger Dragon, and Mica was doing his best not to show how adorable he thought the baby was.

That didn't stop Aurora from playing with the Lycan's furry claws and giggling incoherently. In a way, Aurora reminded me somewhat of Flurry Heart with how happy she was. She also took in all of the Hearth's Warming decorations with excitement. I had to take her away from the tree, however, when she decided to try and chew through the wires of some of the lights. She wasn't too happy about that but got distracted by something else minutes later. I even sat her by the window and let her watch the falling snow.

Finally, when Phlogiston returned from her break, she and I, along with Aurora, walked to her room. Just as we entered, I realized she needed a diaper change. When Phlogiston told me she'd deal with it, I intervened and asked her to teach me how to do it. She seemed stunned by this, but an approving smile quickly played over her lips as she walked me step by step through the process. When she asked me why I wanted to learn, I told her that I hoped to learn more since I felt it unfair to have her raise the baby all alone. She thanked me, but told me she was fine with it. She already liked the Princess and would gladly spend time helping me raise her.

After leaving the two alone so they could sleep, I walked downstairs after casting the silence spell over their room and began setting up my laptop. As I did so, the pizzas that I'd ordered, triple cheese and supreme (which had no meat) arrived. Three of each. I paid and tipped our delivery Pony generously and set them on a small table in the living room before going back to finishing my laptop setup.

Pinkie had brought over a few large beanbag chairs for those of us who couldn't fit on the couches. She took one, Twilight took another, Sunset took one next to Twilight, Pinkie took a large pink one, and Spike and Mica took two more. I rearranged the two couches to face the hovering screen and sat in between two very affectionate equines, with a third one, Fluttershy, sitting in my lap in a Ponyloaf form. Applejack, Rarity and Rainbow Dash all sat in the other couch.

"What are we watching?" Fluttershy asked as I used my magic to turn off the lights, leaving only the warm light of the fire beside us to illuminate everything.

"Well, unfortunately I don't have any Hearth's Warming movies," I joked, earning me a few laughs, "but there are some classics that I think you'd really enjoy. I'm gonna start with one of my favorite renditions of a Christmas classic story. Fillies and gentlecolts, may I present, George C. Scott in A Christmas Carol." I projected the screen in front of everyone, then hit play.

"Mister Cratchit!"

Fluttershy tensed up in my lap and looked up at me. We were only about three minutes in, and the first time George C. Scott's rendition of Scrooge had yelled at him startled her. "He's mean, isn't he?" she whispered.

"Just watch," I smiled, pointing back up to the screen, but I put my arms around her just in case anything else startled her.

"Damn it, Scrooge! It's not fair!"

"No, but it's business! I'll give you a moment to make up your minds."

"Sweet Celestia…that's not how you earn clientele!" Rarity exclaimed softly.

"That is pretty dishonest of him, yes," Applejack agreed.

"Hush! I'm trying to watch," Twilight said in a loud whisper.

"Many can't go there, and many would rather die."

"If they would rather die, perhaps they had better do so and, uh, decrease the surplus population."

"Surely you don't mean that, sir."

"With all my heart. Now if you will go about your business, gentlemen, and allow me to go about mine. Good day."

"Damn, this guy's really getting on my nerves," Scarlet whispered.

"He is quite the ruffian," Rarity agreed.

Zecora, who had actually seen another version of the movie with me a while ago, simply leaned in closer and gave me a knowing look. I smiled back, then pulled her and Scarlet closer. "Just keep watching."

"Scrooooge! Ebenezer Scrooge!"

"Who's calling me? Someone call my name?"

Fluttershy meeped and turned around, burying her face in my chest. The spooky music was clearly terrifying to her. I patted her on her back. "It's just a movie, Flutters," I whispered reassuringly. "Nobody's gonna hurt you. I'm here too, and I'll protect her."

She relaxed in my grip. Zecora leaned closer and whispered in Farasi, "She's putting the moves on you."

"I know."

"Whoa!" Rainbow Dash jumped as the door to Scrooge's inner chambers was flung open. "What was that?!"

"Freaking out a bit, Rainbow?" I teased.

"N-No! Just wondering!"

"Is it just me, or has that Marley ghost not blinked this entire time?" Mica asked.

"I noticed that too," Twilight said, "doesn't that hurt the actor?"

"Hush!" Spike said.

"Hang on, is this just like A Hearth's Warming Tale?" Scarlet asked as the Ghost of Christmas Past showed up.

"Curiouser and curiouser," Twilight muttered to herself.

"Longer? Three days is quite long enough for both of us. Don't you think, Ebenezer?"

"…Yes sir…Quite long enough."

"Is it wrong that I wanna give Ebby a party now?" a solemn sounding Pinkie asked softly.

"Ah doubt it, sugarcube," Applejack replied. "What kind of family treats their own kin like that?"

"That dress that the Belle girl is wearing is simply divine," Rarity said with a soft tone. "I wonder if I could replicate it?"

"Jethro, is she beautiful in human terms?" Fluttershy asked curiously.

"I would say so, yes."

"He didn't get to keep his special somepony…no wonder he's such a sour grump," Pinkie said after the ending of the scene between Belle and Ebenezer.

"I'm a businessmare, but even I know better than to put profit before love," Rarity said.

"Ah'm with ya there," Applejack agreed.

"Leave me! Haunt me no longer!"

"She's just trying to help, Ebby!" Pinkie shouted at the screen.

"They can't hear you, Pinks," I said.

"It's so sad…" Pinkie said again.

"I know, Pinkie, I know…"

"I knew humans had to eat meat, but do they need to eat so much?" Fluttershy asked gently as the Ghost of Christmas Present arrived in Scrooge's house on his throne.

"Meat is good for us," I explained quietly. "The nutrients we get from meat and animal products are some we can't get from fruits and vegetables. And we need them to be at a hundred percent capacity."

"I know that up here," the Pegasus said, touching her head, "but in here, it scares me a bit." She touched her chest.

"Flutters, I would never, ever eat anything that I can talk to," I promised. "You know that, right?"

She nodded, giving me a kind and tender smile. "Does it cost much to order meat from Griffonstone?" she asked.

"It's worth it if it means not worrying you," I said, snuggling her closer.

"…I love you…"

"Aww, the Cratchit family looks like a really loving and happy family," Twilight said. "Shame they're so poor."

"Money isn't everything," I said.

"This coming from the richest person in the world," Scarlet teased.

"Oh hush," I said, flicking her nose.

"It's a very small goose."

"It's all Bob Cratchit can afford!"

"Yeah! You tell him, Mister Ghost!" Rainbow shouted, shaking her hoof at the screen.

"Rainbow, hush!" Twilight said.

"Wow, that ghost really is giving Scrooge the what for," Rarity said in awe after the Ghost of Christmas present used Scrooge's own words against him and then chewed him out.

"I bet this'll make a great friendship lesson to the Princess," Twilight said.

"Want me to write one now?" Spike asked.

"No, later Spike."

"Mr. Cratchit is a lot nicer than I'd ever be," Rainbow scoffed after Bob gave a toast to Ebenezer. "Look how proud Scrooge looks!"

"Now now, Rainbow Dash, even the biggest meanies need kindness sometimes," Fluttershy admonished.

"He's paying his employee far less than he deserves, darling," Rarity said. "At some point, enough is enough."

"Ladies, later, please," I said.

"Ah like this Cousin Fred," Applejack said quietly in my direction. "He knows what family means."

"Even if his only family is some cruel asshole," Rainbow muttered.

"Yeah…even if that," Applejack said, shoving Rainbow none too gently.

"Ignorance and Want, huh?" Applejack observed.

"Ugh, they look horrid!" Rarity gasped. "In such weather, too!"

"You're missing the point, Rarity," I said.

"Wow, this is a lot darker than A Hearth's Warming Tale," Twilight said.

"Oh just you wait," Sunset chuckled.

The moment the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come appeared, Fluttershy nearly jumped out of her fur and buried her face harder into my chest. I stroked her mane and covered her up with the blanket I'd brought down from my bedroom. A chill seemed to go through the room for those who hadn't seen the movie before. Even Scarlet was unnerved.

"He isn't gonna talk?" she asked me.

"Just watch," I pointed to the screen.

"They're talking about Scrooge, aren't they?" Rarity asked after the scene in the stock exchange building ended.

A bolt of lightning was seen on the screen, followed by a clap of thunder and a close up of the front door to Scrooge's house. "I knew it!"

"How does he not know?" Mica asked.

"Denial can be a pretty powerful thing," Twilight replied.

I held Fluttershy closer. "Hang in there, Flutters."

I felt a small pressure on my cheek. Looking down, I saw Fluttershy moving away from me, a blushing smile on her face. I brought my hand to my face, only for her to nod. "I did," she said in an embarrassed tone.

"Wow, you two were right," Spike said during the scene with Old Joe and Mrs. Dilber, "he really is in denial."

"Told you," Twilight said with a proud tone.

"I figured as much," Rarity said.

"No! Why did Tiny Tim have to die!?" Pinkie wailed sadly.

Fluttershy was also crying, as were some of the other Ponies. I actually had to pause the film for a while until the others got their emotions together.

"Tha-that was not cool," Rainbow said, holding back her own tears.

"Shit…that's just sad," Scarlet said.

"It'd be like if ah lost Apple Bloom," Applejack said.

"Or me Sweetie Belle," Rarity said.

It took them about ten minutes to calm down before I could resume.

"How does him realizing he died change him?" Twilight asked curiously.

Pausing the movie again, I had to take a few moments to gather my thoughts. That had always been a question of mine, too. However, I'd come up with an answer I was satisfied with. "It's all up to interpretation, I think," I said as all eyes focused on me, "but I think that since he's been shown so much about himself that he chose to forget, like his happier past and miserable future, kinda continued building up and up until it culminated in his death. Once he realized he'd died alone and how his actions could lead to the death of a child he felt sympathy for, he quickly understood that he was just perpetuating a cycle of despair. That's my take, anyway."

All around me, the others nodded in agreement and muttered to themselves as I resumed the film.

"It's nice to see somepony finally realizin' the value of family," Applejack said as Scrooge finally called on his nephew and wife.

"I wholeheartedly agree," Rarity said. "Quite refreshing."

"Yay! He's getting a raise!" Pinkie exclaimed happily, clapping her hooves together.

"Will that be enough to help Tiny Tim?" Fluttershy asked.

"You'll find out soon enough," I said.

"Ebenezer Scrooge was better than his word. He became as good a friend, as good a master, as good a man as the old city knew. And to Tiny Tim, who did not die, he was a second father. It was said of Ebenezer Scrooge that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us. And so, as Tiny Tim observed, 'God bless us, every one'."

Everyone in the room stood up and cheered as the music crescendoed and the movie ended. The looks of relief on their faces warmed my heart. I felt two pairs of lips kissing my cheeks from either side of me, and I grinned. My grin froze in surprise as Fluttershy herself placed a gentle kiss on my lips, happy tears flowing down her cheeks. "Ah, I'm sorry," she said nervously.

I ruffled her mane gently. "It's alright, Flutters," I said.

"I can't believe that there's a story like A Hearth's Warming Tale on Earth," Twilight exclaimed as I turned the lights back on and closed the window on my laptop. "There's so much similarities there!"

"It surprised me too," Sunset said as she sat up and stretched. "So, what should we do next?"

"There are a few other movies we could watch," I said, "or we could play some games. It's only…what, just past four?"

"Four twenty," Spike said, looking at the grandfather clock in the room.

"Well, there's either games, or we could watch Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer or Santa Claus is Coming To Town."

"What about that eggnog?" Pinkie asked eagerly.

"Good point, Pinkie," I said. "I'll go get it." Looking down at Fluttershy, I smiled. "Gotta get up, Flutters."

She gave me a small pout, but nodded as she stood, jumped off of my legs and stretched her legs and wings. "I wouldn't mind another movie, as long as it's not as scary as the one we just watched," she said, "but games sound fun, too."

"Well, you guys can decide on what to do. I'll be right back with the eggnog." So saying, I grabbed my jacket, put on some boots and walked out into the snowy afternoon. The snow had reached at least three inches now and it was still coming down strong. The forecast meant for it to continue falling until the following morning at around nine and then it would give way to scattered snow showers.

The eggnog that Pinkie had made, which was in a large one gallon pitcher, had actually reached a temperature cold enough to taste better than if it had been warm, so I carried it back to the house where I found the others sitting around in a circle, talking either about the movie or what to do next. I walked into the kitchen, poured everyone a glass, and carried them out into the living room. Everyone paused their conversations when I floated each glass towards them. The Unicorns took them in their magic, the Pegasi took the glasses in their wings, the Earth Ponies and Zecora took them in their hooves, and Mica and Spike simply grabbed the glasses. They curiously took a sip. I held my breath as they tasted the holiday treat from Earth.

Pinkie was the first to react. She took a larger swig, swishing it around in her mouth and frowning as she tasted it. Finally, her mane poofed up even more and she was immediately in my face. "Can…CAN I SHOW THIS TO THE CAKES?!" she asked with wide eyed enthusiasm. "It would be a BIIG HIT!"

It still surprised me that they didn't have eggnog in this world since I remembered it had been mentioned in A Hearth's Warming Tail, but I had to remind myself that this wasn't the Equestria from the show. "I'll pour them a smaller pitcher," I said. "You can show them the recipe, too. I'd love to have eggnog here during the holidays. And there are other things you can do with it. You can make ice cream, pie, frosting and more, It's a staple holiday drink back on Earth."

"This stuff is pretty awesome," Rainbow admitted, putting down her empty glass and licking the eggnog mustache off of her lips. "Can I have more?"

"Lemme just set some aside for the Cakes before I pour more," I said, walking back into the kitchen, finding a glass jug with a lid, pouring some in, then setting it in my Equestrian fridge.

By the time I came back, the others were waiting for a second glass, holding each up and waiting with wide eyes. I rolled my eyes and smirked. "What are you, children?" I teased as I began pouring more for each of them.

"It's so good!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"Ah gotta say, ah think mah family'd love this. Can ah get the recipe, too?"

"Me too!" Spike added.

"If the cakes do begin making this, I would gladly purchase some for me and my sister," Rarity said. "This concoction is delicious! I'm sure Sweetie Belle will love it!"

"Could I get the recipe, too?" Fluttershy asked sweetly, batting her eyes at me.

"I'll print one out for each of you before you go home tomorrow," I promised as I finished pouring another glass. "Now then, what should we do next?"

"Ah've been wonderin' about a game yah mentioned a while ago," Applejack said. "Apples tah Apples, was it?"

I grinned. "Of course it was. Alright, I'll go grab it, then we can finally let the games begin!"