Christmas Greetings

by AaronCottrell97

Percy has so much extra mail to deliver this Christmas that Emily has to help him with it. When Emily receives a Christmas card from Thomas in Australia, she and Percy wonder what it'll be like if the rest of the engines could be given Christmas cards. After Percy sends a card to Gina in Italy, the other engines soon find themselves receiving cards as well.

Christmas was drawing nearer and nearer for Sodor again, and all the engines were very busy rushing around between all the brightly decorated stations. Especially Tidmouth Station, which Molly had helped bring to vivid life with her Christmas special, while James was left brooding in dread over the Flying Kipper run he had to manage. Then the following day, after Molly found James at the washdown and told him to meet her at Crovan's Gate for a surprise, Tidmouth Sheds was starting to be decorated once again. And that late afternoon, just before she returned to Crovan's Gate, Molly had collected a freshly cut Christmas Tree and delivered it to Tidmouth Sheds, much to the other engines' delight when they saw it themselves.

"Oh, Molly. You've found such a lovely tree for us this year!" Emily had smiled. "Just like the one David, Donald and Douglas gave me when Thomas wasn't here for Christmas."

"Yes, Emily. I know," Molly had replied to her. "It will be a Merry Christmas this year, just as every Christmas is..."

All the engines were certainly becoming more excited, and the Christmas bustle was just as strong among the people. For several days now, passengers had been rushing to and from towns, and on and off Gordon and Rebecca's coaches with heavy bags of shopping. Since Thomas was still in Australia, the Fat Controller had assigned Daisy to look after Thomas' passengers, since the Harwick Branch Line often had very few passengers during winter. Of course, Daisy felt like it was too much work for her, compared to the quieter passenger climate along Harwick.

"Sacre bleu! My upholstery can hardly manage so many passengers!" she remarked.

But while the rest of Sodor was feeling the Christmas spirit through and through, such excitement had left Percy more exhausted than enchanted of late. With so many Christmas letters and packages on the move, he was busier than he ever was with the mail train that year. Ever since December began, more and more letters and more and more parcels were arriving for his wagons all the time, and this year, there was so much post, it was even too much for Percy to manage on his own.

By the time he was done for the day, Percy was immensely tired as he settled in at Tidmouth Sheds with Emily, Nia, Gordon and Rebecca.

"Hello, Percy," Emily welcomed kindly.

"Hello, Emily...and goodnight, Emily," Percy yawned. "I'm absolutely beat down by today's mail run. There's always more and more and more every day. All the Christmas buzz is becoming too much even for me, as much as I love taking the mail."

"Hmm. I can see that, Percy," Emily pondered. "Perhaps you'd like someone to help you."

Before Percy could answer through another yawn, everyone suddenly heard James' whistle. They looked up and saw him settle on the turntable. He had been rushing back from Tidmouth Station to make his way to Crovan's Gate, and see the surprise Molly had promised him that very morning, and all the engines could see James had an urgent and excited look in his eyes as he was turned right around.

"James? What's got your boiler bubbling?" Emily asked.

"It must be the relief of managing another smelly fish train," Gordon grinned.

"I don't think so, Gordon," said Rebecca. "Is it about Molly, James?"

"Maybe she has a jolly gift for James, like her Christmas Special yesterday," Percy peeped.

"Sorry, can't talk!" James answered hastily. "Crovan's Gate! Mistletoe! Uh...Holly Jolly Molly! Bye, now!"

And off he dashed into the coming dark, leaving the other engines looking amongst each other.

"Well, I'll be. I don't think I've heard Molly's name like that," Emily eyed with interest. "I wonder what the Shining Sun shall be doing with her Radiant Ruby tonight?"

"Whatever it may be, it's certain to be most stirring for them both," Nia smiled. "Just as you and Thomas shall do when he comes home, Emily."

"Mmm. I know that to be true in every way, Nia," Emily smiled. "I think it's just the five of us tonight. Thomas in Australia, and James...with his Holly Jolly Molly."

"Indeed," the other engines agreed.

"And indeed, the mail is becoming too much for me to manage," Percy said as he yawned once more.

But just as Percy's eyes fluttered shut, the engines saw the Fat Controller drive up to the sheds. He came out and walked toward Percy and Emily.

"Percy. It's Sir Topham Hatt," Emily checked.

Percy's eyes opened up again and he saw the Fat Controller was indeed there.

"Hello, sir," he drowsed. "What are you doing here?"

"Hello, Percy," said the Fat Controller. "I'm here to talk a little about how busy you've been of late. I know very well that you've been working endlessly to keep all the Christmas mail on track, and for so much effort, I'm indeed proud of you. But I can also see it's wearing you out a great deal."

"Well, as much as I love the mail train, it's left me downbeat and ready to drop," Percy yawned. "But being really useful is of key importance, sir."

"Indeed it is, Percy, but that being said, you have been exceedingly busy," the Fat Controller continued. "We've had more and more letters and more and more parcels arriving every day, and that is why I came tonight, to give you a helping buffer and take some of the weight off your wheels."

Percy smiled gratefully and yawned again. "Ohh, thank you, sir. I would like that very much."

"I had just asked Percy if he'd like some help, sir," Emily put in. "So...who shall be helping him?"

"Well, it was most fitting for you to ask him, Emily," the Fat Controller smiled. "I have arranged for you to help Percy with his mail runs for the rest of the holiday season. There's a great bundle more mail and parcels on the way even now, and I know you will do very nicely in helping Percy out."

Emily smiled broadly and chimed happily. "Oh, thank you, sir! I'd love to help my adorable baby with his favourite job!"

"Very good. Get some sleep now, and you'll both do splendidly tomorrow," the Fat Controller nodded with a touch to his hat as he drove away.

Soon, Nia, Gordon and Rebecca fell asleep, while Emily turned her eyes to Percy, who was looking right back at her.

"Well, my sweet little Percy, it looks like it's you and me with the mail run," Emily gleamed sweetly.

"It is, Emily," Percy peeped cheerfully. "I know how much you loved taking the mail while turning your sleeping patterns back around after all the diesels helped us with the overrun loads at Brendam."

"Well, day or night, the mail is a fun load to take. So long as it's not too much at once," Emily winked.

"It won't be too much for me with you helping me, Emily," Percy replied. "And who knows? Thomas might send a letter for you from Australia...and maybe Gina will have a letter for me. I can only wonder..."

"Oh, I'll be so pleased when Thomas comes home for Christmas," Emily whispered. "And given how much you and Gina did together for her two weeks here this past Spring, she's sure to send you Christmas regards, Percy. But for now, we both have plenty of mail to manage tomorrow, so you and I should get some sleep...and keep each other cozy."

Percy watched sleepily as Emily settled on the turntable, turned around to his berth and came up to him. He yawned again, only inches away from dropping off to sleep as Emily buffered up with a sweet smile and pushed him softly inside the sheds, out of the cold.

"Come here, my smoochie-coochie Percy," Emily purred. "Mummy loves you."

And she puckered her lips and gave Percy a big, warm kiss on his left cheek, right cheek, and his adorable little nose.

"He-he-he! Aww, thank you, Emily. Sweet dreams, mother," Percy blushed as he kissed her cheek in turn and yawned once more.

"You're very welcome, my little Percy. Sweet dreams, cutie," Emily whispered happily.

And she and Percy cuddled to each other's warm cheeks and fell sound asleep in Tidmouth Sheds...all while James and Molly proceeded onward into the night, in the safety and privacy of Crovan's Gate. There was great relishing and showering of pure, spellcasting love and lust between the Radiant Ruby and his Holly Jolly Molly until they too fell into a deep, blissful sleep and such a warm and safe-haven afterglow they basked in...

At last, the morning sunlight began peaking over the snowy hills again. Inside the sheds at Crovan's Gate, James and Molly were fast asleep with their faces nuzzling together after their most passionate night yet, with her holly decorations still clinging beautifully all around her body. James woke up first as he felt his senses creeping back to his funnel. He looked around and saw he was in Molly's shed. Then he looked and saw her sound asleep and cuddling right there with him, with such a smile and her holly leaves clinging on her body just as they were the night before. James smiled broadly as he remembered all they had done together, then his eyes trailed upward to the mistletoe. That's when he heard Molly coo and begin to stir from her sleep.

"Good morning...Holly Jolly Molly," James whispered as he leaned in and kissed her cheek.

"Mmm...hmm?" Molly hummed blissfully as her eyes crept open and she saw who was right there with her. She smiled broadly too and yawned.

"Ohh...good morning, my sweet, perfect Jimmy," she crooned happily.

"My dear, sweet, Molly. Did you sleep well, my Shining Sun?" James asked.

"You're joking, right?" Molly giggled. "After all the stirrings and afterglow you gave me...I don't think I've ever slept so perfectly!"

"You know, my love? Neither have I, until last night," James smiled. "Last night was the best night I've ever had with you, Molly. I can barely wait for our next big chance to come."

"Neither can I, James," Molly gleamed. "But whenever that day comes, I know it will be super, and I do mean that especially for you. I love you, James."

"I love you too, Molly," James murmured as they leaned in and shared a soft kiss to the lips, rubbing their noses together too.

Then Molly let go of James' lips as she saw their crews coming to the sheds. They would now have to go on their ways again until their next meetup.

"Well, I'll see you again, Molly," James pledged with a wink. "Have a Merry Christmas, my Shining Sun."

"Thank you, James," Molly chimed. "And you have a Merry Christmas too, my Radiant Ruby."

And with that, James was soon on his way out of Crovan's Gate, while Molly watched him go with a blissful sigh after all they had done together...

At Tidmouth Sheds, Percy and Emily had just woken up and kissed each other good morning. They remembered right away what they had to do.

"Well, Percy. The mail is waiting. For both of us," said Emily.

"It is, Emily," Percy peeped. "I'm very happy to have you doing it with me with all the letters and parcels that come about. Who knows? There might be something for you or me waiting to come our way."

"We'll have to see, Percy," Emily nodded. "Now, let's get the mail run going, shall we?"

So Percy and Emily set off to Knapford Station. Percy gathered three mail wagons, and Emily gathered three more. Then they set off side by side for Knapford Harbour. When they arrived, they could see piles and piles of post bags waiting there for both of them. It was indeed a good thing the Fat Controller assigned Emily to help Percy through the rest of this holiday season.

"Just look at all those post bags, Emily!" Percy gasped. "They would have kept me going without any sleep if I didn't have you doing it with me."

"Well, Percy, with both of us managing this lot, it can be kept well underway," Emily replied.

Soon, Percy and Emily's wagons were stuff-filled with every last post bag that needed to be delivered. Then the guards whistle blew, and they were both well on their way with the mail train. Percy felt much less pressure now that he had Emily helping him, and she was quite happy to be taking the mail again too. Percy was always especially busy at Christmas every year, but having Emily help manage the runs herself made it even better. Throughout most of the morning, Percy and Emily hummed along the line as they delivered the mail at Knapford, Crosby, Wellsworth, Maron and Cronk.

By the time their mail was delivered at Cronk, Percy had to make his way back and deliver mail along Thomas' Branch Line, while Emily continued on the Main Line with her mail load.

"I'll see you later, Emily," Percy whistled as Emily continued onward. "If there's anything from Thomas, let me know."

"I will, Percy. See you later," Emily whistled back.

While Percy made his way back along the line to get to Thomas' Branch Line, Emily made her way to Balladrine and Kellaby and delivered a few more bags of mail, before she arrived at Kellsthorpe Road Station. While she waited for the workmen to unload the post, Emily couldn't help but wonder if there might have been a letter somewhere in that train for her. Thomas had been in Australia since December began and she knew she wouldn't be spending this Christmas alone. And with the subject of letters fresh in her mind, she wondered if maybe Percy would receive something too...from Gina.

"Hmm. Christmas is coming again, and Gina will still be in Italy. Maybe she and Percy..." Emily pondered quietly.

Then suddenly, Emily heard the workmen talking as they checked one of the mail bags.

"Yes, everything seems to be in order and...oh, my goodness. Would you look at that?"

Emily heard the workmen and suddenly looked to them. They were both looking inside the post bag when the stationmaster arrived.

"What's this here?" he asked as he looked into the bag himself. "Well, my goodness. Emily...there's something in the mail right here...for you."

Emily's heart jumped. She was not expecting this, and she immediately began to wonder.

"For me, sir? What is it?" she asked.

"...It comes from Australia. It must be from Thomas," the stationmaster replied, drawing the envelope from the bag. It was indeed from down under.

"Australia! Oh! OH! It has to be Thomas!" Emily exclaimed. "Oh, do open it! Let me hear exactly what Thomas has written for me!"

Her driver Paul took the envelope and opened it. Then he paused for a moment, seeming mildly surprised. "I...I don't believe it."

"What is it, Paul?" Emily asked. "It is from Thomas, is it not?"

"Yes, Emily. It is...but it's not just a letter," Paul answered with quite a smile. "Emily...Thomas sent you a Christmas card."

Emily froze and blinked once or twice in initial disbelief. She had never received a Christmas card before. Could it really have been from Thomas?

"A Christmas card? Ohh...is it so? Please show me!" she gasped.

Paul indeed showed her the card, and Emily chortled with such a smile. The card was a deep green colour with white snowflakes painted all around it, a small red ribbon in the corner, Santa's sleigh at the top, and a title that read in fancy writing, "Christmas Time Be Praised."

"Ohh...oh, sir!" Emily cooed and squeaked with such bubbling joy. "Wow! It's SO perfect! Has Thomas left me a letter within?"

Paul opened the card and smiled even more. "He has indeed, Emily. See for yourself...and rejoice."

He then showed Emily the open card, and she could hear Thomas' voice in her head as she read.

"Dear Emily,

It's your loveable and devoted cobalt star, Thomas, sending you this letter from
all the way down under to tell you that my visit in Australia for this year is now
complete. I am on my way home now, and I couldn't be more eager to come home
for Christmas, back to my beautiful emerald angel. I have some tales to share in due
course whenever I can, and this will indeed be a most Merry Christmas for you and I.

See you soon, my love.
Your cobalt star, Thomas."

This was the news Emily had been waiting for ever since Thomas left for Australia. He was coming home for Christmas, just as he had promised her. But this wasn't just a letter Emily had received.

"Oh...Thomas...see you soon, my cobalt star!" she chimed happily. "Paul...this is truly special! No one has ever given me a Christmas card before."

"I think you're right, Emily. This is certainly a first," said Paul. "What do you think?"

"I...I LOVE it, Paul! Please hold onto it and keep it safe!" Emily chimed.

Paul nodded and put it in his coat pocket, while Emily continued to bask in her bubbling joy that Thomas was coming home now. She indeed felt very touched to have a Christmas card of her own for the first time ever. But what was even more important was that this card came from Thomas, and she was now swelling with joy over his promised return. Then an idea suddenly flew into Emily's funnel as she thought about Percy and his mail runs. Ever since Gina returned to Italy earlier in the year, she and Percy had been sending letters to each other as often as they could in their own time. Emily knew this, and now she smelled a prime opportunity for Percy and Gina to exchange Christmas Greetings to each other while they still could.

"Oh, my goodness...engines and their own Christmas cards! Percy must hear about this!" she chirped. "His best friend is coming home, and he can give Gina a Christmas card just the same!"

"A most merry idea, Emily. As soon as the rest of our mail is delivered, we can tell him all about it," said her fireman Declan.

At that moment, Emily's guards whistle blew, and she whistled in turn, ready to deliver the rest of the mail and finish her run for the day. She hurried to Crovan's Gate and delivered her mail there, then she huffed all the way to Vicarstown where she dropped off the last of her mail run. Now she could double back and find Percy. She turned around at the Vicarstown turntable, retrieved her wagons and set off back along the Main Line.

Percy, meanwhile had delivered most of his mail run along Thomas' Branch Line and was nearly finished his share of mail for the day. After managing all the mail on his own before, he felt much less burdened by the mail he had managed today, and he was sure Emily enjoyed her run too. But all throughout the morning, he had been thinking a little about Gina as well. He knew there was no chance to see her this Christmas, but he couldn't help but wonder what he would tell her in the next letter he would send to her.

"Oh, Gina. I really miss you," Percy whispered to himself. "If only you could be here for Christmas again..."

Then Percy heard Emily's whistle. He looked up and saw her huffing quickly toward him with a beaming smile on her face. Percy wondered what this could mean and began to smile himself. She was clearly very happy about something.

"Hello, Emily. What's making you so happy?" Percy asked. "You're bearing such a lovely smile."

"Hello, Percy!" Emily gasped happily. "I just finished my run with the mail today, but at Kellsthorpe Road Station, I...I couldn't believe it! I was at Kellsthorpe Road, and I got something from Thomas! He's on his way home from Australia right now!"

Percy gasped and whistled happily too. "Oh! Thomas is coming back again! That's SO good to hear!"

"Yes, it is, Percy. But the thing is...he didn't just send me a letter...he...he sent me a Christmas card," Emily replied.

Percy suddenly looked right into Emily's eyes. "A...Christmas card, Emily?"

"Yes, Percy. And it's the first Christmas card I've ever been given," Emily smiled. "Would you like to see it?"

"Oh, I'd love to, Emily!" Percy chimed.

Emily's driver came down from her cab and showed Percy the Christmas card Thomas had sent her. Percy loved how it looked already. Then Emily's driver read the letter to Percy. He listened and could hear Thomas' voice just the same, and he adored it.

"Oh...Emily, it's perfect," Percy smiled to her. "Thomas was so, so thoughtful to give you a card all of your very own."

"He is indeed, Percy," said Emily. "But Thomas' return is only part of why I came to find you."

"Oh? What else is there, Emily?" Percy asked.

"Well...I never thought that engines could be given Christmas cards," said Emily. "This is the first one I've ever been given. I also know just how often you and Gina have been exchanging letters ever since she left last Spring. Therefore...do you think you have something in mind to give her...for Christmas?"

Percy suddenly flashed back to Gina's two-week visit way back in spring, thinking briefly about all the things they had done together. Then he thought about all the letters they had sent each other since the very beginning...then he suddenly shuddered and whistled ecstatically.

"Oh...By my buffers, Emily!" he exclaimed. "I've never sent Gina a Christmas card of any sort! Why did I never think of it before? I have to send her a card myself!"

"I think that's a most merry thing to do, Percy," Emily smiled. "Gina will be very pleased. And she's bound to send you one in return."

"Of course she would. I'll send a card later in the day, Percy," said his driver Richard. "If you have any message for Gina to go with it, you can tell me and I'll write it down."

"I will, sir. I will," Percy peeped joyously.

And so Percy and Emily continued on with their day. All the while, Emily thought about Thomas' pending return, and Percy kept thinking about what he wanted to say to Gina in his first Christmas card to her. By that evening, Percy's work was done, as was Emily's. When they returned to Knapford Station, Percy's driver ran to the nearest shop beyond the station, and soon he came back with just the perfect card for Gina.

"Here it is, Percy. What do you think?" he asked.

"Oh, Richard! She'll love it!" Percy gleamed.

"Now, do you have your message ready for Gina?" Richard asked.

"I think I do. I'm ready," Percy smiled.

So Richard drew a pen and Percy spoke everything he wanted to say to Gina in his very first Christmas card to send to her. Richard wrote everything down, then read the card back to Percy and Emily. They both smiled from buffer to buffer as they knew it would be perfect for whenever Gina would receive it.

"Oh, Gina will love it so much," Percy shivered excitedly.

"Now, let's get it to the Sodor Airport, so it can be on its way," said Richard.

Percy and Emily whistled together and made their way to the Sodor Airport, both beaming with anticipation as to what Gina would think of her first Christmas card. Soon, they made it to the airport, and Percy's letter was given to the airport workmen right away where it would be sent on the next flight to Italy in due course, which made Percy even happier just to think of what Gina would say and think.

By the time night fell, Percy and Emily returned to Tidmouth Sheds and backed gently into their berths after a busy and most delighted day. The other engines were already asleep, but Percy and Emily were still very happy with what had transpired today for both of them. Emily now knew Thomas was on his way home, and she had been given her first Christmas card ever. And Percy had conjured his first Christmas card to give Gina.

"Well, Percy," Emily said softly. "I think today has turned out much better than both of us could have expected."

"I think you're right, Emily," Percy replied. "Having you help me with the mail has made it much easier...and now Thomas is coming home."

"Yes, Percy," said Emily. "Thomas is coming home, and he gave me my first Christmas card ever. Such a delight for me to have until he comes back."

"And I have my first Christmas card going to Gina," Percy replied. "All the way to Italy, across the ocean again. I can barely wait for what she might send back to me."

"Well, whatever she sends you, it's certain to be something special," said Emily. "You have every reason to be happy today, Percy."

Percy smiled back, then gave a sleepy yawn. Emily saw this and settled on the turntable, turned around to Percy's berth, then buffered up and softly pushed him inside the shed again. Percy looked into Emily's lovely eyes and yawned again.

"I know I'll sleep very well tonight, Emily," he drowsed. "Thinking all about Gina...and how happy she'll be with her first Christmas card. Thanks for helping me with the mail today."

"Anytime, Percy," Emily chimed sweetly. "You did very well with the mail yourself today. Especially with your card to Gina."

"Thanks, Emily," Percy whispered as he kissed her cheek goodnight. "Won't Gina be tickled?"

"You're welcome, Percy," Emily purred. "Gina will indeed be tickled...just like how I love tickling you, smoochie-coochie. Hm-hm-hm!"

And Emily kissed and nibbled Percy's cheeks, earning a little giggle from him.

"Emily! He-he-he! Ohh...Sweet dreams. I love you, mother," Percy yawned.

"Sweet dreams. I love you too, Percy," Emily giggled.

Then they fell sound asleep, cuddling close as they did the night before. And indeed, with Percy's first Christmas card on its way, another stirring Christmas Greeting would soon be set in motion.

---

The next morning, Percy and Emily woke up and set off with another mail run together, starting at Knapford Harbour with yet another large bundle of letters and packages that had to be delivered throughout the day. Emily also had passengers to look after later in the day once her share of the mail was taken care of. When she and Percy arrived at Knapford Station to drop off the first load of mail, Gordon was also there, waiting for his passengers.

"Morning, Gordon," Percy and Emily said together.

"Morning, you two. Thomas is on his way back from Australia, I hear," said Gordon.

"He is indeed, Gordon," said Emily. "And Percy and I still have plenty of mail to manage together."

"Do you, indeed," Gordon replied.

Just then, as Percy's crew helped the workmen unload the post bags for Knapford, they opened one of the bags and paused working. Percy and Emily looked and saw Percy's driver and fireman start laughing lightly, but persistently.

"Huh? What's so funny, Richard?" Percy asked.

"This is a bit of a hoot, Percy," he answered through another laugh. "This one sack of post is almost entirely full of Christmas cards for Sir Topham Hatt!"

"Yes, he often has more Christmas cards than he can manage at one given time," Percy's fireman Isaac added.

"Quite like his temporary office was more than he could manage while they redecorated his office here," said Percy.

Percy's crew helped secure the post bag again and they left it right by the office, where the Fat Controller looked through the window and gave a nod of thanks to the workmen. But that's when Percy's crew suddenly got an idea. As they walked back to Percy, he and Emily could see them whispering a little, then they drew a smile.

"Richard? Isaac?" Percy spoke up. "What are you two thinking?"

"It...it's Sir Topham Hatt's post today, Percy," said Richard. "There's so much of it...we've just thought up quite an idea. Engines don't usually get Christmas cards, but now that Emily has received one from Thomas, and since you sent one to Gina yesterday...I think we should put these Christmas Greetings into more practice."

Emily looked to Percy's crew as well and became curious. "Really? How do we do that?"

"I think it would be wonderful and even festive...if the rest of the engines could get Christmas cards too," said Isaac.

"Really? The rest of the engines?" Percy asked. That's when Gordon stepped into the conversation.

"I don't suppose it would do to overlook such an idea," he said.

"What do you mean, Gordon?" Emily asked. "Did...did you ever get Christmas cards?"

"Well...in a way," said Gordon. "But not quite the way Thomas gave you yours, Emily. I remember one year, my driver Andrew decorated my cab with all the cards he had received. A little excessive to some, maybe. But admittedly, it was a most festive thing to do, and my passengers greatly enjoyed seeing me in such festivity."

Percy and Emily looked to each other and smiled broadly, thinking about the other engines who could have a card of their own.

"Richard, Isaac," Emily spoke up. "I think this is a marvelous idea. I think we should do just the same."

"So we shall, Emily," Paul agreed. "Whatever cards we may receive for Christmas, we'll hang them in your cabs whenever we have the chance."

"Ooh. I wonder how that would look?" Emily giggled. "Having all our cabs decorated in Christmas cards?"

"It's bound to be enjoyable in its way, Emily," Percy peeped cheerfully. "Now, we must get on with the mail, while Gordon gets on with his passengers."

"Indeed we must, Percy," Gordon agreed.

Percy and Emily then set off out of the station with the rest of the mail until they would deliver it all. But while the island bustled about with another day full of Christmas buzz, someone far beyond Sodor would soon receive the very thing Percy had sent on its way the evening before.

Far across the ocean, all the way in Italy, on its bustling railway, Gina the Italian Queen of Shunting was working away, as hard as ever alongside Stella, Giovanni, Lorenzo and Beppe, just as she had always been doing since she came back here after her two-week visit on Sodor when she had healed Percy's crushed spirits for the best there ever could have been. All throughout these months, not a single day had gone by when she hadn't thought of Percy. She felt better whenever she received letters from Percy, but all the same, she kept wishing every now and then just to be back with him again. And with Christmas coming close again, Gina was even more upset at the fact that she was too busy to visit Percy, especially during Christmas time at that.

"That was such a spectacular visit to Sodor," she said to herself in the shunting yard. "And what can I do if I can't see him for Christmas, like we did before? Letters may speak between us, and yet, we're still so very far apart."

"Well, Gina, the railway needs you and your queenly mannerisms," said her driver. "Believe me, we would bring you to Sodor for another visit if we had the chance, but such a chance still has yet to show itself."

Gina sighed gravely and kept on with her work, still feeling low about not having Percy with her. That is until she saw her controller coming through the yard in her direction. Gina slowed down as she could see he was onto something particularly about her, and his hand was hidden behind his back.

"Hm. Ciao, senor," Gina said, without much enthusiasm.

"Ciao, Gina," said her controller. "I see you're working away just as diligently as ever, but why be so melancholy when you're being so useful?"

"Being useful is what I strive to be, senor," Gina replied. "Except it would have been truly astounding if I could have seen Percy this Christmas. Duty calls as it always will, but he and I did so much together when I was there for him on Sodor. Just to see him again...just to see him again, I'd do ANYTHING it took to have that come to be again!"

"Si. Well, that next chance has yet to be determined, Gina," said her controller. "But that being said, it so happens that I am here on Sodor's behalf, if you take my meaning."

Gina suddenly went still and her eyes trailed slowly to her controller. She wasn't expecting this.

"And may I inquire as to why you say that, senor?" she asked curiously.

"You've got some Christmas post right here, Gina," said her controller. "It arrived this morning from Sodor. Would you be interested in seeing what it may be?"

Gina felt her heart start to jump. If this was another letter of expression from Percy, and a Christmas Greeting at that, she would gladly hear all about it. Anything to break up the longing to be with him again was always an uplift.

"Oh...Percy! Could it be...? Si, si, senor!" she said quickly. "Please let me see!"

Her controller opened the envelope and looked inside. Gina saw him stop. Then he suddenly smiled.

"Mamma Mia...Gina, look at this. You won't believe it," he breathed.

Gina's eyes widened as her controller drew what was from the envelope, and there it was. A most decorative Christmas card. Red with small Christmas tree pictures along the sides little snowflakes and stars all over the card, and a fancy-written title. "Merry Christmas, and God Bless Us, Everyone."

Gina thought it was truly beautiful. Such a lovely card this was, and never before had she ever been given a Christmas card.

"Ohh...Bellissima!" she shuddered. "If this came from Percy, I...I...!"

That was when her controller opened the card and began reading the message. Gina could hear Percy's adorable little voice ringing clear through her ears as she heard every word.

"Dear Gina,

It's your adorable and handsome Perfect Percy, reaching out to you with my first
Christmas greeting through the letters we send to each other. It's been a long, long
time since you visited Sodor for Christmas, but only now have I noticed that neither
of us have ever given each other Christmas cards before. Thomas has been in Australia
for some time now, and he just sent Emily a Christmas card of her own, telling him he's
coming home now. Emily told me all about it, and in keeping with our letters of expression
to each other, I immediately thought it right to send you a Christmas card of your very own.
I truly wish we could be together for Christmas, Gina. I know that will not happen this year,
but our letters have served us well ever since your two-week visit to Sodor ended, and I
wish you every joy and happiness through this Christmas card, just for you, my lovely
Italian Queen of Shunting. I am really looking forward to our next chance to be together,
whenever that may be. I love you, Gina.

Love now and always,
your Perfect Percy."

Gina took in every word, and by now, her eyes were shimmering with gleaming joy as she heard Percy's adorable voice in her head, and just like Emily felt, Gina had indeed never received a Christmas card from anyone. This was her first one ever, and there was no better engine to give one to her than her Perfect Percy.

"Oh...dear, dear God!" she gasped and shuddered. "Percy...he...he gave this to me?"

"He did indeed, Gina," said her controller.

"Well, by my stars, Gina," her driver remarked as he stepped down from her cab. "Percy has outdone himself with this letter. I see you're melting away to his perfectly merry words for his Queen of Shunting."

As Gina cast her eyes on the beautiful card, she immediately felt the need to answer to this discovery. With this newfound gift from Percy, she felt a new feeling awaken in her boiler when it came to her letters of expression with Percy. She wouldn't be sending back just a message. She could feel it all coming together. She stayed quiet for a few moments, thinking a little to herself...then it suddenly came to her. She knew what she wanted to do now.

"Oh...! My first Christmas card, and it comes from Percy," she gasped. "Ohh! I just HAVE to send a card right back to Percy. Please, may I?"

"By all means, Gina. Of course," her driver nodded. "It's only the merriest thing to do for Christmas greetings."

"But wait, senor," Gina added suddenly. "I...I don't only wish to send Percy a card...I want to include something very special...something to make up for not being there with him this Christmas. Something I've never done before in any letter to him."

"And what is that, Gina?" her driver asked.

Gina closed her eyes, thinking quietly for a few moments more. Then a very big smile slowly crept over her lips, and she curled them upwards until they formed perfect little curves long her mouth. She gave one look to her driver and he could see she had some things to tell him. He came right up to her buffer beam, and Gina whispered several things, while her driver nodded, then smiled impressively. Gina stopped whispering and saw her driver looking right at her. He was certainly not expecting her to suggest what she did, but he really liked the sound of it.

"Please, senor? May I?" Gina asked sweetly.

Her driver winked and grinned. He had it all worked out.

"I promise to have everything you need by early evening, Gina. For now, we still have plenty to do, but once you earn your rest for today, there is something that I must do."

And so Gina resumed her work through the rest of the morning and afternoon. All she could do was shudder and giggle excitedly over putting her little plan to action. She was indeed very tickled by her first Christmas card, and soon enough, Percy would be even more tickled with what she had in mind for her return letter...

Meanwhile back on Sodor, Percy was still working away with the mail. As for Emily, she had taken care of her bundle of mail, and was now on passenger duties along the Main Line, merrily bringing people to Tidmouth Station for the Christmas Market. Emily was particularly eager about this as she would now see Molly's Christmas Special for herself...and she had a very good feeling that Thomas would be home very soon.

"Anytime now," she said to herself. "And he'll be home again...for Christmas!"

Eventually, Emily arrived at Tidmouth Station. As she stopped to let off her passengers, she could see the market was bustling away with several people, and she was truly delighted by all the decorations Molly had brought along to make it happen. Molly was at the station too. This time, she was delivering Christmas puddings and mince pies for the market, and when Emily saw the pink blush and dreamy twinkle in Molly's eyes, it was clear she was still basking in the glory of her amazing night with James and her holly decorations. It was indeed the best night they had ever had, and Emily could easily tell there had been quite the stirrings between the Ruby and Sun two nights past.

"Hmm. Hello there, Molly," Emily greeted. "You're looking very lovely right now. Did you and James...have a holly jolly night together?"

"Oh...ooh, hello, Emily. Ohh," Molly swooned dreamily. "Yes! It was so amazing...! James and I had the most amazing night we've ever shared! Mistletoe, kisses, cuddles, steamy hugs...it was all mind-blowing."

"No arguing with that, Molly," Emily smiled. "Your pink blush and twinkling eyes say it all."

"They do, do they?" Molly giggled. "Well, I was decorated all over in holly leaves for James, and it all worked better than I expected. Between you and me, Emily, I hope for the very best that you have a similar night like I did when Thomas comes home."

"Ooh, I'm sure we will, Molly," Emily smiled. "The last time Thomas was in Australia, we spent Christmas apart from each other...but not this time. He'll be home for Christmas...the best present I could ask for this year."

Then Emily and Molly's eyes trailed back to the market. They both watched with a smile as several people came in and out of the market to buy decorations, Christmas puddings, mince pies, little gifts and more. It was such a lovely sight to see. Then Emily suddenly looked further into the crowd and she noticed Beatrice was in the market too.

"Oh, Beatrice! Hello there," Emily chimed.

"Hello, Emily," Beatrice greeted warmly. "Lovely to see you here at the Tidmouth Market. I heard about Molly's Christmas Special here, and I must say she has done a most merry job in bringing this market to life. A most festive gift for all of us to enjoy."

"She has indeed, Beatrice," Emily smiled.

Molly blushed and looked away before smiling.

"Thank you, ma'am," she tittered. "I know James loved it when he saw it...then came to see me two nights past."

"Oh! I just remembered, Beatrice and Molly," Emily spoke up. "Have you heard that Thomas is coming home from Australia? He sent me a message yesterday. He's coming home for Christmas."

"That is wonderful, Emily," said Beatrice.

"But not just a message," Emily continued. "Thomas sent me a Christmas card yesterday."

"A Christmas card, Emily?" Beatrice eyed with interest.

"I've never heard of engines being given Christmas cards, Emily," Molly put in with interest herself.

"Yes," Emily chimed as her driver showed Beatrice and Molly the card. "I've never been given one before, and it was such a gift to see."

"Well, my goodness," said Beatrice. "That is a most impressive card for Thomas to give his angel."

"A beauty indeed," said Molly. "So lovely."

"It was such an uplift for me, I decided to tell Percy," Emily went on. "What with him and Gina exchanging their letters of expression. Just yesterday, he had a Christmas card sent to Gina, and I can only wonder how pleased she'll be to have it...and Percy's crew conjured another idea concerning cards."

"What's that, Emily?" Beatrice asked.

"In light of Thomas giving me a card, and Percy giving one to Gina, his crew, Richard and Isaac have decided that whatever Christmas cards they get, they'll decorate our cabs with them. Gordon's driver did that once, and his passengers found it quite enjoyable. Percy and I agree it's a fond idea, and we're both quite eager to see how it turns out."

"Well, given all the mail he's been managing with your help, I think that's a merry idea," said Beatrice. "I'll be sure to tell David about it when he's through with work today. He wouldn't pass up the chance of writing a card for you, Emily."

"I'd like to take part too, if I can," Molly added. "I like to surprise James with a Christmas card myself. He more than deserves it after our holly jolly night together."

This gave Emily another idea. Her idea with Percy was clearly gaining traction, and she began to sense that more engines could practice the Christmas Greetings. And when her guards whistle blew, that's when she decided what to do next.

"Yes, Molly. That sounds lovely indeed," said Emily. "Now...I must return to Knapford. My last few passengers need to keep to the timetable after all."

And Emily set off again on her way, smiling with wit and cleverness. When she returned to Knapford, as she was hoping, Rebecca was right there.

"Hello, Emily," she chimed happily. "Gordon says Thomas sent you a Christmas card today, and he'll be home from Australia soon."

"Yes, Rebecca. He will be...and his Christmas card is why I came to find you," Emily said with a wink. "You see, Percy and I have a plan."

"What's that, Emily?" Rebecca asked.

Emily told Rebecca all about Gina's Christmas card, and the idea Percy's crew had thought up, then about what Molly and Beatrice had said at the Tidmouth Market. Rebecca heard everything and was immediately keen to go along with the plan.

"So...what do you think, Rebecca?" Emily asked.

"I'd love to, Emily," Rebecca winked. "Any Christmas surprise is one I'd love to take part in!"

Just then, the Fat Controller came out of his office with a steady smile.

"Hello, sir," Emily greeted. "Is there something you have to tell me?"

"Emily...I just got off a call with the Docks Manager. Be sure you're at Brendam this evening," said the Fat Controller. "Thomas' ferry is arriving today!"

Emily gasped and went still, remembering how she had spent that one Christmas without Thomas, then how he was there for her the following year. Now, he'd be home from Australia again, in time for Christmas. The holiday season was indeed getting better and better for Emily. In that moment, she suddenly gave a loud squeal and whistled with joy.

"Wooohoo-oo-OO!" she squealed. "Thomas! Thomas!"

"Oh, Thomas is back! Just as he made sure he would!" Rebecca chimed.

And Emily set off with a happy hiss of steam, feeling better and better by the minute. Along with the Christmas Greetings, she would indeed have a lovely night tonight with her cobalt returnee star, until Christmas would come even closer and they would have an even more lustful night, just like Molly and James did...while Percy and Gina's Christmas Greetings were still in motion even now...

---

Meanwhile, out in Italy, Gina had been hard at work for a few hours more, but in a much better state as she awaited her chance to send a Christmas card back to Percy...along with her special idea to send along with it. Evening was starting to descend upon the Italian Railway, and Gina was on break from work, resting a siding, while her driver had gone to find the right Christmas card for Percy...as well as do what Gina had requested him to do. Gina kept her smile on her face the whole time she waited, thinking endlessly of how her little idea would make her Christmas greeting even more romantic for her Perfect Percy.

"Ohh...I can only imagine how Percy will feel when he sees my card to him! He'll love it forever!" she bubbled with joy.

And that moment, her chance finally came. Gina looked and saw her driver coming back through the shunting yard, with his hand behind his back and wearing a steady smile himself.

"Ciao again, senor," Gina said to her driver. "Is...is everything ready?"

"Si, Gina. It's all in order," said her driver as he showed her the card. "What do you think?"

Gina looked and thought it was absolutely perfect. A deep blue card with little red hearts, snowflakes and wrapped presents under a snowy Christmas tree, with a fancy title that read "A Merry and Bellissima Christmas To You." Her driver then opened the card and Gina saw a small message printed in the card.

"The most beautiful things about Christmas are the spirit of giving, the
unity of family, and sharing Christmas with the ones you love the most.
Have a very Merry Christmas."

Everything was just about ready. All that had to be done was putting Gina's special idea into practice.

"Ohh, it's Bellissima, senor!" Gina gleamed happily. "Ohh! Percy will love it!"

"Now, before we put your idea to the card, do you have your message to Percy ready?" her driver asked.

"Si, I do. I'm ready," Gina smiled.

So her driver drew a pen and Gina spoke her own love message for Percy, her voice shimmering with such joy and thrill as to what Percy would think of this Christmas Greeting. Soon, her message was done, and her card was just about ready. Now it needed the final touch.

"Now, Gina," said her driver. "You've worked hard through today, you've prepared your card for Percy...but you must give it the official seal of Christmas love. Are you ready?"

Gina went still and quiet for a few moments, realizing this was now her chance. She blushed a fair red and she gave a shaky nod. Her driver then nodded in turn, then reached into his pocket. Gina watched with glimmering eyes...then from her driver's pocket, out came a stick of beautiful, red lipstick which belonged to his wife. This was the very thing Gina had asked for when she first conjured her plan, and now it was going to happen.

"Oh...it...it's beyond perfect, senor," Gina breathed heavily. "I...I'm going to do it...for my Perfect Percy."

"Si, Gina. You are," her driver replied as he opened the lipstick case and came toward his engine. "But I'm a little unsure of this. I really don't think I can be as accurate with this as my wife is. She knows how to make her lips look perfect for me, but for you..."

"Do not worry, senor. You'll be able to do it," Gina smiled purely. "For me...and for Percy."

So Gina's driver stepped onto her bufferbeam and proceeded carefully and a little nervously, taking great care not to make any mistakes. He touched the lipstick to Gina's lips and slowly but surely applied it across her upper lip, then trailed it smoothly along her bottom lip. Gina could feel her lips feeling moist and a little glossy as she felt the lipstick trailing across her lips, and her heart beat very heavily as she comprehended just what she would do with her reddening lips. Then a minute or two later, her driver withdrew the lipstick case, then held out a mirror.

"What do you think, Gina?" he asked.

Gina looked at herself and she couldn't believe how beautiful it was to behold. Her curvy, pointy little lips were now painted in such a beautiful, glistening shade of red lipstick, something only Emily had ever done with Thomas for two Valentine's Days, and now Gina had done it herself for Percy, through a Christmas Greeting.

"Ohh...Mamma Mia, senor," she shuddered happily. "I...I look...Bellissima! Beautiful!"

"Exceptionally so, Gina. Now...make your Christmas greeting Bellissima. For Percy," her driver smiled, reaching the card out to her lips.

Gina felt her heart tickle and tremble as she comprehended what she was about to do...and the reaction Percy would surely have once he received this card. Even though he wasn't right here with her, this was the next best thing to kissing the engine she loved so very much.

"Oh...it's so perfect," she whispered as she leaned in. "This is for you, my Perfect Percy. I love you..."

And Gina puckered her red lips, leaned right in and gave the inside cover of the card a kiss, leaving a big, red lipstick mark right there below her love message. There it was for her to see in all its beauty. Oh, how she wished she could be kissing Percy's adorable little face with that lipstick! Especially on his very lips instead of just a card.

"Oh...oh, senor!" Gina gasped and nearly cried. "It...it's SO perfect! And yet...if only I could be kissing Percy with these lips right now! Especially on his lips!"

"Well, Gina. There will come a time you and Percy can do that all that you please," her driver answered. "The matter of when is still to be confirmed, but the time will come. For now, you can be fully assured that Percy will be most romantically touched by your Christmas greeting. He loves you very much, Gina."

"Yes. I know he does. I love him too," Gina gleamed.

And with that, Gina set off with a rush and a hyper whistle with her Christmas greeting, to the Italian Airport. There, her card was taken and made ready for the next mail plane bound for Sodor. At last, the card was ready, and it was now posted off on its way. Gina could barely contain her joy and anticipation to what Percy would think of this, and she returned to her shed with an ever-constant smile on her face. Stella, Giovanni and Lorenzo were all there and they noticed Gina's new look right away.

"Oh...Gina," Stella eyes curiously. "Are...are you wearing...lipstick?"

"She is indeed, Stella," said her driver.

"Whatever for, I might ask?" Giovanni inquired. "Percy hasn't been called over."

"No, he hasn't, Giovanni," Gina eyed sternly. "But today, I received my first-ever Christmas card from Percy. Such a merry gift when we're so far apart, and I've sent him a Christmas card of his own...which is why I'm wearing this lipstick right now."

"Why? What did you do, Gina?" Stella asked.

Gina smiled to her best friend in Italy and her eyes glimmered. "I...I gave Percy a love message...and a kiss through my card...with these lips."

Stella, Giovanni and Lorenzo all stared in awe and wonder. They never expected Gina to do something this special and this romantic, and they all admired it most merrily.

"Oh, Gina...such a fierce, quick-minded Queen of Shunting you are," Stella smiled dreamily. "Yet most romantic and heartfelt for your Perfect Percy."

"And such a way to convey it like this," Giovanni admitted. "Your dedication to Percy is most admirable, Gina, and you've every reason to take it so much to heart."

"And won't Percy be...ha-ha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha-ha, happy-y-y!" Lorenzo sang.

"Glad...so-o-o gla-a-ad," Gina sang softly in turn.

"And in spreading with the Christmas spirit to Percy through that letter, Gina" said her driver. "Perhaps you'd like to wear your lipstick for tonight?"

"Ohh...Grazie, senor," Gina glimmered happily. "I would love that."

Soon, as the sun began to set, Stella, Giovanni and Lorenzo fell asleep, but Gina stayed awake for a while longer, still feeling the lipstick on her lips and basking in such joy and harmony as all she could think of was Percy's pending reaction for whenever that card would reach him. As she thought to her red kiss mark she left on that card, Gina became lost in her own lovely thoughts of kissing Percy with those red lips as she began to see images of such loving banter right there in her shed.

"Oh, Percy. I love you. Merry Christmas," Gina whispered very softly.

Then she closed her eyes, puckered her lips and began smooching very quietly, listening to the lovely sucking sounds her lips made, and she immediately began to envision herself and Percy kissing together, with her leaving lovely red kiss marks all along his face.

"Ooh...do you like that, Percy?" Gina whispered through her imagination. "Do you love my luscious, red lips? Hmm?"

And Gina continued to daydream and quietly smooch her lips as she slowly fell asleep and continued to dream of kissing Percy all over his face, seeing his adorable face being covered in her lipstick and him smiling and gleaming away with such a smile while he kept whispering her name over and over, until finally, Gina slipped into a deep, blissful sleep. Very soon, this dream would find its way to Percy's smokebox once Gina's Christmas Greetings reached him on Sodor...

By this time, back on Sodor, the sun was almost setting, and Percy and Emily were now rushing for Brendam Docks with excited smiles and happy whistles. Their work was done for the day, and Emily had just told Percy what the Fat Controller told her at Knapford.

"He's back, Percy! Thomas is home for Christmas!" Emily chimed happily.

"Home again! Oh, Thomas!" Percy peeped excitedly.

Soon, Percy and Emily arrived at the Docks and saw Cranky, Carly and Big Mickey all looking out to sea. Both engines looked out, then stopped. There was the ferry pulling into port, and everyone could see it was flying the Australian flag. Emily knew right then and there the time had come. She, Percy, Cranky, Carly and Big Mickey all watched as the ferry docked alongside the line. They all looked, and there was Thomas sitting on deck, back from his third adventure down under, and home in time for Christmas.

"I'm home again! For Christmas!" Thomas announced happily.

"Welcome back again, Chuck!" Carly smiled to Thomas.

Then she brought her hook and securing system down to Thomas, and he was lifted right off his ferry and toward the line. He looked down at the docks below him...and there were Emily and Percy, looking up at him. They both gave a whistle of joy as Thomas was lowered right down to her line. He and Emily looked into each other's eyes for a few moments, feeling the sense of reunion glowing in their boilers now.

"Hello, Emily...I'm home for Christmas, just as we made sure it would be," Thomas smiled. "Your Christmas star is home."

Emily smiled and beamed for a few moments more. Then she gushed, "Oh, Thomas...Thomas, my love!"

She then rushed forward, buffered right up and showered Thomas' face with big, wet kisses, smooching noisily as she did.

"Mmm...ah, mmm...ah, Mmm...Mmhmm...Ah!" she exclaimed as she placed her biggest kiss right on his love spot. "Welcome home, Tommy, my Christmas star."

"Thank you, my love," Thomas beamed. "I'm home from my second adventure in Australia...which reminds me. Did you receive my card, Emily?"

"Oh, Thomas. I did!" Emily gleamed happily. "And I can never thank you enough! My first Christmas card ever, and it came from YOU!"

"I'm so happy you received it, my angel," Thomas said. "I...I just hope it makes up for me not sending you anything when I spent my last Christmas there...Christmas without each other...I'm very sorry, Emily."

Emily smiled and cooed as she rubbed her nose to his.

"Aww, Thomas. Of course this makes up for it," she crooned. "Just having you here for Christmas is the best gift I could ask for. I'm so very happy you gave me a card this year, though. And speaking of Christmas cards...there will probably be even more cards in the mail tomorrow."

And she winked sweetly to Percy, who giggled and gave a wink back to her.

"More cards? What does she mean, Percy?" Thomas asked.

Percy looked to Emily and smiled a little coyly. Emily returned the smile to Percy and saw where this was going.

"Well, Thomas...you just come right with me...to Knapford Sheds," she said suggestively. "I'll tell you everything...and then...ooh, you and I have some catching up to do."

Thomas began to blush already, making Emily and even Percy giggle.

"He-he-he!" Percy chittered. "Well, go on, Thomas. Do what your angel wishes!"

Emily then began to push Thomas on his way out of the docks. Thomas felt his heart jump excitedly as he called out to Percy.

"Good to be home, Percy! I'll see you later!"

"See you later, Thomas!" Percy peeped back with another jolly giggle.

As they hummed along the line together, Thomas was very happy to be back on Sodor, and by the look on Emily's face, he could tell this would be a lovely welcome home. After spending his first Australian Christmas without Emily, he would not waste any time making his return fully worth it this year. Emily kept smiling to Thomas and giving him a little suggestive coo every now and then, keeping his heart racing with anticipation as to how his welcome home would turn out.

As night fell and the stars began appearing through the sky, Thomas and Emily made their way to Knapford Sheds. Thomas felt a great wave of warmth as Emily shunted him inside and the doors shut behind them. He was nestled back in the Love Shed on Sodor with his beautiful Christmas Queen.

"Mmm..." Emily hummed happily. "You're home, Thomas. Home for Christmas...thank you."

"You're ever so welcome, Emily," Thomas smiled. "I've been looking forward to this moment ever since my visit ended."

"I'm sure you have been, Thomas," said Emily. "Now, before you and I jump in...I did say I would tell you everything about there being more cards in the post tomorrow."

"That's right, Emily. You did," said Thomas. "Well...what's the story?"

"Well, as usual, Percy is very busy with the mail around the holiday season," said Emily. "But this year, there has been so much mail and so many packages, he couldn't manage it all by himself. Therefore, the Fat Controller assigned me to help him through the holiday season."

"That's very good, Emily. Percy having his loving mother figure manage the mail with him," Thomas smiled.

"And that very morning, when I stopped at Kellsthorpe Road Station, that's when I got my card from you, Thomas," Emily went on.

"Your very first card, Emily," Thomas put in.

"Yes...that's when I thought that perhaps Percy could send Gina a Christmas card too. They've been sending such frequent letters ever since she left this past spring, I decided to tell him, and he sent a Christmas card to her. I can only wonder what she'll think of it."

"She'll probably be as happy as you, Emily," said Thomas.

"Now...as for there being more cards tomorrow," said Emily. "Here's what I mean by that. Percy and I were delivering the mail just this morning, and when we dropped off some of the load at Knapford, Percy's crew had a little laugh about a whole bag of post being mostly cards for the Fat Controller, and that gave them an idea for Percy and I."

"What's that, Emily?" Thomas asked.

"Since you sent me a Christmas card, and since Percy sent one to Gina, his driver and fireman thought it would be a festive idea to decorate our cabs with whatever cards they may receive for this holiday season."

"Ohh...like how Gordon's driver decorated his cab once?" Thomas remembered.

"Exactly, Thomas," said Emily. "Gordon was there when he heard Percy's crew conjure the idea, and he agrees it would be a fond idea. What do you think?"

"Oh, Emily. I think that's a most merry idea," Thomas nodded. "I'll be sure to tell Bon and Darren about it first thing tomorrow."

"After managing the mail for today, I was on passenger duties," said Emily. "I brought them to Tidmouth Station for the Christmas market Molly helped put together. She was there delivering Christmas puddings and mince pies, and Beatrice was there too. I told them about your card and the idea I conjured with Percy. Beatrice said she'd tell David about it when she can, and Molly is more than happy to have a card prepared for James. So I decided to tell Rebecca about our idea, and she's keen to partake in the Christmas Greetings too...and that's when the Fat Controller came and told me you were coming home today...and so here you are, Thomas."

"Yes, Emily. I am," said Thomas. "And my goodness, this whole Christmas Card Caper sounds very cheerful. Quite an active way for me to come home from another big adventure."

"It is," Emily smiled. "And now...ooh, Tommy..."

Thomas noticed Emily's expression change into one with much more suggestive nature, which made his debonair change too.

"E...Emily?" Thomas said slowly. "What are you...?"

Emily narrowed her eyes and licked her lips. Then she leaned in and gave him a big, soft kiss on his cheek, drawing a big blush to his face.

"I have now explained everything, Thomas," she purred. "Now...you and I can catch up...together. Would you like that, my sweet Tommy?"

Thomas chortled and blushed again. "Oh, Emily...I...I'd love to. You're making my welcome home even more welcome..."

"Yes, I am, Tommy," Emily soothed softly. "And we actually have Molly to partly thank for it...given what she and James did together just two nights ago."

"Molly and James? What did they do, and how?" Thomas asked.

"Well, while you were away, James was angry about pulling the Flying Kipper again, but he was happy for Molly taking the Christmas Special to Tidmouth Station. James had a little problem with the Kipper, which delayed him quite a bit. He was so angry about the matter, he and Molly didn't meet up that night, but he told her everything, and from what I heard from her...she and James had a mind-blowing night together...with her decorated all over in holly leaves...with mistletoe in her shed...and she hoped that I have a similar night...when you came home from Australia."

Now Thomas could easily get an idea of what James and Molly had done that night, and he could feel his wheels begin to wobble. This was going to be quite a welcome home indeed.

"Oh...why, I would never miss such a night with you, Emily," he whispered. "And perhaps we could make tonight a little precursor for both of us? I'd like us to gradually build up for a truly amazing night...maybe closer to Christmas?"

Emily's eyes glimmered to Thomas' charm and maturity.

"Oh, Thomas..." she whispered. "I would love that. We'll certainly have a significant night tonight...but having a more mind-blowing night closer to Christmas...that will make it an even better, more lustful present, won't it?"

"Couldn't have said it better, my love," Thomas grinned. "So...let's make my welcome home...truly welcome. I love you, Emily."

"I love you, Thomas," Emily fluted. "I'd do anything to make your welcome home truly worthwhile...in all the ways your Christmas Angel can. Kiss me, Thomas. Kiss your Christmas Angel until she spreads her wings for you. Please-please-ple-e-ease?"

"Aww. My answer is yes, Emily...here I come with my early Christmas presents..." Thomas smiled suggestively.

He then leaned in and kissed Emily very softly on her lips, caressing them gently as he nibbled her bottom lip, then softly tugged her upper lip and pressed his tongue to her mouth. Emily moaned and happily opened her mouth as she gently began dancing her tongue with his for a few minutes, feeling even warmer and started tingling all over, just as Thomas did. Their lips moved over each other in such a warm, cuddly dance together for several minutes before they let go and retrieved their breath.

"Oh, Emily...your Christmas lips are such a perfect present for me to behold," Thomas whispered as he leaned in and cuddled her creamy cheeks with his.

"T-Thomas..." Emily whispered. "Oh, Thomas...I...I feel so...so warm and tickly inside."

"Shh...it's okay, Emily. You're just excited, I know..." Thomas soothed. "I love you so much..."

"Oh, Thomas. I love you too," Emily whispered.

Then Thomas leaned in and began kissing her beautiful, sensitive and creamy, cheeks. His lips moved up, down and along her soft, warm face, making Emily blush a lovely pink and she began whimpering with such bubbly joy tingling in her boiler. Thomas then brought his lips to her cute, rubbery little nose. He reached out and began brushing his lips right on the tip of her nose which made her lean upwards and squeal immensely.

"Ohh...Thomas!" she jiggled. "He-he-he-he! Oh-ho-ho-ho-ho!"

Thomas just smiled and pressed his lips to her nose and began nibbling and kissing it so softly. Emily squirmed and giggled shakily, wriggling and twitching her nose as it tickled so much, and she was wanting more and more every second. Thomas giggled to her adorable nose, then let go. Her cheeks were now considerably red and through her amazing smile, her lovely teeth glistened in the ceiling lights.

"Oh, Emily...my beautiful Christmas Queen," Thomas whispered. "I'll make you so warm and cozy tonight...may I?"

"Oh, yes! Yes, please, Thomas," Emily giggled excitedly.

Thomas smiled big and pressed his face right to hers, nuzzling her for a moment before he leaned downwards. He puckered his lips and kissed her beautiful, round chin, running his lips every which way he could, then kissed her slowly up, up and up to her cheeks again. Emily gasped sharply and rubbed her nose to his. Then he reached his tongue out and gave her such gentle little licks of love, relishing in her cheek's taste of peaches and strawberries. Emily whimpered his name a few times in a row as she felt her cheeks tickling so much.

"Ohh...! Thomas-Thomas-Thomas!" she squirmed and tittered madly. "Oh-oh-ohh! That t-tickles...! Aah!"

Thomas groaned passionately to her happy tittering and squealing before he let go of her cheek. He regarded her blissful expression for a few moments, hearing a voice telling him she was the most gorgeous being in the world, as she always was. Her blushing cheeks and glittering eyes were also a lovely present for him to come home to, and neither of them were quite finished yet. Thomas then pressed his lips to Emily's cheek again and began sucking on it, nursing her like a baby on its mother before he gently dotted his tongue to her cheek too.

"Oh...oh, my, Thomas! Thomas!" Emily shuddered and gasped.

Then she began shaking as Thomas sucked her cheek a little stronger, paying particular attention to how her sweet skin was as he tugged with his lips. Then he softly let go and kissed her cheek, pressing it inward, then watched it puff out again slowly. Before Emily could speak, Thomas pressed his lips to her other cheek and began sucking on it too. As Emily felt her cheeks tickle and tickle to Thomas' lips and tongue, she could feel her steam tickling in her boiler as it crept and trickled through her pipes and steam ports, bringing her close to letting off steam and hugging her returnee star.

"Tho...Thom...Thomas! Oh, my goodness! T-T-Tommy!" she squealed.

Thomas' heart twitched and tickled happily to Emily's voice and he wasted no time nurturing her in just the right way.

"It's okay, Emily. Don't hold it in. Let off you warm, cozy steam. Hug your Christmas star. Let it out, Emily. Please?"

Thomas' words hit Emily's heart in just the way they needed to, and as she gave a great squeal of lust, her steam hissed away through her steam ports and blanketed herself and Thomas in a steamy, warm hug. Thomas immediately melted into her hug and pressed his face to hers.

"Oh, you loved that, didn't you, Emily?" he asked happily.

"Ohh...oh, Thomas!" Emily gleamed. "You did amazingly...my Christmas Star comes home today, and I already feel all the presents only he can give his angel!"

Thomas just smiled and basked in Emily's hug...until her steam cleared away, and she narrowed her eyes again. Thomas saw this at once as Emily buffered up to him and began pushing him slowly to the back of the shed.

"Oh...what are you doing, Emily?" Thomas asked with a growing smile.

"Your presents have all made me very happy, Tommy," she whispered. "Now it's your turn to be showered in all your early Christmas presents. May I kiss and pamper my Christmas cobalt until he shines and glimmers like the star he is? Please?"

"Yes, Emily. And yes only," Thomas gleamed. "I'm yours for the welcome home, Emily. Do all that you may bid..."

"Ohh...I love you, Tommy," Emily whispered as she proceeded with her share.

She leaned in and started kissing the very tip of his cheek, right on his love spot, which made Thomas breathe in sharply and lean in toward Emily's soft, warm lips. Emily giggled softly as she brushed her lips on his love spot.

"Mmm...ah. Mmm...ah," she whispered silkily as her lips trailed and cuddled along his cheek. "Does Tommy like my soft, tickly lips?"

"Emily...I...I...Ohh!" was all that came from Thomas and his ever-blushing face.

Emily tittered happily, then trailed her lips to his other cheek and pressed them in. Then she began to nibble and suck on his cheek as she pleased, feeling her lips tingle to his skin as she went along.

"Tickle-tickle, Thomas. Tickle-tickle-tickle," she teased happily.

"He-he-he-he!" Thomas jumped and laughed shakily. "Ahh! Emily! That tickles! Whoo!"

"Yes, it does tickle, doesn't it?" Emily whispered. "Then you're going to love this...oh, I love you..."

Then she slowly reached her pink tongue out to Thomas' cheek and began licking and lapping it so softly, making soft, slick little sounds as she trailed her shiny, glistening saliva along his cheek and drove him even crazier.

"Agh...E-Emily...!" Thomas groaned as her tongue slid and tickled along his cheek wherever she trailed it.

"Ahh...ah...you have sweet little cheeks, Tommy," Emily whispered wistfully. "Ooh...you like that, don't you?"

And she began kissing Thomas again, blushing very red herself as she kissed him right where her beautiful saliva had been trailed, leaving wet, shiny kiss marks on his cheeks wherever she pleased. Then as she began nibbling and sucking his cheek again, Thomas could now feel his steam working quickly through his boiler as Emily was driving him to utter euphoria.

"Emily...I...I can't hold it in...my boiler is about to burst!" Thomas groaned.

"I want you to let off steam, Tommy," Emily giggled sweetly. "Your boiler's reminding you how happy you are. Let off steam, Thomas. Hug your Christmas Angel."

And as she returned to kissing his love spot over and over, that was enough for Thomas' steam to take flight. With a loud whistle and wail of passion, Thomas' heart took flight as he let off steam too, sending a thick blanket of it through the shed and hugging Emily's boiler just as she hugged his. And there they held closely together, panting and laughing so happily as they exchanged a few big kisses to each other's cheeks and feeling so very warm and happy as their eyes slowly closed and they basked in their warm, cozy afterglow with their warm steam settling all around them.

Then as their breathing slowed down, their steam slowly faded away. Thomas wearily opened his eyes and saw Emily looking to him in a dizzy, but truly blissful state.

"Ohh...oh..." Emily murmured and swooned. "Oh, Thomas...do you feel it? The nice, warm and cuddly feeling inside you?"

"Yes...yes, Emily. I do," Thomas panted.

"It's the afterglow, Thomas," Emily panted. "The tickle that builds in our boilers, then after that...oh, I love how it feels. So cozy, isn't it?"

"Indeed, it is, Emily," Thomas panted. "Just like every engine couple feels when they do what we do together..."

Then Emily gave a deep, sleepy yawn, as did Thomas. They were truly happy with all they had done together tonight, and neither of them could wait for the next night they would do this together.

"Ohh...time for bed, now," Emily yawned. "Sweet dreams, Tommy. And welcome home for Christmas. I love you."

"Sweet dreams, Emily," Thomas yawned. "I'm endlessly happy to be home again with my Christmas Queen. I love you too."

And he and Emily snuggled together, shared a goodnight kiss to the lips and fell sound asleep together, feeling so warm and blissful. As for the other engines, the Christmas Greetings would continue for a little while yet, and Gina's very special Christmas card still had to make its way to Percy to see for himself, then Percy would then be in for quite the dreams of him and Gina...

---

The next morning, Thomas and Emily woke up warmly in Knapford Sheds and smiled very happily. They remembered all that had happened the night before, and now Thomas was home again from another adventure. They both yawned and gazed into each other's eyes.

"Good morning, Emily, my Christmas Angel," Thomas smiled as he gave her a kiss on her cheek.

Emily giggled and kissed his cheek too. "Good morning, Thomas, my Christmas Star. You did beautifully last night."

"So did you, Emily," Thomas replied. "I'm home with you. Now...I trust you and Percy have to get started with the mail again...as well as all the Christmas cards that might come in today for the rest of us."

"Indeed, I must, Thomas," Emily answered. "And as I said, there's bound to be even more Christmas cards today..."

The two engines made their way out of Knapford Sheds, and Emily saw Percy had already collected his mail wagons. She blew a kiss to Thomas, gathered her mail wagons and set off with Percy, collecting more mail from Knapford Harbour again. As she and Percy started off with the mail, she came alongside him and winked. Percy knew what Emily was thinking and winked back to her.

"More Christmas cards today, Percy. I'm sure of it," Emily whispered.

"And we'll all be decorated on our cabs soon," Percy whispered back.

When Percy and Emily returned to Knapford to drop off the first load, Emily quickly noticed she was right. The workmen unloaded another bag of post, and when they checked inside, it was yet another post-delivery of Christmas cards for the Fat Controller.

"Oh, he'll have too many cards quicker than we can count!" said one workman.

At that moment, he came out of his office and saw what was going on.

"Good morning, Percy and Emily," he said. "I see you've both been handling the mail swimmingly. How are you, Percy?"

"It's much easier to manage all this Christmas buzz with Emily helping me, sir," Percy replied.

"And we've got more post for you just now, sir," said Emily. "Take a look."

The Fat Controller looked at the bag and gaped for a moment.

"Oh..." he said steadily.

"We recall dropping off a bag of post for you yesterday, sir," said Percy. "I...I hope it isn't too much for you."

"Gracious, goodness me!" the Fat Controller exclaimed. "Well...I must admit, Percy and Emily. I am very pleased to receive all this Christmas post, but quite frankly, I have no more room in my office to hang up any more cards. I can't even look out my window because of them...and that will never do!"

Percy and Emily looked to the office, and indeed, they could see a few cards hanging on and around the window, blocking out the view.

"No...Indeed, it wouldn't do, sir," Emily answered as she began to put another idea together. "What do you think you'll do with all those cards?"

"Why do you ask, Emily?" the Fat Controller asked.

"Well, sir," said Percy. "Thomas sent Emily a Christmas card two days ago, telling her he was coming home...and I also sent a card to Gina in Italy...and as such, my driver and fireman thought it would be a festive idea to hang whatever cards they get in our cabs."

"And so I told Molly, Beatrice and Rebecca about it yesterday," said Emily. "And they're all eager to take part in the Christmas Greetings too."

"I see. Well then, with this new load right here...I think I have an idea," said the Fat Controller. "Might I suggest taking some of the cards from my window, put them with the rest of the new cards that have just arrived...and hang them up at Tidmouth Sheds as a decoration?"

Percy and Emily's faces lit right up. This was just what they had been hoping for. After all, the engines pulled all the trains and did all the hard work. This would indeed be a most festive gift for them to come home to.

"Oh, sir! A truly splendid idea!" Emily smiled.

"Smart too," Percy peeped. "Gordon's driver decorated his cab with cards one year. Why not do the same for Tidmouth Sheds this year?"

"Exactly, Percy," the Fat Controller smiled. "I'll reach out to the other engines' crews and see what they think. Tidmouth Sheds will look very smart tonight. You wait and see."

And so the hours passed. Over the course of the day, Percy and Emily delivered the mail, and as they expected, more and more Christmas cards were distributed across Sodor. Emily managed to make a little plan with her crew for Thomas, while Molly did the same with her crew for James. Several of the cards that were delivered made their way to the engines' crews, whom the Fat Controller got in touch with and passed on Percy and Emily's idea, then his idea for the sheds that evening, and that was exactly what the engines' crews agreed to. Sure enough, by the time all the mail was delivered that late afternoon, Percy and Emily's crew got their Christmas cards and decided to put their plan into full motion. When they returned to Knapford Sheds, Percy and Emily's cabs were soon decorated with all the cards their crews had received, just as originally planned. Both engines giggled merrily to this.

"Oh, Emily...isn't it a cheerful site? So many cards for us to show! Our plan is put together at last!" Percy chirped.

"Hm-hm-hm! Yes, Percy," Emily chimed. "It's very lovely indeed...I also wonder, Percy...through all the mail that's coming along this holiday season...maybe you'll get something from Gina soon."

Percy suddenly remembered and felt his heart tremble.

"Oh...of course, Emily," he said more quietly. "She's sure to have gotten my card by now. I just know she'll reply to me...I can only wonder what she'll send me next..."

"Well, as I said before, Percy. She's certain to give you something very special for Christmas," Emily smiled. "And to think of Tidmouth Sheds' decorations tonight..."

Then, as if right on cue, the Fat Controller came out of his office with a smile.

"Well done, Percy and Emily. All the mail has been delivered...and my plan has been in the works all day. I've told many engines' crews about my plan...and now, it's almost evening. Perhaps we should all return to the sheds...and see what awaits us all? The engines should be returning soon."

Percy and Emily looked to each other. This was it. The great moment would soon arrive for all the engines.

"Shall we go, sir?" Emily asked eagerly.

"By all means, Emily," the Fat Controller smiled, gesturing his hand in the direction of the sheds.

Percy and Emily quickly left their mail wagons in their sidings and set off through the coming evening, followed closely by the Fat Controller.

By this time, the day was done, and Percy, Emily and the Fat Controller's timing couldn't be more perfect. Thomas, Gordon, James, Nia and Rebecca were all making their way back to Tidmouth Sheds. They were quite tired after another day's work and were ready to settle in their warm sheds. But none of them had any idea of what was going on throughout the day. They soon arrived at Tidmouth Sheds, which looked just like it always did on the outside, but as they settled into their berths one by one...they looked up and all gasped at once, their eyes glued to the sheds.

"What...in the world?" James exclaimed.

"Cinders and Ashes!" Thomas exclaimed.

"Oh, goodness!" Nia gasped.

"Well, bust my buffers! Look at Tidmouth Sheds!" Rebecca chirped with delight.

"My...what a sight!" Gordon concluded.

Tidmouth Sheds had been decorated on the inside all over, wall to wall, top to bottom, and even on the shed doors...with Christmas cards galore! So many different cards with different looks and colours from so many people alike! None of the engines had seen anything like this, and they all started talking amongst each as to how this could have been. Then they heard Percy and Emily's whistles coming close. When Percy and Emily settled in their berths, they gasped and smiled to the sight Tidmouth Sheds now bestowed.

"Wow! Percy! Look at the sheds!" Emily gasped. "Incredible!"

"Whoa! This is much more than simple decorations and lights!" Percy exclaimed.

Then the Fat Controller drove up and smiled to all the engines, who looked right at him.

"Sir...what is all this?" Gordon asked. "And why are Percy and Emily's cabs decorated in cards...like I once was?"

"This is a surprise for all of you, and for all your hard work this holiday season so far," the Fat Controller announced. "As you all know, Percy and Emily have been managing a whole ton of mail lately, what with all the holiday excitement spawning so many letters, cards and packages alike. Even Thomas sent Emily a Christmas card from Australia, and Percy sent one to Gina in Italy. Then their crews thought it fitting to decorate their cabs with whatever cards they received for Christmas. As for me, I've been getting so very many cards from so many people, I couldn't fit all of them in my office. So, in light of the Christmas spirit coming closer, and in retrospect of Thomas and Percy's Christmas cards to Emily and Gina, I thought that perhaps I could take all the cards I've been getting, call all your drivers and firemen to get them involved in my plan...and use all the cards to decorate Tidmouth Sheds."

All the engines stood there, absolutely enthralled by the Fat Controller's words and the look of Tidmouth Sheds. Then they all whistled with joy.

"Thank you, thank you, sir!" Rebecca gleamed. "This is a most impressive way to decorate a shed!"

"It's never happened before," Thomas smiled. "I LIKE it!"

"Absolutely splendid, I must say!" James added.

"Just like my passengers enjoyed my card decorations, this is most enjoyable," Gordon admitted.

"Ohh, it's such a festive sight, sir! I love it!" Nia beamed.

"Like I said, it looks incredible," Emily smiled.

"And like I said, this is much more than decorations and lights," Percy beamed.

The engines were all very pleased to have such a smartly decorated shed. It was quite a surprise indeed. As Percy and Emily looked along their berths, they suddenly noticed that two of the cards were from David and Beatrice. David's was a deep blue with a frigate ship sailing through snowflakes and Beatrice's was a bright blue card with an angel holding a star.

"Oh! Thomas and Percy, look," said Emily. "There are two cards here in my berth...from David and Beatrice."

Emily's crew stepped down from her cab, opened the cards and showed them to their engines. Beatrice's card read:

"Christmas Greetings are a very merry activity to take part in at the most
wonderful time of the year. So much holiday spirit has been going around
and I am more than happy to take part in decorating Tidmouth Sheds in a
very smart-looking way for all the engines. May you all have a Merry Christmas.

Sincerely,
Beatrice Rider."

"Oh, Beatrice. Such a lovely card," Emily smiled. Then she read David's card.

"It's no secret to say. Like everyone on Sodor, I love Christmas. The season of joy,
and indeed the most wonderful time of the year. I love the snow, the presents,
the merry spirit and above all, being with your friends and family. And with Thomas
back on Sodor for Christmas, my engine Emily couldn't be happier. She and Thomas
will certainly have a most merry Christmas this year.

Yours truly,
David Rider."

"Oh, David," Emily smiled again. "Thomas and I will indeed have a most Merry Christmas. And you have a Merry Christmas too, my best friend."

Then, while the other engines talked and clamoured about all the cards, James looked up and saw Molly coming along the sheds, looking right at him with a big smile. James was surprised to see her here, thinking it would have been another long wait until they'd meet up again. Thomas and Emily looked up and saw her too, while Emily watched closely, seeing what Molly would do.

"Oh. Molly? What are you doing here?" James asked.

"Hello, James," Molly smiled. "I heard Tidmouth Sheds was going to be smartly decorated...and it certainly is now! And...I also thought it would be best to give you this after such a holly jolly night you and I shared together."

She then batted her eyelashes to James and blew him a kiss as her driver stepped down with one hand behind his back. James wondered what it could be, then her driver showed him a red Christmas card with a fully decorated Christmas tree on it. He then opened the card and showed James the message.

"Our night together was pure magic, James. I have never felt to truly
jolly and amazing as we did on that very night. Emily told me all about
what Thomas and Percy did for her and Gina, and I am more than delighted
to partake in the Christmas Greetings for you, my Radiant Ruby. You have a
Holly Jolly Christmas, just as we did together with your Holly Jolly Molly.

I love you, Jimmy."

James blushed deeply and looked up at Molly. "Ohh...I...why, thank you, Molly! Such a lovely gift from my Shining Sun!"

"Oh, you're perfectly welcome, James!" Molly giggled.

Emily saw everything and suddenly turned to Thomas with a glimmer in her eyes. Thomas saw her looking right at him and he took notice right away.

"Emily? What is it?" he asked.

"Thomas...there's something I'd like you to have tonight with all these decorations," she said before looking further ahead. "...Don't you agree, Rebecca?"

Rebecca heard Emily and suddenly remembered and winked. "Oh, I do agree, Emily. As for you, Gordon..."

"Rebecca?" Gordon eyed as she turned to him.

"I'd like you to have this, Big G," Rebecca giggled.

Gordon watched as her driver stepped down and revealed a Christmas card to him, just as Emily's driver revealed a Christmas card to Thomas. Both blue engines were surprised by this. Especially Gordon, who was not expecting this at all. He stared at his card while Thomas read his out loud.

"The Christmas card you gave me was the first I was ever given, and I
never gave thought to such a thing being given to useful engines like us.
To be given a simple, but truly meaningful gift like this really made me feel
touched, and in my forever gratitude, I give you this gift to always hold onto
and remember every Christmas to come ahead of us. I love you, Thomas.

Your emerald angel,
Emily."

Thomas absolutely loved it as he smiled up to Emily, who smiled right back at him.

"Thank you again for my first ever Christmas card, Thomas," she said sweetly. "I will never forget it, and I will always hold onto that card."

"Oh, Emily. I'll never forget yours either," Thomas smiled. "I love it."

Then Gordon started reading his card from Rebecca.

"I adore everything about Christmas, from the presents to the songs to all
the merry spirit we all share at this time of year, but I never knew until recently
that your driver decorated your cab full of cards for your passengers to enjoy.
Emily told me all about her little plan with Percy, and I am ever-so proud to be
part of the festivities with everyone else. For you, my Big G. I love you so much.

Your Golden Queen,
Rebecca."

Rebecca giggled softly the whole time she listened to Gordon read. Gordon was indeed impressed. But he couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed as well, knowing that Rebecca went to all that trouble of getting her crew to buy a card for him, yet he never thought of it himself.

"Well? What do you think, Gordon?" Rebecca chimed sweetly.

"Rebecca...I adore it immensely...but I don't think I really deserve this," he said sheepishly. "You went to all that trouble of having your crew find a card for me...and I never thought of doing so myself...when my entire cab was decorated that year! Why didn't I see it before?"

"Oh, Gordon, don't fuss over me," Rebecca chimed. "There's still plenty of time for you to give me one in time for Christmas, Big G."

"Rebecca is right, Gordon," Molly added. "And you also have plenty of time to still give me a Holly Jolly card, James. You will, won't you, Jimmy?"

"Oh...I'd never pass up the chance, Molly," James winked to her.

Then, in the midst of all the talk, clamour and chatter about all the cards, Percy's driver looked around in his berth for any cards, wondering if Gina had sent anything back. He looked to the very back of Percy's berth, then stopped. There, he saw an envelope that had not been opened yet, compared to all the other cards. But when he saw it was from Italy, he suddenly realized what it meant.

Percy suddenly saw his driver raising his hand, signalling the other engines to quiet down. The other engines saw this and gradually, the talking and chattering became quieter, then there was silence. All the engines looked and listened...while Percy suddenly felt very jittery inside. Emily suddenly felt her heart jumping too. Could this be Gina's return letter for Percy's Christmas card?

"Steam Team," said Percy's driver. "I think there's something very special here...for Percy."

Percy's heart almost stopped. He remembered sending his card to Gina, and he remembered his little talk with Emily about the possibility of a card from Gina. He suddenly felt so much anticipation building up inside him.

"Gina...it's Gina," Percy whispered heavily. "Please, Richard! Is it from her?"

Richard opened the letter and looked inside, then he froze. Percy froze too as he waited, and Emily stared in Percy's direction. Thomas stared too as he remembered being told about Percy's card to Gina.

"Feast your eyes, Percy...a Christmas greeting...from the Queen of Shunting," said Richard.

Then he drew out what was inside that envelope. A deep blue card with little red hearts, snowflakes and wrapped presents under a snowy Christmas tree, with a fancy title that read "A Merry and Bellissima Christmas To You." Percy recognized the Italian word in there at once, and he knew right then and there this was for him from the engine he loved the most in this world alongside Emily as his loving mother figure.

"Oh...oh...it's here!" Percy exclaimed. "Gina sent me my first Christmas card from her!"

"Yes...I knew it. Well, let's see exactly what she sent her Perfect Percy," Emily said grandly.

Percy watched as his driver came to his bufferbeam and showed him the card more closely...then he opened the card. This was the moment Percy had been waiting for ever since he sent his card. First, he read the message printed on the card itself.

"The most beautiful things about Christmas are the spirit of giving, the
unity of family, and sharing Christmas with the ones you love the most.
Have a very Merry Christmas."

"Oh...it's so lovely," Percy murmured. Emily sighed happily as she soulfully agreed, as did Thomas.

But then, Percy's eyes caught something else that made him gasp, then he went still as stone as he read the love message right there from his Queen of Shunting. Percy could hear Gina's Italian voice sounding right through his ears and into his heart as he read everything for the other engines to hear.

"Dear Percy,

I send this Christmas Greeting all the way from Italy to the engine I love beyond all else
in my life. I have never forgotten what you and I shared in together all the way back in
spring, when I came to Sodor for two weeks and healed your crushed spirits when you
needed me more than you ever did before. And through all these months since then, not
one day has gone by when I didn't think of you. I have thought of you ever since I returned
home, Percy, and I cannot tell you how much I wish I could have been on Sodor for
Christmas this year. I'm sure you've been thinking about that prospect yourself...but I also
want to tell you just how strongly touched and happy I was to receive my very first Christmas
card...a card that came from you, my Perfect Percy. Your Christmas Greeting could not have
made me happier, and in gratitude for such a loving gift to give me, I now send you my own
Christmas Greeting in turn. I know you will cherish this gift with all your heart, and may we
join together again someday...just you and I together. I love you, Percy. Merry Christmas.

Love now and forever,
Your Italian Queen of Shunting, Gina."

Percy stood there, absorbed and spellbound by what he had just read. He loved every bit of the love message Gina had sent him. But then, at long last, the discovery was made. Percy's eyes almost popped and they glittered so intently as he cast his sight to what else was in that card. Right there, beneath the message, there it was for him to see, which made his heart almost burst. Gina's lipstick kiss, red, glossy and romantic. He recognized her wonderful lips anywhere, and he loved it so, so immensely! Of all the engines in Tidmouth Sheds, he was now the happiest of all with this most touching and endearing Christmas Greeting.

"She...she gave me a kiss...through her first Christmas card to me...!" Percy whispered loudly, unable to find his full voice. "Everyone! L-l...LOOK!"

Percy's driver walked up and down the sheds, showing the card to the other engines. They all felt their hearts stir strongly to this most romantic and ironclad sense of love Gina had for Percy, and they all had to admit this was the most beautiful card ever to be given to an engine or person.

"I...I can't believe it..." Thomas whispered. "Gina...oh, my God...amazing."

"Astonishing. Truly remarkable," Gordon murmured.

"Absolutely impressive by all accounts," James whispered.

"Ohh...it's so beautiful, Percy," Nia gleamed, almost set to cry happily.

"My God...so...so...so beautiful, Percy," Emily gleamed with twinkling eyes.

"Ohh..." Molly and Rebecca hummed with awe and stirring joy.

Percy looked around and could see Emily, Molly and Rebecca all looking to each other and among themselves. Even they hadn't thought of doing such a touching, beautiful thing like this...but now that they had seen it, nothing would stop them from doing it themselves for another time for their respective loved ones.

"Percy...all these cards at Tidmouth Sheds are truly special," Emily murmured. "But when it comes to you and Gina...I think your card is the most special of all tonight."

Percy just looked at Emily and let a truly joyful tear trail out of his eye and down his face as he smiled from absolute buffer to buffer.

"Well...that is most impressive to see," the Fat Controller said steadily. "We should all be most thankful to Gina giving her Perfect Percy the best Christmas Greeting he could ever have this year."

All the engines agreed and nodded silently. Then the Fat Controller left. For a little while longer, after the engines had their doors shut for the night, they all looked at Percy and smiled. Percy smiled at all of them as his driver placed the card right on his bufferbeam, so he could look at it tonight. Then it would be kept safe by his driver afterwards.

Soon, the engines began to get tired, and they settled down to sleep. Only Percy and Emily were awake now.

"Oh, Emily...Gina's card is so perfect...so Bellissima," Percy murmured, finding his voice at last. "I'll never forget it for as long as I live. Even when we see each other again, I will always hold onto her card. Forever."

"Oh, yes, Percy. You shall," Emily smiled. "I never thought she would do something so lovely through a card. But now...I think she's inspired us all to give a new meaning to Christmas Greetings for every Christmas ahead that will come. Today has been truly amazing. Now, have a very good sleep, my sweet little baby. I wish you very sweet...and loving dreams tonight. I love you, Percy."

And Emily smooched her lips softly and blew a kiss to Percy.

"Thank you, Emily. You have a very good sleep too. Sweet dreams, mother," Percy yawned as he blew her a kiss.

With that, Emily and Percy fell asleep with the rest of the engines...and Percy's sweet and loving dream began, almost the very moment he was asleep...

Percy suddenly saw himself in Knapford Sheds, warm and safe on a cold winter's day, just before Christmas. He looked out through the windows and saw the whole area covered in snow, with big snowflakes falling all around. It was indeed a lovely sight. Then Percy suddenly heard the shed doors open. He looked...and what did his eyes befall? None other than his Queen of Shunting herself, Gina. She was back with him again on Sodor, huffing slowly and happily in to see her Perfect Percy. She was still wearing her red lipstick which she gave her kiss with to Percy in her card. And now, Percy could see it for himself, and oh, how beautiful she looked! Her pointy, curvy lips always looked beautiful to Percy, but seeing them now, covered in moist, glossy red lipstick was something else entirely. Percy could not believe his eyes and he felt his heart pounding harder and harder as Gina smiled and touched her buffers right to his.

"Oh...oh, Gina...hello, my Italian Queen..." Percy whispered. "Wow...you...you're so, so beautiful, Gina...Bellissima...yes..."

"Oh, Percy..." Gina said very softly. "Ciao, my Perfect Percy...I've missed you so much."

Percy watched as Gina's red lips moved to every word she spoke, and that somehow made him love her Italian voice even more.

"I...I've missed you even more, Gina...but here you are again...here...with me. Oh, Gina...I love you..."

"Si...Si, Percy. I love you too," Gina whispered. "Our Christmas Greetings have led up to this very moment...just for you and me, my love."

"Oh, Gina...I loved your card so much...I'll never forget it and I'll always hold onto it. Will you always hold onto mine?"

"Oh, Percy. Of course I will," Gina smiled.

Then her eyes trailed upwards and she suddenly gasped softly. Percy looked up too and saw just what was above them, curling so beautifully and perfectly in the right spot to be.

"Percy...it's mistletoe," Gina whispered. "May...may I kiss you...with my Bellissima red lips, my love? Please?"

Percy suddenly felt his eyes shimmer with such tears of love. "Oh, Gina! I...I...oh, Gina! Yes! Yes!"

"Grazie...grazie, my Perfect Percy..." Gina whispered as she began to buffer up. "I...I w...I want you, Percy..."

"Shh...I want you too, Gina," Percy whispered softly. "I love you. Kiss me...please, Gina? Kiss me with your beautiful, red lips..."

"Always, Percy...always," Gina whispered. "I love you. Merry Christmas..."

And Gina puckered her red lips to Percy, who felt his heart jump and jiggle so much, he thought it would burst. His lips came closer and closer to Gina's...until finally, they came together. Percy's boiler fizzed and nearly burst as he felt Gina's soft, warm lips. He also felt the slightly moist and glossy sensation of her lipstick rubbing softly with his lips, which made him groan and lean in strongly into Gina's warm hold. Then he started softly exploring her red lips with his, tasting the glossy and slightly sweet sense of her lipstick. It was such an amazing dream, and he never wanted to wake up from it. He could almost feel Gina's lipstick painting lightly onto his lips and planting a lovely, red kiss mark right on his lips.

"Ohh...Gina..." Percy groaned softly and powerfully. "Your lips...I've never kissed them with...such beautiful lipstick..."

"Ooh...do you like that, Percy?" Gina whispered. "Do you love my luscious, red lips? Hmm?"

Percy couldn't give a clear answer. All that came was a sheer giggle and a squeal of joy as Gina giggled in turn, then continued. She closed her eyes, puckered her lips and pressed them softly to Percy's cheek. Percy leaned in and gasped very sharply as he felt and heard her lips smooching very quietly, listening to the lovely sucking sounds her lips made, and when she let go, Gina's eyes filled with tears of love too. There she saw a perfectly conspicuous, beautiful red kiss mark right there on Percy's face.

"Ohh, Percy...your kiss mark is so beautiful...I love you, Percy. I love you," Gina whimpered with joy. "Please...let me kiss you all over...let me cover you in my kiss marks. Please?"

"Please, Gina! Kiss me. Kiss-kiss me! Never, ever stop!" Percy whimpered with joy himself.

Gina immediately obliged and pressed her lips right to his face, kissing up, down and everywhere she could. Just as Percy told her to, she didn't stop. She continuously kissed him everywhere she could reach with her lovely red lipstick. She softly left more and more red kiss marks along his face, and making Percy feel closer and closer to crying with all the joy and love that was glowing away in his heart.

"Shh..." Gina whispered as she pressed her face to Percy's, cuddling him softly and bringing her lips to his lips again.

"Oh, Gina...I love you more than anything in the world," Percy whimpered. "I love you!"

And Percy began kissing Gina's cheeks too, making her coo and whimper even more as Percy's red-painted lips left little red kiss marks on her face too, and so this went on between the two engines of finest greenery, kissing away and melting more and more into each other's golden bond together...

And in Tidmouth Sheds, Percy continued to sleep on through the night, not waking up from his dream anytime soon. He slept on and on into the night, dreaming endlessly about his beloved Gina, her beautiful red lips, and kissing her on and on under the mistletoe. It was such a wonderful dream that had a chance of coming true someday, whenever that day may come. And once Christmas came closer, Thomas, Emily and Percy would be sharing another time together, not just about romantic love, family love and the love of Christmas...but of the stars as well.

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Merry Christmas, everyone. We do still have two more Christmas stories in store, but unfortunately they won't be out until after Christmas. Hnorris1, I appreciate you giving me a story idea about your OC...but I'm sorry to say that I'm not really interested in doing it, so I have to decline it. This story is yet another magazine story adaptation, this being the "Christmas Greetings" magazine story, and one that I thought was too good of an idea not to adapt it. The next story will be an adaptation of "Thomas and the North Star", one of the stories that you can listen to on the Calm app. As usual, tell us what you thought of this story, stay safe, and I hope you enjoy Christmas as much as you can.