Moral: true friendship is the greatest gift of all/those who realize the true meaning of Christmas are the wisest

Short Synopsis: Thomas gets stuck in the snow trying to deliver a Christmas tree for the town hall, so Toby helps him and tells him the story of the Sodor Magi. Inspired by Toby's story, Thomas thinks of different ways to return the favor for his friend, but ends up realizing that the greatest gifts are the ones that that keep on giving.

(An instrumental rendition of O Christmas Tree begins in E major. Scene starts with a Christmas tree zoomed out in the town square with Duck and Stanley passing by with passenger trains and whistling at each other)

It was Christmas time on the Island of Sodor. All of the engines were busy and there were passengers at each and every station.

(Percy and Oliver pass by each other on the line and whistle while children have built a snowman nearby.

The engines loved keeping themselves busy around this time of year. And it wouldn't be long before the village square would open for the holiday season.

(Scene cuts to morning at Tidmouth Sheds)

One morning, Sir Topham Hatt came to Tidmouth Sheds. He had an announcement to make about the day's festivities.

Topham: I am very pleased to announce that the village square is going to be open tonight for the holiday season.

(The engines whistle and cheer)

Topham: There is a lot to do. I am going to assign an engine to pick the Christmas tree from Brendam Docks and bring it to the square.

All of the engines were very excited. They all wanted to take the special. Sir Topham Hatt soon made up his mind.

Topham: Thomas, you will pick up the Christmas tree from Brendam Docks.

Thomas: Yes, sir. (whistles happily)

Topham: But you won't do it alone. A heavy snowfall is due so I have asked Toby to be your back engine along the way.

But Thomas was busy daydreaming about the village square and didn't pay attention to what Sir Topham Hatt was saying.

Topham: Thomas! (Thomas gasps and suddenly looks at him) Were you listening to anything I said?

Thomas: Oh, yes, sir. Don't worry, sir. Snow's not a bother for me anymore. (whistles and chuffs away)

Topham: Good. You and Toby will manage splendidly.

But Thomas didn't hear Sir Topham Hatt about that either. He had no idea that Toby was meant to be his back engine.

(Scene cuts to the fitters yard)

At the fitter's yard, the workmen were getting Thomas' snowplow fixed on. By the time they were done, Toby arrived to have his snowplow fitted.

Toby: (ringing his bell as he chuffs beside Thomas) Good morning, Thomas.

Thomas: Good morning, Toby.

Toby: Are you ready to take…?

Thomas: Oh, sorry, Toby. Can't talk right now. I have a special delivery to make. (whistles as he chuffs away) See you later, Toby.

Toby: Wait, Thomas. Thomas!

(Sir Topham Hatt sighs as he walks over)

Topham: I'm sorry, Toby. I don't think Thomas knows about you being his back engine.

Toby: (sighs) No, sir. He doesn't.

Topham: He didn't pay attention to me this morning when I tried to tell him.

Toby: Oh, sir. A heavy snowfall is due. Surely Thomas can't take that tree all by himself. Even with a snowplow.

Topham: You're right, Toby. You better catch up with him before he causes even more trouble. That is…(clearing his throat)…after you finish getting your snowplow fitted.

(Toby looks concerned. Scene cuts to Brendam Docks with Cranky lowering the tree on Thomas flatbed. Thomas backs up to the flatbed)

When Thomas arrived at Brendam Docks and saw the Christmas tree, he never could have felt happier.

Thomas: (looking up and gasping) It looks beautiful, Cranky.

Cranky: (after finishing lowering the tree) It does. But are you sure Sir Topham Hatt asked you to take this thing yourself, Thomas?

Thomas: Yes, Cranky. He told me this morning.

(Salty rolls up and honks his horn)

Salty: Ahoy there, me hearty. Heavy snow be on the way. Are you sure you won't want a wheel with that, matey?

Thomas: No, thank you, Salty. I can manage snow. But thanks anyway.

(The shunter couples Thomas up to the flatbed. Thomas whistles and is ready to go)

Thomas: I have to go to the village square now. Goodbye, Salty. (chuffs away)

Salty: (calling after him) Goodbye, Thomas. And remember: be careful.

(Toby rolls up and rings his bell)

Toby: Wait, Thomas! Wait!

But it was too late. Thomas had already gone.

(Toby sighs. Cranky looks sharply at him)

Cranky: Toby, why were you calling after Thomas?

Toby: (sighing) Oh, Cranky. Thomas and I were supposed to deliver that tree together to the village square.

Cranky: I knew it. I knew Thomas couldn't handle the delivery by himself.

Toby: Thomas didn't pay attention to Sir Topham Hatt's warning about snow or the fact that he and I were meant to share the load. I'm a little concerned about him, Cranky.

Salty: Argh, matey. You better catch up with Thomas before he gets himself into deep, deep trouble.

Toby: I will, Salty. And quickly too. (rings his bell as he chuffs away) Goodbye, Salty.

Meanwhile, Thomas was chuffing on happily down the line pulling the Christmas tree to the village square.

Thomas: (to himself) Ice and snow don't bother me. Not as long as these rails hold and not as long as I have my snowplow.

Thomas thought he was being very clever when grey clouds suddenly loomed overhead. His driver looked out.

Driver: A heavy fall's about to hit, Thomas. Hopefully it doesn't hold us back.

Thomas: Snow is silly soft stuff, sir. As long as I have my snowplow fitted, it won't bother me.

But it took a while before Thomas realized his mistake. Snow started to fall and the more of it that Thomas drifted, the more of it came down on the tracks.

Driver: I feel we should have bought a back engine, Thomas. Did Sir Topham Hatt tell you anything while the fireman and I were getting your fire started?

Thomas: Mm…not much, sir. Just that we have to pick up the tree from the docks and…(pushing through the snow and grunting)…bring it to the town square.

By now, Thomas had realized his mistake. No matter how hard he plowed, snow kept drifting in between him until the tracks were covered. Even his snowplow couldn't help it all through. Thomas was well and truly stuck.

Thomas: (sighing) Oh, dear. Not even my wheels spinning nor my snowplow can help. I shall have to stay here until I'm frozen.

Thomas paused for a moment and then thought about it.

Thomas: I wonder why Sir Topham Hatt said nothing about a back engine. I surely can't deliver the tree in this weather alone.

Then he thought even harder.

Thomas: I wonder if Sir Topham Hatt suggested that I take an engine with me if the load's too heavy. (thinking harder) I wonder if he wanted…(Toby's bell rings)…an engine to help me! (gasps) Toby!

Toby: (a bit sad) Hello, Thomas.

Thomas: Boy, are we glad to see you.

Toby: I know you are, Thomas. And there's nothing more I like doing then helping out a friend in need. And, you, Thomas, are my friend. But why did you take off on me like that?

Thomas was confused.

Thomas: What are you talking about, Toby?

Toby: Didn't you listen to what Sir Topham Hatt told you this morning, Thomas?

Thomas: I…think I did.

Toby: If you thought he did, you would have waited for me. He delivered the same message to me this morning, Thomas. Sir Topham Hatt wanted us to deliver this tree together.

Thomas: (gasps) Together?

Toby: Yes, Thomas. Together. This weather's far too much for one engine to manage such a load.

Thomas: (sighing) You're right, Toby. I must've been too busy daydreaming while Sir Topham Hatt was talking to me and that's why I got myself into this mess. If I paid more attention, I would've been glad to share the load with you, Toby.

Toby: Well then, Thomas, maybe we can finish delivering this tree together.

Thomas was pleased to share the load with his friend. Before long, Toby cleared Thomas' tracks behind him and gave him a little push to start his wheels up again. Then the two friends chuffed happily together to the village square.

(Scene cuts to the town square with the villagers waiting for their tree)

At the square, the villagers cheered for Thomas and Toby when they saw their beautiful tree.

Thomas: We did it, Toby.

Toby: We sure did, Thomas.

Thomas: I'm glad to have worked with you, Toby.

Toby: Same here, Thomas. But I think Sir Topham Hatt is here. You better have a pretty good excuse for taking that tree yourself.

Topham: (clearing his throat) Indeed, Toby. (walking out of the crowd and looking sternly at Thomas)

(Thomas gulps and looks worriedly back at him)

Topham: Thomas, whatever were you doing taking that load all by yourself?

Thomas: I'm sorry, sir. I didn't listen very carefully to you this morning and that's why…

Topham: (sighing) I know that you didn't realize that Toby was going to help you, Thomas, but going out in that weather alone, snowplow or not, was very irresponsible.

Thomas: I'm sorry, sir. It won't happen again.

Topham: Indeed, Thomas. And consider yourself lucky that it won't continue for the rest of the day.

Thomas: That's good news, sir.

Topham: I was going to assign a few more of your jobs to other engines to give you time to think things over but since everyone else is occupied with preparations for the opening of the square and you are left with nothing, I guess I can assign them back to you.

Thomas: Yes, sir. I appreciate it very much and I promise to work more carefully.

Topham: (clears his throat) Good, good. Anyway, first, I want you to pick up the choir from the school and bring them here. This way, they can rehearse. After that, I want you to pick all of the children from each station and bring them here in time for the opening.

Thomas: (sighing) I will, sir. Thank you, sir.

Topham: Don't thank me yet, Thomas. Anyway, Toby and I have a busy afternoon. Lady Hatt and the children and I are going to pick Dowager Hatt from the airport and bring her to the opening inside Henrietta. That is…(clearing his throat)…after Toby picks up the workmen from the quarry and brings them home. I better get home myself by car. I'll be off now. (walks away)

Thomas: (gasps) Wow, first I get to pick up the choir and bring them here. Then I get to bring the children. Isn't that great, Toby?

Toby: Yes, Thomas. It is.

(Thomas and Toby chuff away from the square. Next scene cuts to Knapford Yard)

Thomas and Toby returned to Knapford Yard to collect Annie, Clarabel and Henrietta.

Thomas: Thanks again for helping me, Toby.

Toby: No problem, Thomas, old friend. That is what Christmas is all about: helping out your friends. (short pause) Say, Thomas, I don't believe I ever told you the tale of the Sodor Magi.

Thomas: Sodor Magi? No, Toby, you haven't. But Edward's told me stories about them at Tidmouth Sheds. Aren't they like…wise engines or something?

Toby: Indeed, Thomas. So you do know a bit about the Magi, don't you?

Thomas: Mm, a little. Please, Toby. Please tell me more before I go off and fetch Annie and Clarabel.

Toby: (sighs) Well, I guess I do have a bit of time before I go off to fetch Henrietta. Alright, Thomas, I'll tell you the story of the Sodor Magi.

Thomas: Thank you, Toby.

Toby: Oh, don't mention it. Anyway, the Sodor Magi are also known as the Three Wise Engines and they belonged to different working classes.

Thomas: Pardon me, Toby. But what does the word "Magi" really mean?

Toby: It's a root word, Thomas, for "magician."

Thomas: Magician? You mean that the three engines were magic?

Toby: (chuckling) No, no, Thomas. Not in any way did they even use magic. (jokingly) You make them sound like they can grant wishes and perform tricks.

Thomas and Toby laugh.

Toby: Anyway, the Magi were not any of those things, Thomas. They actually learnt all the wisdom from the ancient East parts of Sodor, just like I learned my wisdom through experience.

(Thomas rolls his eyes and chuckles)

Toby: The Three Wise Engines were philosophers, Thomas, and the counselor engines of the rulers of Sodor. They were upright engines of integrity.

Thomas: (confused) Integrity? What's that?

Toby: Integrity, Thomas, meant that The Three Wise Engines were honest and they also had strong moral principles.

Thomas: (gasps) I can be both of those things. (Toby looks weirdly at him. Thomas sighs) Or at least I say. Anyway, great story, Toby. I need to pick up the choir now.

Toby: The Hatt family will be waiting for me too. I have to go pick up Henrietta and bring the workmen home from the quarry. (ringing his bell as he chuffs away) Goodbye, Thomas.

(Thomas watches after him then goes to collect Annie and Clarabel)

While buffering up to Annie and Clarabel, Thomas thought hard about the story Toby had told him. He wished that he could return the favor to Toby but he didn't know how.

Thomas: (sighs as he buffers up to Annie and Clarabel) I wonder how I could find a way to thank Toby for helping me through the snow. I do, after all, feel bad for just forgetting about him for an important delivery.

Annie: (as the shunter couples Thomas up) Don't worry, Thomas.

Clarabel: (as Thomas chuffs away) Toby is a very kind engine who asks for nothing in return.

Thomas: I know that. I just wish I could give Toby a present for helping me that he will never forget.

(Annie and Clarabel laugh. Soon Thomas reaches the school)

As Thomas reached the school, he waited by the platform while the children went over their last school rehearsal.

(The children sing Deck The Halls in E Major as Thomas waits)

Thomas stood there watching the children. He kept thinking and thinking about how much he enjoyed doing this job when…an idea came into his funnel.

Thomas: How about if Toby and I switched duties for a bit?

Annie

And What?

Clarabel:

Thomas: (as the choir boards Annie) What if I gave you two to Toby and he could deliver the choir to the village square while I pick up the workmen in Henrietta?

(The doors slam and Thomas takes off, whistling)

Annie: (chuckling) Oh, Thomas.

Clarabel: Toby's a kind engine but our journey is not the same without you, Thomas.

Thomas: My mind is made up, Annie and Clarabel. I'm heading to the quarry right now and I'm giving Toby the job I like best.

Annie

And (sigh) If you say so, Thomas.

Clarabel:

(Scene cuts to Anopha Quarry with Mavis shunting trucks. Toby arrives to pick up the workmen)

At the quarry, Mavis was busy shunting trucks. Toby had already arrived with Henrietta and the workmen began to board the train.

Toby: Christmas is a lovely time of year, isn't it, Mavis?

Mavis: Yes, Toby. Aren't you excited about the opening of the village square tonight?

Toby: Yes, Mavis. As a matter of fact, I'm taking the Hatt family to the opening.

Mavis: Are you now?

Toby: Yes, right after I drop off these workmen.

Henrietta: You'll be lucky, Toby.

(Thomas arrives and blows his whistle)

Thomas: Merry Christmas, Toby! Here is a present for you.

Toby: (confused) Present? Not being rude, Thomas but I don't believe that I see a present.

Henrietta: I would have noticed if you had.

Thomas: No, Toby. I thought it over with Annie and Clarabel and realized how much I enjoyed taking the choir to the village square so I decided to give the special to you.

Toby: To me?

Thomas: Yes, Toby. That way you can have the pleasure of taking the choir to the town hall and I'll take the workmen home in Henrietta.

Toby: (chuckling) Oh, Thomas. You are very kind. But you don't need to give this special to me. Henrietta and I love taking the workmen home every day. Just like you enjoy taking the choir. Not being rude, Thomas. Just saying. (rings his bell) See you at the opening, Thomas. (chuffs away, Henrietta smiling sympathetically at Thomas after him)

(Thomas sighs sadly)

Mavis: Don't worry, Thomas. At least you get to do your favorite job now.

Thomas: (cheering up a bit) You're right, Mavis. And I also know that I should drop the choir off at the village square and pick up the children all in good time. Goodbye, Mavis. (whistles and chuffs away)

Thomas was very disappointed that he wasn't able to give Toby the present he wanted to give him. But as he arrived at Knapford Station, he felt better from seeing the children's happy faces.

(Children laugh and chatter as they board Annie and Clarabel)

That gave Thomas an idea.

Thomas: Now, I know what to do for Toby

Annie

And What now, Thomas?

Clarabel:

Thomas: It'll be temporary. I'll give Toby to you so he can deliver the happy children. That way I can make it up to Sir Topham Hatt as well by picking up his mother from the airport. (chuffs away) Toby's sure going to like this idea.

Annie: We hope so, Thomas.

Clarabel: In means of your wish, that is.

(Scene cuts to Knapford Station with Toby and Henrietta dropping off the workmen)

Toby was dropping off the workmen for their tea when Thomas arrived.

Thomas: (whistling) Hello, Toby. I want to make this temporary. I enjoy taking carriages of happy children as much as the choir but how about if I gave my dear coaches to you while I took Henrietta to pick up the Hatt family and make it up to Sir Topham for nearly causing a delay…?

Toby: (chuckles) You don't have to give up your favorite job for me, Thomas. Children make me smile too but Henrietta and me are a team and we do everything together. Pull every train together rain or shine.

Thomas: (gloomily) I see.

Toby: Just like you do with Annie and Clarabel. Anyway, you don't have to make amends with Sir Topham Hatt just by taking his family to the opening. He trusts you very much, Thomas, and you're still his #1 engine and always will be.

Thomas: I understand, Toby. And thanks for the advice, even if it's no help for you.

Toby: (ringing his bell) Any time, Thomas, old friend. I need to pick up the Hatt family now. (chuffing away) See you at the village square, Thomas.

Henrietta: Goodbye, Thomas. And sorry your plan to make it up to Toby didn't work.

(Thomas sighs as he pulls the happy children inside Annie and Clarabel out of the station)

Thomas still felt bad that he couldn't return the favor to Toby. He felt that there was no other way that he could show Toby how thankful he was for helping him and how sorry he was for neglecting him with a special delivery.

(Scene cuts to Toby with Henrietta at Sir Topham Hatt's local station and then the airport)

Toby and Henrietta picked up the Hatts from their local station nearby. Then they chuffed to the airport and waited as Dowager Hatt boarded the train. Then they took off for the party. But along the way, Toby began to feel a little empty.

Toby: I don't feel right.

Henrietta: What are you talking about, Toby?

Toby: I have plenty of coal but I feel that my water tanks are running dry.

Henrietta: What? When was the last time you filled up with water, Toby?

Toby: I…don't remember. (thinking) Oh, no. I forgot to take on water today. Oh, dear. Oh, my.

With that, Toby came to a complete stop right in the middle of the line.

Toby: Oh, no. (groans)

Driver: Looks like I didn't pay attention to your water tanks today, Toby. This is my fault. I'm really sorry, old boy.

Toby's driver called the village station. When Thomas dropped the children off at the station, the stationmaster came to see him.

Stationmaster: Toby has run of water and is stranded on the line, Thomas. I need you to go back and help him.

Thomas: Yes, sir. (whistles and chuffs away)

This time, Thomas wasn't worried about repaying the favor to Toby. Right now, all that mattered was that he got him and the Hatt family to the opening on time. Soon Thomas found Toby and Henrietta, looking rather disappointed.

Thomas: (whistles) Hello, Toby and Henrietta. I'm here to help you.

Topham: (walking away from Toby and towards Thomas) I just had a word with Toby's crew about getting him to the nearest water tower. We're very glad to see you, Thomas.

Thomas: Thank you, sir.

Then Thomas rolled up to Toby.

Thomas: Toby, I'm sorry. I still didn't find you a present to make up for earlier. I feel really bad for it. (sighs sadly)

Toby laughed.

Toby: Oh, Thomas. Haven't you thought in any way what the meanings were of your gifts?

Thomas thought for a moment.

Thomas: No, Toby. I found you nothing in return for helping me out of the snow.

Toby: It doesn't matter whether or not I get something in return for doing a kind deed. What matters, Thomas, is that you made the unselfish act of trying to give up your favorite jobs to me. And that is what I like to think of as the upright act of integrity. You, Thomas, have tried to present to me with…the Gift of the Magi. That's all that matters.

Thomas: So I did attempt to give you a gift in return.

Toby: That's right, Thomas, a gift from the heart. A gift like that is hard to find these days unless you really work at it. (jokingly) And I guess the best gift you can give to me right now, Thomas, is helping me to the next water tower, eh?

(Thomas and Toby laugh)

So Toby's crew removed his snowplow and placed inside his cab while Thomas coupled up to Toby. Then they set off. They made it to the nearest water tower and Toby's tanks were filled up. Then Toby's plow was fitted back on and the two friends made their way through the snow…all the way to the village square…just in time for the opening.

(The Christmas tree is all set up with bright lights all around and a sparkling gold star on the top)

Thomas: We made it! And the Christmas tree looks beautiful.

Toby: It sure does. Thanks for rescuing me, Thomas.

Topham: Yes, indeed. That was a very useful act of you to do, Thomas. You helped Toby out in a spot of bother.

Dowager: Indeed. Splendid, Thomas. Now, Bertram…(clears her throat)…the opening.

Topham: (putting his hand on the Dowager's arm and sighing) I'll get to it soon, mother.

Soon it was time for Sir Topham Hatt to make his announcement. He walked out in his Santa Claus outfit.

Topham: Ladies and gentlemen! Engines and coaches! It is around this time every year that we have our annual village square open for the holidays but I could have never done it without all my faithful engines. I now declare this village square open! Merry Christmas to one and all!

(The engines blow their whistles. The choir starts singing Deck The Halls in E Major followed by an instrumental of the song)

Toby: You know, Thomas? I think we've presented each other with a gift of the Magi today: the gift of friendship.

Thomas: You're quite correct, Toby. And I would like to thank you again for telling me the story of the Three Wise Engines. I would never have learnt so much without it.

Toby: But, Thomas, you just learnt the fact about the true meaning of Christmas. And it's usually stated that those know this are the wisest.

Thomas: Merry Christmas, Toby!

Toby: Merry Christmas, Thomas!

(The village square zooms out and the song ends as the screen fades away in white smoke)