It was almost Christmas and the Fat Controller's Annuel Christmas Party was approaching. Decorations were hung, lights were glowing brightly, carolers were singing and everyone was happy.

Very early one morning when the Firelighter came to Tidmouth Sheds, all the engines were still fast asleep. Percy was dreaming about the joys of Christmas. He and Thomas were busy carrying passengers and Christmas mail.

"I love this time of year. Don't you, Percy?"

"Yes, it's my favorite time of year. Everyone is so happy with their families and friends around. Wouldn't you agree, Thomas?" But when Percy looked, Thomas had disappeared, and Annie and Clarabel were slowing down in surprise. "Thomas?" Suddenly, everything became dull and grey. "Thomas, where are you?... Thomas?... Thomas?!... THOOOOMAAAAAAS?!"

"Percy, wake up!" called Toby. Percy jumped and his eyes popped open. "Were you having a bad dream, Percy?"

"Oh, Toby, it was awful," Percy wheeshed. "Everyone was enjoying the Christmas Season and Thomas was with me, but then...he disappeared."

"You know, Percy," said Nia, "what happens in dreams is sometimes caused by what's happening in the world around us. Are you missing Thomas?"

Percy sighed. "I suppose I am. We've celebrated Christmas together for years, but this year, he's not around."

"I'm sure Thomas is fine," said Emily. "You know he would be here if he could, but he's probably too far away."

When the Fat Controller arrived, Percy spoke first. "Sir, is there any news about Thomas?"

"When I last heard, he arrived in Australia. It's actually summer there, you know."

"Summer? So, they're not celebrating Christmas at all?"

"Of course they are, Percy, but when it's winter here, it's summer there. Instead of building snowmen, many people celebrate their Holidays at the beach." Percy was puzzled.

When the Fat Controller left, Percy looked at Toby. "Do you think Thomas is enjoying Christmas without us?"

"Everyone can enjoy Christmas, Percy," smiled Toby, "but I'm sure he would enjoy himself more if you were there with him."

"Don't think about him too much," said Emily. "Remember what happened when you couldn't stop thinking about Gator. Besides, Thomas' home is here with us, and he'll be back soon."

"But Thomas is seeing so many amazing places," Percy replied. "What if he decides to live somewhere else?"

"Rubbish," said James, "Thomas wouldn't do that. You're his best friend and his Branch Line is here; so are Annie and Clarabel."

"You know, Percy," said Nia thoughtfully, "when I miss my friends, I talk with my other friends about the fun times we have shared together."

"And you think that could help me too?" Percy asked.

"It's worth a try."

As the day went on, whenever Percy saw one of his friends, he talked with them about Thomas and all the good times they had shared together as the years passed. Nia was right. While Percy still missed his best friend, talking about Thomas made him feel a little better.

Everyone felt sorry for Percy and that afternoon, Toby was telling Daisy about him at Knapford Station.

"Poor Percy," said Daisy sadly. "It's such a shame when we can't be the ones we care about on the Holidays."

"But we're his friends too and we're still here," replied Toby.

"I wish there was something we could do the cheer him up."

"Maybe the Fat Controller would know what to do."

"Well, here he is," said a familiar voice. "Now, what is this about?" Toby and Daisy explained everything. The Fat Controller pondered. "I'll see what I can do…and I may have an idea."

The day of the Christmas Party, the Fat Controller came to the Sheds as usual. "Percy, I want you to take Annie and Clarabel today," he said.

Percy was confused. "But what about my stone trucks, Sir?"

"Nia will take care of them."

Percy was surprised, but not disappointed. While he usually delivered goods or the mail, he still enjoyed carrying passengers every now and then.

At every station, the passengers greeted him warmly and made him smile. As they traveled along, the children would begin singing from inside the coaches and Percy soon joined in along with Annie and Clarabel.

Later, the Fat Controller saw Percy again. "Percy, I have a special job for you," he said. "You are to go up the Branch Line and collect the guests for the Party." Percy smiled, but then, he remembered Thomas; usually, it was his job to bring the guests. Still, Percy didn't want to spoil anyone's fun and set off again with Annie and Clarabel.

The wind was frosty, but Percy's fire burned brightly as he puffed along. The guests were wrapped warm and carrying presents and Percy remembered how Thomas would usually be busy carrying people and parcels too.

When Percy reached the Mountain Village in Ulfstead, he remembered how he and Thomas once worked together with Terance, Toby and Harold to rescue the Villagers after a big snowstorm the day before Christmas.

Percy made good time, but when he arrived back at Knapford, everything was dark. He could hardly see anything, and he started feeling nervous. "Hullo?... Is anyone there?"

Suddenly, Harold the Helicopter flew up from behind the Station decorated with lights. "Surprise, Percy!" he called.

Then, all the lights in the Station came on and Percy was blinded. When he could see once more, all the engines and guests were smiling at him and so was the Fat Controller and his family. "Happy Christmas, Percy!" The Brass Band played, the engines whistled, and everyone cheered.

Percy just beamed as pulled into the Station. "What is all this about?" he asked.

"We heard how much you were missing Thomas," said Daisy, "and we wanted to do something special for you."

"We want you to know how much you mean to us too," added Stanley.

"You are a very special engine too," agreed Duck, "and we care about you a lot."

"Quite right," said the Fat Controller, "and now, I have special Christmas treat for you, Percy."

Two porters walled up pulling a baggage trolley. On it was a television set and when they turned it on, Percy could hardly believe it."

"Good evening, everyone. This is Mai Clemmons of the Australian News Network. Christmas is approaching, but the people of Kathrine have recently had a spot of bother when a massive cyclone struck the town.

"Luckily, a brave railway engine was there to help the townsfolk evacuate safely and it was none other than our very special visitor who is currently making a big journey around the entire world. The one and only Thomas the Tank Engine." Percy was speechless as he saw Thomas appear on the screen. "Thomas, were you frightened at all when you went to rescue the townsfolk?"

"I was scared," replied Thomas, "but my new friends convinced me to keep going and I puffed bravely to the rescue."

"I'm sure this was quite an amazing feat for a little engine like you," said the Reporter.

"Well, when all is said and done, I was just trying to be Really Useful. That's what my Controller, Sir Topham Hatt, calls me."

"And you have certainly proven yourself to be Really Useful to us. Is there anything you would like to say to everyone else in both Australia and around the world?"

"I'm happy that I have made so many new friends and seen some of my old friends too, and I hope that I can make more friends as I continue my journey. And with a very special day coming soon, I would like to wish my new friends, the ones I have yet to meet as well as my friends back home on the Island of Sodor, Happy Christmas to you all, especially you, Percy. I promise I will be home soon."

The Reporter smiled. "And a Happy Christmas to you too, Thomas, and the same to the rest of his friends and everyone else around the world. I'm Mai Clemmons of A.N.N. wishing you all a good night."

The porter switched off the television set and everyone looked to see Percy smiling gratefully. "Thank you, Sir, and thank you, everyone. This is one of the best surprises I have ever had. Thank you for showing me how much you all care for me and I want you to know that I feel just the same way about all of you."

After that, the party began, and everyone had a splendid time. Even Santa Claus arrived to wish everyone a Happy Christmas, especially Percy who thought it was one of the best Christmases ever.