The 1st Hearts Warming Eve of Ford Mustang

Ahh... Christmastime!  Well... the equivalent of Christmastime to say the least.  Which in this case is Hearth's-Warming-Eve-Time here in Equestria.

It's been several months since my mysterious arrival in Ponyville, and to my surprise, my luck has changed for the better.  Far more so than what I could have ever expected.  To sum it all up, I'm in a steady relationship with Rainbow Dash!  Yeah, who would think that as a fan of a cartoon show that the actual universe is coincidentally based off of, I would end up as her coltfriend!  Sure, I still don't have a Cutie Mark, but that doesn't bother me much anymore since I'm quite content with what talents I have, and Rainbow already accepted for who I am before we started a more serious relationship together.  So I'm definitely excited to spend my first Hearth's Warming Eve with her, especially when she will come back from one of her grand tours as a newly recruited Wonderbolt.

Of course, to make this holiday really special for Rainbow Dash this year, I'm going to need a great gift in mind.  But just like with her birthday beforehand, I have a bit of trouble on thinking the right kind of gift for her.  So, I decided to ask one of my friends for some ideas in my new hometown, Ponyville.  And who better to turn to regarding with this holiday season than the Element of Generosity herself, Rarity.

So here I am: doing some early holiday shopping with Rarity right in the heart of Manehattan.

"Ahh!  Another successful purchase from our extravagant shopping spree!" Rarity exclaims with a satisfied smile.  "Won't you agree, Ford?"

"You're gonna have to be more specific, Rarity." I respond with an amusing grin.  "Because I lost count after the nth item on our list."

Both of us exit from one of the big city's famed department stores with our numerous bags in tow.  Of course, as a striving gentleman, or in this case, "a gentlecolt", I insisted on carrying most of our stuff for us.  After all, Rarity is the one who is treating me to our weekend trip in Manehattan, including train tickets, meals, and hotel rooms.

"Well then, let's not dilly-dally any further now." Rarity suggests in ever-so high spirits as she trots away.  "We still got more gifts to pursue and with little time to spare!"

"Lead the way, Rarity."

As I follow behind her towards our next destination, I take a look around the city once more.  Like New York City back on Earth, there are a lot of similarities to be found in Manehattan.  Mostly it's from how jam-packed the wide streets and sidewalks are and the large, vibrant signs and billboards that are scattered across the tall buildings.  But when it's time for the holiday season, Manehattan is even livelier with its countless Hearth's Warming Eve decorations.  Plus, the addition of light snow gives it a nice, appropriate touch to this world's variation of Christmastime.

"By the way, how are you doing with all of those presents back there?" Rarity asks which snaps me out of my wonderment.  "They're not too much of burden for you, are they?"

"Not at all.  In fact, I could practically do this all day long." I boast mildly in similar fashion to our esteemed Wonderbolt friend.

While Rarity is wearing a very fabulous, thick, winter coat with her saddlebag over it and a stylish, wide-brimmed hat, I'm carrying much heavier bags that are strapped to my sides and are saddled to my back.  Though I certainly don't mind the load; mostly it's thanks to the results of my private training from my gargantuan, scaly friend, Hindel the All-Seeing Dragon.  Despite being a hermit, Hindel has been a good friend to me, who provided me these wonderful, breathing exercises that has strangely enough increased my own strength and endurance in the past few months.  Though why he would go to such great lengths for me with these sessions is a complete mystery to me.  I'll have to get him something this season as a sign of gratitude... right as soon as he is done with his napping from his hibernation period.  Don't want to wake up a grumpy dragon in the middle of winter, that's for sure!

"Well don't try to push yourself too much for my sake, darling!" The smiling seamstress reminds me sweetly.  "Though I truly appreciate all of the help you are providing this weekend."