Hearth’s Warming was just over a week away. Despite how much I despise the cold, the Christmas season was still easily my favorite. With this being my first winter season in Equestria, I wanted my gifts to be special to show how much I appreciated the ones who had taken me in.

Some were easy: A stylized drawing of her pony self using the art talents I’d been learning with Fluttershy for Rainbow. A replacement set of tools for ones I’d noticed were in disrepair around the Apple Farm for Applejack. A self-drawn replication of The Amazing Spiderman #1 with Spike inserted as Peter Parker.

Others were not so easy, if only for figuring out the practicality. Like how I was going to lure an unsuspecting Luna into a traditional Yule dance.

And then there were the ones that seemed downright impossible, like finding a meaningful gift for Pinkie or something to properly convey how much I appreciated Fluttershy.

I knew, of course, that anything I gave my friends would be well received. But, as always, the rot in my head made it seem like the lack of expectations was a pressure all on its own. So it was I was musing over these poison thoughts while nursing a cup of hot chocolate.

“Something bothering you, Ranma?” Starlight asked when she came across me.

“Just mulling over my own inadequacies,” I sighed.

“That sounds depressingly familiar,” Starlight remarked as she pulled up a chair.

“I just…I know that a gift that comes from the heart is the important thing. But something in me keeps insisting it has to be something that amazes them,” I lamented.

“You could always get them all gift cards,” Starlight deadpanned and I gave her a look.

“Just who do you take me for?” I grumbled.

“Someone who’s stressing out way too much over something really dumb. Not that I have much room to talk,” Starlight said bluntly.

“Yes, thank you, I realized that much on my own,” I snarked.

“So instead of worrying about physical gifts, give them something irreplaceable: your time,” Starlight said and I was momentarily shocked. This shock must have been plain on my face because Starlight pouted at me, “I can have my moments.”

“Starlight, you’re a genius,” I said simply and hugged her.

“Yeah, well, as someone who sulked around for the better part of 20 years because I didn’t get to spend time with someone important to me, let’s just say I have some perspective on the matter,” Starlight muttered, somewhat embarrassed.

“You’ve saved me a week of losing my mind over this. I owe you Starlight,” I told her earnestly.

“I didn’t do anything special…” Starlight demurred.

“Well, regardless, I’m thankful. I have some things to pick up now that I’m not stewing in my own misery. See you later Starlight!” I guzzled down the rest of my hot chocolate and made my way out, just barely catching Starlight saying ‘you’re welcome’.

The Christmas party will be 20% cooler and the fun shall be doubled.