Wild Charity

It was early morning in the marketplace, and Wild Card had just opened shop. He put up a sign reading "EVERYTHING IS FREE!" This was his way of giving to everypony on this special day. After putting up his sign and laying out his various luxuries from candy, to toys, to accessories, he sat behind his stand nomming cookies and eggnog, waiting for ponies to rush over and grab what they could.

Perhaps he started a bit too early, because nopony had been showing up. Regardless, he still sat their, eager to give, with his jolly little belly protruding out from his winter vest. Which is basically a regular old red vest with some fluff inside of it to keep him warm.

Amina, on her trip to Ponyville, had not realized the significance of the day, and, therefore, she was completely bewildered when she saw all of the wreaths and pine trees everywhere. Snow was a completely new thing to the desert dweller, but even more foreign: Christmas?

"Excuse me?" she asked the stallion at the stand nearest her. "I am so sorry, but... what is going on today?"

Her eyes swept over his stand, reading the "Free" sign and cocking her head.

"Free?" she asked, completely bamboozled. "I've never heard of a shopkeeper giving anything away for free! What is zis?"

Wild Card noticed the tall and familiar pink mare and reached out to hug her. After that, he was a little confused when she asked why he would give away things for free. It did make sense in his cooky little head that a normal shopkeeper wouldn't give stuff away. So he got up, finished a cookie, and explained it to her.

"It's Hearths Warming Day, silly! I'm being a generous little colt and giving ponies stuff for free! Do you want something?" Wild smiled ever so cheerfully, as he loved it when ponies were happy, and took something he offered

The Saddle Arabian was even more confused. She, being the Arabian she was, had never heard of Hearth's Warming Day. Ever. There was no need to "warm a hearth" where she was from! What they usually needed around this time was a bucket of ice, actually.

"Hearth's Warming Day?" she asked, her eyes wide and curious. "What is 'zat?"

She scanned the wares for a moment before something clicked. Wait! She'd met this one before!

"Oh, my apologies!" she said, grinning. "I have not seen you in quite some time, my friend. What do you 'sink I would like, Wild Card? You may surprise me, if you please!"

Wild Card rummaged through his assortment of junk to find something Amina might like. If the gift comes from the heart, it shouldn't matter that much what is given. He picked up a holiday hat and placed it on Amina's head. It looked silly on her, the little red hat with the floppy while poof ball at the end.

"There ya go Amina! Oh, Hearth's Warming Day is... Uh... Hmm... I forgot the history. But I know it's a day of giving and receiving. Ponies are nice this time of year and give out special presents to each other."