Christmas can sometimes be a time of crisis, especially when a family is grieving and trying to hold on to what matters most. Even the smallest thing can stir up unexpected big feelings. What begins as a simple moment of sorting through memories turns into a full-blown Christmas keepsake crisis. Listen to find out what happened.

Note: The original story can be found in Chicken Soup for the Soul: It's Christmas!

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The intro and outro tune was adapted from royalty-free music provided by ZakharValaha on Pixabay.

A missing gift. A desperate late-night post. A stranger who did the unthinkable. This true holiday story proves that sometimes the real magic isn't under the tree—it shows up when people choose kindness.

Read the original story by Caroline Fanning in the latest edition of Reader's Digest (December 2025/January 2026).

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The intro and outro tune was adapted from royalty-free music provided by ZakharValaha on Pixabay.

You know the type—every December, someone goes over the top and turns their yard into a glowing holiday carnival. Maplewood Lane had Earl, whose dazzling display lit up the block. But one neighbor proved that Christmas spirit doesn't need a thousand bulbs to shine. Sometimes the truest light is found on a porch, not a roof.

Today's pod features an original Christmas story. I hope you enjoy it!

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The intro and outro tune was adapted from royalty-free music provided by ZakharValaha on Pixabay.

From my brother's game nights to the idea of a global table, this episode uncovers how play builds connection, sparks laughter, and reminds us of our shared humanity. Join me as we imagine what the world could learn from the shuffle of cards and the roll of the dice.

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The intro and outro tune was adapted from royalty-free music provided by ZakharValaha on Pixabay.

It started with a simple text message sent to the wrong person. This small mistake led to years of shared stories, laughter and a bond no one saw coming. Today's podcast is a Thankgiving story that reminds us a family isn't always inherited—sometimes it's discovered.

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The intro and outro tune was adapted from royalty-free music provided by ZakharValaha on Pixabay.

This week's episode is about a recipe—though not the kind you'll find in Grandma's cookbook. It's a recipe that will promote something we all need: a seat at the same table once again.

Pull up a chair.

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The intro and outro tune was adapted from royalty-free music provided by ZakharValaha on Pixabay.

What if a simple wooden box on a front lawn could change someone's day—or even their week? In this episode, we explore a quiet movement taking root in neighborhoods across the country. It's small, it's personal, and it's feeding more than just hunger. Tune in for a story about unexpected generosity in unexpected places.

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The intro and outro tune was adapted from royalty-free music provided by ZakharValaha on Pixabay.

Join us for a trip to an antique shop in 1949 where the dust holds secrets and the relics whisper "what if." A man is suddenly faced with a strange photograph that shows the life he almost missed. This is a story about living in the present, the power of a single moment, and the reminder that the greatest treasures are the chances we choose to grab.

Want to contact me? Send an email to storywithamessage@outlook.com.

The intro and outro tune was adapted from royalty-free music provided by ZakharValaha on Pixabay.