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).

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.

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!

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.