Merry Christmas Day!
When I looked back over the years of writing the Skousen CAFÉ, it looks like I’ve never published a column on Christmas Day. So this is a first.
When our children were growing up, my wife Jo Ann would often read stories to them before going to bed, such as The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis.
During the Christmas season, one of her favorite short stories was written by the Taylor Caldwell, the author of many historical novels such as Dear and Glorious Physician or I, Judas.
Taylor Caldwell’s most memorable Christmas story is entitled “My Christmas Miracle.” It appeared in Family Circle during 1961. It’s a autobiographical tale where, as a struggling young divorcée, she experiences profound divine intervention through seemingly small acts of kindness and unexpected gifts.
The story starts on a bleak spring day when Caldwell, jobless and with a young daughter, has no money to celebrate Christmas.
She finds a beautiful silk umbrella on a streetcar and takes the time to return it the owner. Then she returns to her apartment with her daughter who was happy just to decorate the tree, but without any presents…
I won’t spoil the end of the story, but you can read it here (it takes only five minutes): My Christmas Miracle — Christmas Stories.
‘God Works in Mysterious Ways, His Wonders to Perform’
The core message of her story is that God provides, even when life seems darkest, revealing the true spirit of Christmas through selfless giving and faith, as church bells ring and strangers sing carols.
May you have a most joyous Christmas and holiday season… and most prosperous New Year.
Good investing, AEIOU,
Mark Skousen
Upcoming Appearances
Celebrating Ben Franklin’s Birthday, Saturday, Jan. 17: Reason Foundation is hosting my talk and book signing of “The Greatest American” at its headquarters, 5737 Mesmer Ave. in Los Angeles, 2-5 pm PT. Refreshments will be served. This event is free but you need to register at
https://reason.org/event/ben-franklin-genius/. This will be a great occasion to begin celebrating the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. See you there!
Announcing THE WORLD’S FAIR OF LIBERTY!
O FreedomFest, July 8-11, 2026, Caesars Forum Convention Center: Next year’s FreedomFest will be most memorable as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of two historical events that changed the world. The publication of Adam Smith’s “The Wealth of Nations,” the declaration of economic independence on March 9; and Thomas Jefferson’s declaration of political independence on July 4.
Join Steve Forbes, John Mackey and Kennedy (Fox News), along with thousands of others, as well as all the major free-market think tanks and freedom organizations, in this incredible 3 ½ days at the 5-star Caesars Forum Convention. Enjoy the Anthem Film Festival, the Trade Show for Liberty, the Punch Up Comedy Show, and many other events.
The first 400 people to sign up pay only $400. After that, the price rises to $600 each. Don’t delay. To register and get more information, go to www.freedomfest.com, or call Hayley at 1-866-850-3733, ext. 201.
You Nailed It!
Christmas in the Park
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, singing ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’” — Luke 4:13-14
One of the pleasures of the holiday season is all the special events in parks and churches in December.
Our daughter Hayley is a professional ice skater who has performed for Disney on Ice, Sea World and Royal Caribbean cruise lines.
This time she performed before large audiences in a show called Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios at DisneyWorld in Orlando. See photo below.
Winter Park and Orlando offer several special events. Eola Park in Orlando offers an annual walk-around with colorful displays. No charge! We especially enjoy the annual “Christmas in the Park” on Park Avenue in Winter Park, where the Bach Choir and Symphony perform outdoors and play both religious and secular music, from “Oh, Holy Night” to “Frosty the Snowman.” They follow up with a Sunday matinee in Knowles Chapel at Rollins College (see photo).
I’m glad to see the story of Christ’s birth is still part of the spirit of Christmas.
