In this special holiday Far Middle installment, Nick begins by looking back on the Christmas Truce of 1914 during World War I.  The remarkable event saw widespread unofficial ceasefires along the Western Front with soldiers from opposing sides exchanging greetings and even playing soccer matches. The truce was a one-time occurrence, as increased animosity in subsequent years prevented similar events.  “But during Christmas in 1914, the human spirit displayed some of its best attributes in the form of soccer matches while in the midst of humans at their worst in the carnage of war,” says Nick. “So episode 188, our Christmas episode, is dedicated to those World War I truce soccer matches 110 years ago.”  The discussion then shifts to addressing listener questions. These include a question on the leftist movement both domestically and globally, and whether Nick sees the movement receding in impact and experiencing pushback from various demographics and republics. Nick’s short answer is yes indeed, and then references a recent article by Ruy Teixeira as he explores four main areas where the pushback is evident: open borders policies, not enforcing the rule of law, negative attitudes towards America and Americans, and climate change policies. Another listener question prompts a discussion on electric vehicle mandates. Nick cites examples from Volkswagen in Germany and Ford in the United States to illustrate the negative impacts of these mandates on automakers and consumers. Both companies have faced significant challenges, including potential factory closures, job cuts, and substantial financial losses in their electric vehicle divisions.  In closing, Nick answers a question on examples of inspirational Catholic Church leadership by recounting the life and work of Father Edward J. Flanagan.  Father Flanagan was not only the founder of Boys Town in Nebraska – helping homeless and destitute youth and creating an inclusive community during times of racial segregation – but he also helped with societal rebuilding efforts in Asia and Europe following World War II. Father Flanagan’s story was depicted in the 1938 movie “Boys Town,” starring Spencer Tracy as Flanagan who won the Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal.  “When you wrap up an episode during Christmas week about a priest who inspired and raised thousands of orphans during the Depression, who helped rebuild Asia and Europe after the devastation of a world war, who became a celebrity through radio and newspapers, and then who helped an iconic actor win an Academy Award, you know that you've hit Far Middle nirvana,” concludes Nick, wishing all a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah.