"About ten years ago The Factor began spotlighting companies that refused to say the words 'Merry Christmas.' Some of those businesses actually ordered their employees not to say that. Well, that culture war ignited and we won! 'Merry Christmas' became a common greeting again. This year the American Family Association, based in Tupelo, Mississippi, has issued its annual 'Naughty or Nice' list which tells the public which businesses are Christmas-friendly and which are not. The following companies are rated five-star nice: Cracker Barrel, Hobby Lobby, Kirkland's, Lowe's, Michael's Stores and Walmart. Also on the Christmas friendly list: ACE Hardware, Banana Republic, Bass Pro Shops, Bed Bath and Beyond, Books-a-Million, Dick's Sporting Goods, Home Depot, J.C. Penney, K-Mart, L.L. Bean, Marshall's, Neiman Marcus, ProFlowers, RITE Aid, Sam's Club and Toys R Us. All of those companies use the word Christmas in their advertising and promotion. Now for the naughty companies that kind of marginalize Christmas: Barnes and Noble, Best Buy, Foot Locker, The Gap, The Limited, Nordstrom, Office Depot, Office Max, Petsmart, Staples and Victoria's Secret. According to the AFA, those companies are not in the Christmas spirit. Now, does the Christmas deal really matter? Since the war has basically been won, this is a clean-up operation, but the information is valid. Many Americans celebrate Christmas because they believe that Jesus is the savior and his birth should be honored. And because it is a federal holiday there is no reason to diminish Christmas or insult those who believe in it. If you don't like Christmas, ignore it. So companies and stores that embrace Christmas obviously will attract folks who feel the same way. As for Talking Points, we're just happy that most Americans see Christmas as a positive experience. And we're happy we could contribute."

The Factor discussed the 'Naughty or Nice' list with retail experts Hitha Herzog and Justin Wallin. "I don't know why Lowe's is on that 'nice' list," Herzog opined. "I was just in a Lowe's and it was such a mess to get a Christmas tree and no one greeted me with a 'Merry Christmas.' The research done by the American Family Association is mostly done around Tupelo, Mississippi, so they may not even get to all of the stores on this list." Wallin dismissed the importance of the rankings. "While there are some folks who will shop with their perspectives, lists like these do not have a dramatic impact on store sales. But I am an unashamed fan of Christmas." The Factor maintained, "If I see a store that won't say 'Merry Christmas,' I'm out of there, and I don't think I'm alone."

Tuesday was a rather bizarre day at Trump Tower, with guest appearances by rapper Kanye West, retired football stars Ray Lewis and Jim Brown, and Microsoft founder Bill Gates. Lisa Boothe and Juan Williams opined on the unusual parade of celebrities going to speak with President-elect Trump. "Donald Trump has a little genius in him," Williams said, "with an ability to put his finger on things. Kanye West will drive a popular culture conversation, and while Bill Gates, Ray Lewis, and Jim Brown are not politicians, they like access to power." Boothe agreed that the president-elect is a master of spin and public relations. "This is smart and good politics, it's a diversion from some of the negative headlines. The Democrats have been hobnobbing with celebrities for years." The Factor summarized, "My theory is that all the establishment lefties know where the power will be over the next four years and they are cozying up to it."

The Factor then went live to West Allis, Wisconsin, where Donald Trump was beginning another of his raucous 'thank you' rallies. The president-elect had some fun talking about the just-completed, very expensive recount in Wisconsin, which actually added a few votes to his winning tally. "I will never forget you," Trump told the enthusiastic crowd, "and I will never, ever stop fighting for you." President-elect Trump renewed his promises to build a wall, support the military, defend the American flag, simplify the tax code, cut regulations, unleash the American energy industry, and create new jobs. He also sang the praises of Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson, who will serve as secretary of state if approved by the Senate. "America's foreign policy," President-elect Trump declared, "has lacked a clear vision, a clear goal, and a clear understanding of the threats, which are immense." Donald Trump concluded the rally with his vow to "make America great again."