In this serene Christmas Eve edition of The Gentle Ledger, markets moved higher in a shortened session defined by light volume and quiet confidence. U.S. indexes reached fresh record territory, led by steady gains in the S&P 500 and Dow, as investors gently stepped into the holiday. We explore notable corporate moments, including a major biotech acquisition, renewed strength in healthcare, and selective optimism across consumer and technology names. Across Asia and Europe, markets reflected the same seasonal calm, trading with restraint as global risk sentiment held steady. Gold remained elevated near historic highs, oil drifted modestly, Treasury yields eased slightly, and Bitcoin hovered near $89,000 — all reinforcing a market comfortable with pause rather than momentum as the year draws toward its close.