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Dear John,
Christmas is nearly upon us and I hope you all have plans to spend time with family and friends.
While this is a time to be joyful, the festive season also offers a moment to reflect and give thanks.
My thoughts are especially with those who will be spending the next few weeks serving others.
I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who will be working or volunteering over Christmas and the New Year to support others.
For most of us, the festive period offers a chance to spend time with those closest to us. But many people sacrifice those cherished moments in order to do their duty for our communities and our country.
Our Armed Forces, both at home and overseas, deserve our deepest appreciation for their ongoing commitment to keeping us safe. Thank you to everyone serving over Christmas and all year round.
I also want to say a particular thank you to NHS and social care staff, firefighters, police officers and all emergency service workers. Their dedication is hugely appreciated at this time of year especially.
We should also remember to be grateful to the many people who work in vital sectors that help enrich our lives, such as the small business owners and workers in hospitality, retail and transport who put their own plans on hold in order to help us celebrate.
Finally, I want to offer a brief reminder that Christmas can be a challenging time for some. Loneliness, loss and financial problems can weigh heavily at this time of year. If you can, please consider reaching out to support a foodbank, volunteer with a local group, or even just check on a neighbour.
One of the best things about the Borders is our sense of community spirit and that is always evident at Christmas, when people give up their time for others and come together to make memories.
However you choose to spend the festive break, I wish you and your loved ones a peaceful Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
Let's all look forward to 2026 with positivity and hope for the future.
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