Friend,

I want to wish you and your family a wonderful holiday. Mary and I hope that you get some time to relax, recharge, and reflect during this special time. We're certainly grateful to have our girls home celebrating today.

Each December, my family takes some time to reflect on the past year and identify our favorite books, movies, and moments. Mary and I are so proud of the thoughtful and accomplished young women that Emma and Linley have become.

From the entire Himes family, we are wishing you love, peace, and happiness this holiday season. Despite the challenges of 2025, I'm feeling optimistic about the year that lies ahead for our community. Though I've had a front row seat to this new Administration's harmful impact on Washington and Connecticut, I remain hopeful that partisan divisions will begin to break down, both in Congress and in casual conversation. I believe our core governmental, academic, and journalistic institutions will endure, and those that have thus far bent the knee may be inspired by those who decided to fight authoritarianism instead. Most importantly, I know that each of us will roll up our sleeves to support those who are most vulnerable in whatever way we can.

— Jim