John,

I wanted to take a moment to reach out and wish you a healthy and happy holiday season.

As this year draws to a close, I remain thankful for your incredible grassroots support, and I remain optimistic about our shared future. Together, we’re building a powerful movement to revitalize the economy in Upstate New York and restore opportunity for working class communities like the one I grew up in.

Our politics today are too divisive and dysfunctional, bringing out the worst in too many. But I’ve already experienced so many moments on the campaign trail that have reminded me that we’re better than that–little moments of joy and laughter showing that we’re all in this together. Here’s one:

I went to the annual Christmas tree lighting in Homer. It’s a wonderful event where folks can sponsor bulbs to honor loved ones. The “tree” is made of strings of lights tied to a huge pole. It’s beautiful.

After the tree was lit, the Grinch rolled through in a big truck, looking to steal Christmas, of course. The local police apprehended him in the act, and they took him to the gazebo for sentencing.

The police asked the many kids in attendance what they should do with the Grinch. And the kids, instead of saying “throw him in jail,” yelled out together:

“TICKLE HIM!” And the police did.

And John, if there was any question whether the holiday spirit is alive and well in Homer, that answered it. And I hope it’s alive and well in your home this holiday season, too.

From my family to yours – Happy Holidays!

Sincerely,

Josh Riley