As millions of families around the nation gather with loved ones, I just wanted to share a quick note of gratitude.

At the Castro home, it's Christmas Eve -- Nochebuena. It's a special time for us and we're thankful to be together. The holidays are a joyous occasion for many families, but they're also a difficult time for those in need.

My prayers are with the families of the 20 U.S. service members killed this year in Afghanistan. We can never repay our debt for their sacrifice, but we will always serve them to the best of our ability.

With fellow Catholics around the world, our family is celebrating the birth of Jesus and remembering the values He lived. Feeding the hungry. Caring for the sick. Defending the vulnerable. Welcoming the stranger. Treating everyone with compassion.

These values are not only shared by Catholics, but by all Americans -- people of every faith and those who don't follow religion. These values are what unite us around a bold, compassionate vision for the future.

Throughout this campaign, I've fought for the most vulnerable people, folks on the margins of society -- people experiencing homelessness, victims of gun violence, workers without rights, children in foster care, people with disabilities, migrants seeking refuge.

I believe in an America where everyone counts. I strive every day to elevate people with the least power, but the most potential. That's what motivates me to keep going.

The opportunity to run for president is a privilege, and I'm grateful for your support. By so many measures, we're doing something very special and truly unique in politics. This is a movement for justice, for equality, and basic human dignity for everybody.

You give me hope and optimism for the future. Out of these dark days, a new light is on the horizon.

To our Jewish neighbors, I wish you a Happy Hanukkah. Chag Sameach!
To those celebrating this week, Happy Kwanzaa!

And from Erica, Carina, Cristián, and Team Julián - we wish you a Merry Christmas.

May God Bless our troops and their families. And May God Bless our American family with peace and joy in the New Year.

Gratefully,
Julián----

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