Season's Greetings, Bermuda! We have journeyed through Advent, and Christmas is upon us. We prepare to say farewell to 2022 and look forward with hope and expectation to a new year.

Throughout this season, our community renews family ties and spends quality time with friends. In our tradition, there are smells and sounds that signal the special festive atmosphere that is Christmas.

For Christians, this period marks the excitement and promise brought to the world through the birth of Jesus Christ. Hope, joy, peace and love extend beyond the manger into every family and situation.

However, for some in our community, this has been a year of loss. Loss of a loved one, loss of a job or an opportunity. There will also be those who will need assistance during the festive season.

Where we can help those less fortunate than ourselves, we should, and where we can lift the spirits of someone, let's make an effort to extend ourselves to them and share the love that is a part of this Season.

We must also remember our collective responsibility as a community to help one another throughout the year - and we must do all we can to continue to lift each other up.

As we look back on this past year, we recognise that the world is experiencing threats to economic and social stability.

Here at home, those global conditions, especially global inflation, have impacted hard-working Bermudians and families throughout our island.

However, there have also been bright moments in 2022.

All of Bermuda was transfixed by a young McKenzie Kohl-Tuckett standing at the Despatch Box in the House of Commons as she spoke eloquently about her Island home.

Sporting history was made in Birmingham when Jah-Nhai Perinchief soared to a Commonwealth Bronze medal. Then in Abu Dhabi when Dame Flora Duffy stormed to her record-setting fourth WTS World Triathlon title.

These successes by our fellow Bermudians interrupted the challenges of our daily lives and provided a rallying point for the pride we feel for our country.

And finally, after 32 months of restrictions and regulations, we have seen an end to the public health emergency that impacted our enjoyment of holiday traditions.

Kristin and I are looking forward to reconnecting with our friends and family this season, and we are grateful to be able to enjoy such a special time of year here at home.

Christmas holiday is also a perfect time to reflect on the natural beauty of Bermuda. Please take the time to enjoy some of Bermuda's treasures, museums, parks, and railway trails this holiday.

As we reflect on the year past and embrace the challenges of the New Year, we remember our government's promise to establish a minimum wage, build more affordable housing, and reduce the burden of taxation on working people.

Our mission is clear, and we have never lost sight of our commitment to deliver.

So as we continue through this festive season and celebrate in our diverse ways, on behalf of the Government of Bermuda, we wish you the peace and joy this time of year brings.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year