As we all wind down after a long year of work and begin the process of catching up with loved ones, I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
The festive season is a chance to meet with friends and family, who we may not have seen in a while.
I know that Christmas is an incredibly busy time of year for many people, with lots of hustle and bustle, but we must take a moment to reflect and remember those less fortunate than ourselves.
I also want to extend my thoughts to those who find this time of year particularly difficult, those who have lost or are estranged from their loved ones.
I want to thank charities, like Age Cymru and the Samaritans for the work they do over this busy Christmas time, supporting those struggling at a time where so many people are faced with difficult situations.
I also want to thank those working in our health service this Christmas who will not be with their families, instead working to ensure that people in Wales can still receive the care they deserve every day of the year.
Finally, this last year has been an incredibly busy one in politics across Wales and the rest of the United Kingdom and I know the difficulties that many politicians face and the sacrifice required when working in public service.
I therefore want to wish my colleagues across the chamber a very Merry Christmas. Whilst we disagree on policy, not once have I ever doubted the devotion they have to their constituents or the people of Wales.
So, as we all finish those last-minute Christmas preparations, and begin to settle down for some well-earned time off, I wish you all, a very Merry Christmas.
Peter Fox MS - Monmouth
