Happy Holidays from Ambassador John Phillips
Channel: AmbasciataUSA
Date: 2015-12-18

Hello I'm John Phillips, the U.S. ambassador to Italy. 
I wanna take a moment to wish you a happy holiday season and a joyous start to the New Year. 
Reflecting on this past year with all of its ups and downs I can't help but be struck by the many ways in which our partnership, shared interests and cultural connections truly make the United States and Italy the closest friends. 
We could even say that the many ties between the American and Italian people make us a family.

This time of year reminds us of the importance of our family and friends; but we also need to remember the less fortunate among us. 
An excellent way to celebrate this special time of year is to give some of your time and efforts to a great cause.

There are so many ways to do this - you can donate food to a food bank for example, which is something I do regularly here in Italy - or organize a group of your friends to volunteer time at a local NGO that cares for the less fortunate. It's the giving and sharing that
binds our communities together. As we look back on  2015, and plan for 2016, I encourage you all to celebrate the spirit of this season and carry its message of generosity and compassion with you throughout the year to come.


Happy holidays to you all, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!