Bidens post video with holiday message
In a pre-recorded message posted on social media, Biden and incoming first lady Jill Biden reflect on the difficult year that many Americans have endured and project a message of hope and gratitude as the nation continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic.
"Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays. Jill and I wish you and your family peace, joy, health and happiness this season. But we know for so many of you in our nation this has been a very difficult year. And we're reminded in this season of hope of our common humanity and what we're called to do for one another. Many of our fellow Americans are struggling to find work, literally put food on the table, pay their rent or their mortgage. We're reminded we're on this earth to care for one another, to give what we can and to be a source of help and hope to friend and stranger alike," Biden says in the video while sitting next to his wife.
"Many families are facing their first Christmas having lost a loved one," Jill Biden says. "And Joe and I know that sorrow. And we know how in times of grief, a kind word can mean so much. This is also a season of gratitude and we're so thankful for the front-line and essential workers who have put themselves at risk for all of us. And for the scientists and researchers who have worked to deliver vaccines that are an incredible scientific breakthrough. And we're thinking of our service members, who are far from home, and the loved ones who miss them. Our family knows your sacrifice, and our hearts are with you."
The president-elect also notes that his family has significantly slimmed down their Christmas celebration this year and asks Americans to consider limiting their travel and the size of family gatherings this year.
"For the Bidens, we usually have 20 to 25 people over Christmas Eve for dinner, but not this year. We're gonna miss our family, but it's what we need to do to keep our family safe. We hope you'll consider limiting travel and the size of family gatherings as well this year," Biden says.
"Even as our celebrations are dimmed, we know that this won't be forever, and brighter days are coming soon," Jill Biden adds.