As 2025 comes to an end, we feel the need to pause for a moment and look back, reflecting on the path we have all walked together. This year was not easy. It tested our resilience, patience, and ability to remain humane even in the most challenging moments.
The year now coming to a close showed us how fragile familiar things can be. Work, stability, and confidence in tomorrow suddenly no longer felt guaranteed. The simple ability to work, make plans, grow a business, and move forward without fear of sudden disruption became a true value. We began to realize that what once seemed like the ordinary rhythm of everyday life was, in fact, a great gift.
Perhaps 2025 was not as bad as it may seem at first glance. Perhaps it became one of those rare moments when life forced us to slow down, listen to ourselves, and reconsider our priorities. It taught us not only to count our losses, but also to appreciate the good we have: health, loved ones, a roof over our heads, and the opportunity to work, dream, and hope.
This year changed each of us in our own way. It made some of us stronger, others more patient, and others more attentive to those closest to us. It reminded us that simple things such as a sincere conversation, support, a smile, or a quiet evening at home are what truly make life valuable.
And so, as we enter the 2026, we wish everyone the most important things. May there be more peace and understanding in the world. May everyone feel confidence in tomorrow and joy in today. May work bring fulfillment rather than anxiety. May our homes be filled with warmth and our hearts with love and gratitude.
Let us step into the new year with respect for one another, with the ability to appreciate simplicity, and with hope for the best. May gratitude and humanity become our shared foundation.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, dear friends!
Sergey Ivannikov
President
Russian American Media
Alisa Yurchenko
President
Council For Cross Cultural Affairs
