8.8 Release

[Ishan Chattopadhyaya]

Hi Devs,
There are lots of changes accumulated and some underway. I wish to
volunteer for a 8.8 release, if there are no objections. I'm planning to
build the RC in three weeks, i.e. 31 December (and cut the branch about 3-4
days before that). Please let me know if someone has any concerns.
Thanks and regards,
Ishan