I’ve always loved this time of year.

When I was younger, before Sophie and I started our own family, I’d mention this to friends.

Some would joke that I just liked to get extra gifts (my birthday falls on Christmas Day). But others, those who were already parents, had a different take on things.

“Wait until you have kids,” they’d say.

Now that I’m a father of three, I understand what they meant.

Sharing the holidays with my children — whether it’s having Xavier join me to launch the annual Christmas light show on Parliament Hill, or going shopping with Ella-Grace and Hadrien to pick out gifts to donate to charity — that’s what makes this season so special for my family.

Sadly, many Canadians aren’t able to be with their loved ones at Christmas.

I’m thinking in particular of those serving with our Canadian Armed Forces, and of their families, who miss them so dearly.

Every day, these brave women and men sacrifice their own security and comfort to help make Canada, and the world, a safer and more peaceful home. We are humbled by all they have given.

So, too, should we be inspired by the compassion and generosity of spirit that lives in communities all across this country. As prime minister, I see it everywhere I go.

I see it in the hard-working people who work and volunteer at homeless shelters and food banks.

I see it in the thousands of Canadians who have offered to sponsor families fleeing war in Syria and in other parts of the world.

I see it in the overflowing bins collecting toys for children, who deserve nothing in life but happiness and hope.

In these quiet, often unacknowledged actions, I see Canadians acting in ways that do us all proud.

I know that there have been times in the past year that have challenged our basic belief in ourselves as kind, compassionate, accepting people. We’ve seen mosques vandalized and individuals threatened because of their religious beliefs.

But at the same time, we have seen our communities pull together and prove — clearly and unflinchingly — that we are better than that.

It’s that deep sense that we are all in this together that defines who we are as Canadians.

Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading...

For me, Christmas is also a time to reflect on our many blessings, and think about what we can do to make our country an even more peaceful and prosperous place.

For our government’s part, that means doing more to support the middle class and all those working hard to join it. It’s the right thing to do for Canadians, and for our economy.

That’s why our first order of business as government was to introduce a bill that will deliver a real and meaningful tax cut for the middle class.

With our first budget, we will also be introducing a new Canada Child Benefit that will give nine out of 10 families more money than they are receiving right now.

These are important, necessary first steps toward building a strong middle class. Because when our middle class is strong, growing, and successful, so is Canada.

But government can’t solve every challenge. We need Canadians to do more, too.

We can give in tangible ways — by donating time or money to the many worthy charities that support our more vulnerable neighbours.

We can be more patient and understanding. I know that for many people, the holidays can be a time of tremendous stress, and even sadness. I hope that this year we can be gentler with ourselves, and with others.

And we can spread joy in small ways, too. Shovel a neighbour’s sidewalk. Hold open the door for the parent struggling with a stroller. Bring an extra pair of mittens to your child’s school (as a former teacher, I can guarantee they’ll find a good home).

This year, let’s show each other what it really means to be good. To be Canadian. Let’s open our hearts and share love with those around us.

That is my Christmas wish for my own family, and it is my Christmas wish for you.

Read more about: