This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.

Malcolm Turnbull Has Released His Christmas Card And It's Very Heartfelt

Malcolm Turnbull Has Released His Christmas Card And It's Very Heartfelt
Turnbull

The Prime Minister and his wife have issued a heartfelt Christmas message, urging Australians to spend time with family and consider those less fortunate this festive season.

Malcolm and Lucy Turnbull have released a 'Christmas Card' -- complete with the PM wearing a Santa hat on the 'envelope' -- to wish Australians a "Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year".

In Turnbull's first Christmas as Prime Minister he sent Seasons Greetings of "love, hope and joy" but also encouraged Australians to turn their thoughts to homeless and vulnerable citizens, neighbours affected by natural disasters, the Defence Force and people who may find themselves without the comfort of family and friends this Christmas.

"This is a very special time as the year comes to an end and we draw closer to family and dear friends - fond reminiscence of a year gone by and looking forward to a new year with anticipation and excitement," Turnbull wrote.

"But for many of us it is not so happy. Poverty, loneliness, illness, the loss of loved ones - these shadows hang heavier at Christmas.

"We can lift some of those shadows by sharing our love with others - beyond our family and close friends."

Read Turnbull's full Christmas message below.

Turnbull's nascent Prime Ministership has already met numerous challenges: rumours of dissent within his own party, looming questions on tax reform, the Paris Climate Summit and the failed defection of elder statesman Ian Macfarlane to the Nationals.

The PM's Christmas message also paid tribute to volunteer and community services that help the homeless, mentally ill and war veterans.

"Nationally, the Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul Society, Meals on Wheels, Soldier On and the Black Dog Institute also do wonderful work all year, and especially at Christmas," he wrote.

Merry Christmas from the Prime Minister

Christmas is a time of love, hope and joy.

Bright eyed children waiting for Santa, grandparents welcoming home their far flung brood - the mystery of a thousand Christmas services in churches large and small.

This is a very special time as the year comes to an end and we draw closer to family and dear friends - fond reminiscence of a year gone by and looking forward to a new year with anticipation and excitement.

But for many of us it is not so happy. Poverty, loneliness, illness, the loss of loved ones - these shadows hang heavier at Christmas.

We can lift some of those shadows by sharing our love with others - beyond our family and close friends.

This might mean inviting a lonely friend or workmate to your Christmas dinner - a few “strangers and orphans” can add variety to your company!

And if you can donate time or money, local charities like the Wayside Chapel, the Matthew Talbot Hostel and WAYS Youth Services will turn your gift into practical love for those who are struggling.

Nationally, the Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul Society, Meals on Wheels, Soldier On and the Black Dog Institute also do wonderful work all year, and especially at Christmas.

We should also remember this Christmas to thank those who are protecting us at home and abroad - the men and women of the Australian Defence Force as well as our Police, security, emergency and firefighting services.

This is a hot summer and fires have already tragically taken lives in Western Australia and South Australia.

For those in areas which are prone to bushfire, implement your fire plans and follow the advice from the authorities.

Wherever you are, during heatwaves, take care of your family and look out for neighbours - particularly the elderly who may find the heat especially challenging.

From Lucy and me, and our family, to you and yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas, a relaxing and safe holiday and a 2016 filled with peace, happiness and love.

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.