Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is urging Canadians to stand together as they reflect on the year gone by and look ahead to the New Year.
In his annual Christmas message, Trudeau says the winter season, as cold and dark as it may be, is about bringing light into the lives of others.
Trudeau pays tribute to the sacrifices of Canadian military families who have loved ones stationed far from home.
And he takes a political turn, making note of programs his government has enacted, including the Canada Child Benefit, the national housing strategy and supports for seniors, as mechanisms to help families who are struggling to make ends meet.
The prime minister highlights the country's diversity, saying Canadians find strength in their differences.
Trudeau says part of being Canadian is taking care of the people around us.