In his holiday greeting, Mr. Martin notes that "Each of us is reminded, in our own way - as we gather with friends and family- of the blessings that are given to us here in Canada."

The Canadian Press notes that Prime Minister Martin's dream Christmas gift is a screaming, bouncing grandchild. Well, maybe next year, Mr. Martin.

Stephen Harper's Christmas card is a little more cluttered, but there are some nice images of Laureen, Ben, and Rachel. It wins POI's "Cutest Political Xmas Card" award for 2005.

"As our family celebrates the Season, we give thanks
for the love of family, the joy of good friends, and for each and every blessing." When asked about his Christmas wishes, Mr. Harper also made the pithy "more time with my family" comment. But, when pressed, he was the only party leader that publicly wanted consumer goods (hockey books and music for his iPod).

I was unable to find a Christmas Card for Jim Harris. Even so, the Green Party offers Mr. Harris' Christmas wishes. "A wise man once said, 'We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.' Never is this more true than during this time of year. As Canadians we are incredibly lucky to be where we are, even when the weather is just a little colder."

Well said. But, do you really think that Sir Winston S. Churchill was talking about Canadians, winter, or the Green Party?

Gilles Duceppe has no official Christmas card. Bah, humbug. However, the Bloc Québecois has some great Christmas multimedia on their website. There's a one-minute video commentary by Mr. Duceppe, with a nice Christmas tree in the background.

In his Christmas statement, Mr. Duceppe remarks, "Nous avons rappellé la population que si nous sommes en campagne électorale, c'est que le Parti Libéral a perdu la nécessaire autorité morale pour gouverner... le 23 janvier, on se soit fait notre véritable cadeau de Nöel, c’est à dire le plus de députés du Bloc possible pour réprésenter le Québec... Merci et joyeuses fêtes.” Huh.

But the Bloc has some great electronic Xmas cards, including “Heureusement, maintenant c’est Nöel", with a big fat Christmas present with a Bloc Québecois tag. Cute.

As for what he wants for Christmas, "Mr. Duceppe never makes lists of presents he wants or makes specific demands," Duceppe aide Karine Sauve said in an e-mail to the Canadian Press. Yah, tell that to the people of Québec. Merry Christmas all the same.

And, Jack Layton's Christmas card offers a nice black-and-white portrait of Jack, Olivia, and children Mike and Sarah. There's also a nice photo of Parliament Hill on the cover. Mr. Layton has simple Christmas wishes (more time with his family, more NDP caucus members), but he does show the most holiday spirit with a rousing rendition of Jingle Bells on his guitar.

Have a great holiday season, everyone.

(Files and photos were obtained through liberal.ca, conservative.ca, green.ca, bloc.org, politicswatch.com, the Canadian Press, and the Halifax Chronicle Herald.)