Gratitude and an acknowledgement of "tough" times mark the core of the Christmas message delivered by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese this year.
After wishing Australians a Merry Christmas, Albanese said in his message that the holidays represent a time of "celebration" and "reflection".
"We express our gratitude to everyone who's giving up their Christmas for the sake of others," he said, citing emergency personnel, medical and hospitality workers and Australian Defence Force (ADF) members.
The holiday message also recognised that for many Australians, 2023 was not an easy time.
"I know many Australians are doing it tough at the moment, in particular those in the Far North Queensland, dealing with the aftermath of the floods," Albanese said.
The Australian Defence Ministers also commended ADF members helping with flood aftermath in a joint holiday statement.
"Your willingness and commitment to deploy at short notice to assist communities in need are a true reflection of your professionalism, service and sacrifice."
The acknowledgement of the pressures facing everyday Australians was echoed in Opposition Leader Peter Dutton's Christmas and New Year's message.
"2023 has been a year of hardships at home and adversity abroad," Dutton said, praising the "characteristic resilience" of the population despite the millions of Australians struggling to make ends meet.
Dutton marked some of the tragedies of the past year as well, such as the Gold Coast helicopter mid-air collision, the Hunter Valley wedding party bus crash, the Dugald River mine accident, the Taipan helicopter disaster and the two police officers killed on duty.
He also highlighted the deaths of some "great Australians".
"We will miss the wit of Barry Humphries, the brightness of John Olsen's canvases and the mind and decency of soldier and Senator Jim Molan," Dutton said.
