Political leaders look forward to a ‘united nation’ during Christmas

Despite a call for the Christmas truce - that was quickly kissed goodbye with political events that unraveled during the week - both political leaders are fully aware that their place is on the island, mentally preparing for the 7 January countdown.

Together with his wife Kate, Lawrence Gonzi looks forward to see their family get together and spend some quality time with their grandchildren.

"We look forward to spending some time with our family, especially our grandchildren over the Christmas week," Gonzi, father of three and grandfather of four, told MaltaToday.

One to always describe Christmas as a time to be enjoyed on the island with family, Gonzi said the festive season brings about the perfect opportunity to enjoy quality time with your loved ones.

"Christmas is a time for families to come together and enjoy each other's company," he added.

But even though the PN leader enjoys the traditional Christmas lunch, a few years back he did admit in an interview that he prefers being "exempted" from "the huge task" of cooking and feeding all.

On the other hand, Opposition leader Joseph Muscat is only too happy to lend a helping hand to his wife, Michelle, with preparing the Christmas lunch.

Father of two little girls, Muscat looks forward to spending the Christmas holiday with those closest to him.

"It will be home for Christmas, where we will cook the Christmas lunch for our girls, parents and close family," Muscat told MaltaToday.

In a past interview, the PL leader did admit that the Christmas season tends to rekindle sorrow at the memory of his grandmother dying in the Christmas of 1984.

Although they hail from opposing parties and definitely don't share the same views on several issues, the two political leaders shared the same message for Christmas 2012.

"During this period, let us all set aside our differences and celebrate all that unites us as a nation," the Prime Minister urged the Maltese and Gozitans.

On his part, the Opposition leader said: "Our wishes are that we should remain one, united nation during the trying weeks ahead."

On the other hand, Alternattiva Demokratika Chairperson Michael Briguglio looks forward to a "politically-free Christmas" while preparing for his PhD viva voce exam, set to take place exactly after the Christmas holidays.

"I want to spend these holidays relaxing with my loved ones. I made a promise to myself that these will be politically-free days," he said.

Briguglio added that he wished for the Maltese to also think about others without making a song and dance about it.

The AD leader went on to augur a serene 2013 election, "confronted on ideas and proposals and not based on sensationalism and dirty campaigns".