Nicola Sturgeon has urged Scots to contemplate how they might help others as the price of dwelling disaster has made "a really laborious winter for a lot of".
The First Minister used her annual Christmas message to encourage members of the general public to donate to charities or assist out of their communities.
And he or she paid tribute to members of the Armed Forces and emergency providers who would proceed working all through the festive season.
The SNP chief additionally recognised it could be a Christmas many households would significantly wanting ahead to after the influence of covid restrictions in 2020 and 2021.
In her festive message, the First Minister mentioned: "Particularly after the previous two Christmases, I do know most of us will probably be actually wanting ahead to this festive interval.
"The prospect to collect with household, mates and family members, actually is one thing to cherish. In fact, the price of dwelling disaster is making this a really laborious winter for a lot of.
"So this Christmas, it’s necessary for all of us to additionally take into consideration how we might help others.
"Perhaps donating to charity if we will, or serving to out in our communities, or visiting a neighbour or pal who may be on their very own and need some help or firm.
"I do know many will already be doing precisely that – displaying compassion and companionship, and serving to make the festive interval that bit brighter for everybody, so thanks.
"I additionally wish to thank all these for whom Christmas isn’t a vacation in any respect.
"The women and men serving in our armed providers, these caring for us within the Nationwide Well being Service, and taking care of us in police and hearth – certainly, all these working throughout our important public and voluntary providers.
"I'm deeply grateful for all of the work you do yearly and all year long. However I'm particularly grateful for it now – understanding, as I do, simply how powerful occasions are."
Sturgeon added: "So my heartfelt due to everybody engaged on our behalf this Christmas, and to all these taking a while to assist others.
"Most of all – wherever you're, and no matter you're doing – I hope you may have the very best time over this festive interval.
"I want all of you a contented, wholesome and peaceable Christmas. Merry Christmas."
Scottish Labour chief additionally Anas Sarwar paid tribute to volunteers serving to the weak at Christmas and to emergency service workers.
However he shed a lightweight on the Scots who will spend Christmas alone – or not celebrating it in any respect – this yr.
“Sadly, far too many kids will get up with little or nothing this Christmas Day. Many individuals will spend Christmas alone with nobody to have fun with,” he mentioned.
“Others will probably be in non permanent lodging or sleeping tough.”
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