Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has temporarily put aside hostilities on the final scheduled parliamentary sitting day to wish the Opposition a Merry Christmas.

Mr Rudd has used a parliamentary speech to thank all parliamentary staff and his Labor colleagues for their efforts during the Government's first year in office.

In accordance with a long-standing tradition, he had some kind words for his political opponents, giving Malcolm Turnbull and his family his best wishes for Christmas.

"I have been in the position that the leader of the Opposition currently occupies, I know that it has its own trials and tribulations, and therefore I wish he and his family well for the break which comes ahead of us all," he said.

Mr Turnbull has returned the favour.

"I thank you Prime Minister for your kind remarks and behalf of Lucy and my family, convey to you and Therese and your children and family all the very best for Christmas," he said.

Mr Turnbull says all his parliamentary colleagues should make a New Years Resolution to be nicer to each other.

"I believe we would all do well as we take some time off in this year, over the holiday period, to resolve to be a little more civil, a little less venomous in our discourse," he said.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/12/04/2437505.htm?section=justin