Stephen Harper dishes about U.S. relations, the upcoming First Nations summit and new book at annual Christmas party

Stephen Harper is usually a pretty stoic man, but he must have stepped out of his shell at his Christmas party because he was gracious, engaging, funny and relaxed, reports the Globe and Mail.

The Prime Minister invited Ottawa's press gallery to 24 Sussex Drive on Monday for his annual soiree.

Chatting with a small group of reporters, he reflected on two of his biggest highlights of 2011: winning a majority in May's election and jamming at 24 Sussex with Randy Bachman and Fred Turner, formerly of Bachman-Turner Overdrive.

Harper also spoke of his relationship with Barack Obama noting that the two get along well and even sympathized with his American counterpart's 'political difficulties' with regards to the Keystone XL Pipeline.

According to the Toronto Star, Harper appeared to "marvel at just how tied an American president's hands are, not just by constitutional checks and balances, but with bureaucrats, cabinet secretaries and senior advisors all weighing in to counter or contradict actions a president may wish to take."

A Canadian prime minister with a majority and cabinet government has much more room to act, he said.

With regards to the crisis in Attawapiskat and the upcoming First Nations leaders summit, Harper said his government will seek more accountability for how federal money is spent in this area.

The Prime Minister says he'll focus on long-term change but denied he's made up his mind on any particular outcome — like enshrining more property rights on reserves or tearing up the Indian Act altogether.

Harper also talked about his hockey book.

He said that after writing for 15 minutes every day for eight years, the book will hit the shelves next year.

According to the Globe and Mail, Harper did not say who the publisher is, noting that he has been in touch with the Ethics Commissioner to ensure there are no potential conflicts around its publication.

He added he won't be making any money on the book.

(Reuters photo of Harper at Ronald McDonald House in Toronto)