PHOTOS: Stephen Harper's chinchilla and the Governor General on skates? Must be political Christmas card season.

Amy Chyan

The holiday season doesn’t just mean a six week break in Parliament — it’s also a time when politicians send out their Christmas cards.

Some go for the family portrait look.

The front of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's 2015 holiday card. Photo from The Canadian Press.
The front of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s 2015 holiday card. Photo from The Canadian Press.
NDP leader Thomas Mulcair's 2014 Christmas card. Photo from The Canadian Press.
NDP leader Thomas Mulcair’s 2014 Christmas card. Photo from The Canadian Press.
Former prime minister Stephen Harper's 2014 holiday card. Photo from The Canadian Press.
Former prime minister Stephen Harper’s 2014 holiday card. Photo from The Canadian Press.

Others choose to highlight Canada’s winter landscape.

Former Bloc Québécois leader Gilles Duceppe's 2009 Christmas card. Photo from The Canadian Press.
Former Bloc Québécois leader Gilles Duceppe’s 2009 Christmas card. Photo from The Canadian Press.
Late NDP leader Jack Layton's 2009 Christmas card. Photo from The Canadian Press.
Late NDP leader Jack Layton’s 2009 Christmas card. Photo from The Canadian Press.

While some cards don’t forget to tug at the heartstrings of animal lovers during the cozy season.

Former prime minister Harper's 2013 holiday card. Charlie the chinchilla, the family's rescue from the Ottawa Humane Society, makes an appearance. Photo from The Canadian Press.
Former prime minister Harper’s 2013 holiday card. Charlie the chinchilla, the family’s rescue from the Ottawa Humane Society, makes an appearance. Photo from The Canadian Press.
Liberal MP Scott Brison's 2009 Christmas card showing Brison and his partner Maxime St. Pierre standing in a field with their dog Simba. Photo from The Canadian Press.
Liberal MP Scott Brison’s 2009 Christmas card showing Brison and his partner Maxime St. Pierre standing in a field with their dog Simba. Photo from The Canadian Press.
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May is pictured on the cover of her 2014 Christmas card with her daughter Cate at her home in B.C. Photo from The Canadian Press.
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May is pictured on the cover of her 2014 Christmas card with her daughter Cate at her home in B.C. Photo from The Canadian Press.
Ontario MPP Charles Sousa's 2016 holiday card. Photo from Tori Floyd.
Ontario MPP Charles Sousa’s 2016 holiday card. Photo from Tori Floyd.

Of course, enjoying outdoor activities is also wholesome and illuminates the jolly energy for this time of year.

The Governor General David Johnston and his wife Sharon skating on the Rideau Canal on the cover of their 2014 Christmas card. Photo from The Canadian Press.
The Governor General David Johnston and his wife Sharon skating on the Rideau Canal on the cover of their 2014 Christmas card. Photo from The Canadian Press.
The front of the 2015 holiday card for the Leader of the Opposition Rona Ambrose. Photo from The Canadian Press.
The front of the 2015 holiday card for the interim Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, Rona Ambrose. Photo from The Canadian Press.

However, sometimes, inanimate objects are the ones sending holiday cheer.

The interior of former prime minister Stephen Harper's 2014 Christmas card shows the front door to the official residence, 24 Sussex. Photo from The Canadian Press.
The interior of former prime minister Stephen Harper’s 2014 Christmas card shows the front door to the official residence, 24 Sussex. Photo from The Canadian Press.

And as we eagerly await Justin Trudeau’s 2016 holiday card, know that he’s been doing this a long, long time. But that doesn’t shield him from controversy.

‘Tis the season for you to receive holiday greetings in the mail from your local politicians. And when you do, please share. Email us at YCANewsteam@yahoo.com or tweet to us @YahooCanadaNews.

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