Mr Shorten urged Australians to recognise "how lucky we are", and to spare a thought for those who've had a difficult year.
"Let’s just remember all those in Australia who will go without this Christmas, who will struggle to make ends meet," he said.
He reminded Australians to think about those who won't get to spend the holidays with the people they love, including the Defence Force personnel stationed in conflict zones and emergency service staff.
He also paid special tribute to the unsung heroes who aren't in uniform but also "working unsociable hours to make ends meet and to make our community a better place."
On a personal note, Mr Shorten said he was looking forward to having some relaxing time with his family and learning "a whole new supply of jokes and zingers from the Christmas crackers."
The Member for Maribyrnong ended his message encouraging Australians to share the giving spirit with others and to strive to improve ourselves in the New Year.
"And perhaps we could all try and do something to bring a little bit of Christmas cheer into their lives, to dedicate ourselves to making their 2015 better than 2014."
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