For Opposition Leader Joseph Muscat, Christmas rekindles unhappy memories.

“My grandmother died in my mother’s arms in the Christmas of 1984 – it was a sudden death which shocked us all,” he says.

“Nowadays, my children have brought a smile back to my mother’s face,” he says.

In an exclusive interview with www.timesofmalta.com, the Leader of the Opposition says that this Christmas, he will be dedicating his time to institutional events and to his family.

“Christmas is a beautiful time to spend with my family. I will spend Christmas day at home – we will cook Christmas lunch and enjoy each other’s company.”

When asked whether he will be cooking Christmas lunch, Dr Muscat smiles and says that he will help out.

Looking back, Dr Muscat says that in 2011, the Maltese gained new civil rights. 2011 was also a difficult year for the European economy.

As for 2012, Dr Muscat says that he hopes for more dialogue and the further strengthening of democracy.