Canadians stationed overseas received a special visit over Christmas.

The Governor General spent the holidays visiting Canadian soldiers and civilians in Italy and Afghanistan.

"The sacrifice of troops and civilians who are away from their families and friends at this time of the year is tremendous, and I wish them the best of luck in the completion of their missions," David Johnston said in a statement.

Gov. Gen. David Johnston, left, addresses Canadian troops on Christmas Day at Camp Blackhorse in Kabul. (Chris Ward/Department of National Defence)

He was joined on the trip by Defence Minister Peter MacKay and Gen. Walt Natynczyk, chief of Canada's defence staff.

Johnston was already headed overseas for the state funeral of former Czech president Vaclav Havel, who died earlier this month.

Prior to the funeral, he, MacKay and Natynczyk visited with Canadian military personnel in Italy.

The approximately 250 sailors and air crew of the HMCS Vancouver joined a NATO counter-terrorism effort in the Mediterranean in November, after being deployed as part of the international mission in Libya.

Afterwards, the three men travelled to Afghanistan to celebrate Christmas with Canadians now stationed in Kabul.

The Governor General met with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and other senior Afghan officials to discuss Canada's contribution to Afghanistan, while MacKay met with U.S. Gen. John R. Allen, who is commanding the international military presence there.

"Canadian Forces members have worked tirelessly, at home and abroad, to save lives, provide security, and promote peace," MacKay said in a statement.

Dignitaries don Santa hats

Liberal Leader Bob Rae also took part in the trip to Kabul, donning Santa hats with MacKay and Johnston for a photo with soldiers.

Canadians are carrying out their duties with the utmost professionalism and distinction, Rae said in a statement.

"Especially during the holiday season, we recognize and appreciate their continued hard work and sacrifice as they celebrate away from their loved ones," he said.

The trip to Afghanistan had become an annual Christmas ritual for MacKay and Canada's top soldiers, who in past years spent the time at the base in Kandahar that used to be home to over 2,500 Canadian troops.

This year, around 950 Canadian troops are stationed in and around Kabul, providing classroom instruction to Afghan soldiers and police and trainers and also mentoring Afghan medical staff.

A soldier has been killed as part of the mission, which the government initially described as "low risk" but later acknowledged "involves significant risks."

Master Cpl. Byron Greff of the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry was killed when the vehicle he was riding in was struck by a powerful suicide car bomber on Oct. 29.