He also praised troops serving in Afghanistan - and avoided taking a swipe at rival political parties.

Praising the "heroes", he said: "These are the people who will keep our hospitals, ambulances and fire services running over the festive season and who will be policing our streets.

"Special thoughts must also go to the men and women serving in Afghanistan and their families back home."

Mr Gray refrained from attacking other parties, and said: "Times have been tough and many Scots fear for their jobs or have lost them.

"There are those who worry about mortgages, paying the rent and their children's future."

He went on: "But this last year, Labour has shown we are on your side.

"Even in opposition in Holyrood we have worked hard to secure economic recovery, arguing for apprenticeships and for capital investment in schools and projects like the Glasgow Airport Rail Link."

He said Labour took "decisive" action in the banking crisis to stop the economy from collapsing, and would continue to support "hard working families" and a first class health service, while prioritising education and skills are a priority.

"Our core values are about creating a fairer society where we look out for each other, protect the vulnerable, work towards ending child poverty and strive to create opportunity for everyone." said Mr Gray.

"I think these are values Scotland shares, and not just at Christmas."

Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott said his party is ending the year “strongly” and can look forward to 2010 with confidence.

He cited two local council by-election gains from the Tories, and “hundreds” of new recruits to the party.

“Our recruitment at universities has been record-breaking. We lead the debate on the campuses of Scotland,” he claimed.

“In Scotland we are winning the argument that there needs to be restraint on the pay and bonuses on those at the very top of the public sector in order to keep jobs and services going for those at the bottom of the income scale, not least the record numbers of young unemployed.”

Lib Dem tax plans for the UK will raise income tax thresholds to £10,000 and take 530,000 Scots out of income tax entirely, he said.

“Next year, 2010, will be the deciding point for people to choose a fairer society and a sustainable economy by backing the Liberal Democrats.

“It is a strong message that will inspire people across Scotland and we can work hard to the general election with confidence.”

Tory leader Annabel Goldie highlighted those working in the emergency services and Armed Forces personnel in Afghanistan.

She said: “We must not forget those who won’t be able to be at home this Christmas. For example, the members of the emergency services who will be working over the festive period, whose selfless dedication is so crucial.

“And this year there will also be many people working incredibly hard to make sure our roads, airports and railways are clear so that others can travel home or to be with friends.

“Their work is absolutely essential and their service is appreciated by us all.

“I hope we can also take time to remember our brave servicemen serving in Afghanistan and those who have been injured or have fallen in service.

“They are doing an incredibly tough job, in horrendous conditions. They too should be in our thoughts.”