"Each one of us can brighten another's day," Šarec said in a written message. Looking back on 2018, he said that the year had its beautiful as well as demanding moments.

He said that Christmas and Independence and Unity Day, observed on 26 December, provided a great opportunity to remind ourselves that everybody needs to contribute to a peaceful and understanding world.

However, not everybody can enjoy the holidays: some people have to work, others lost a loved one, while still others faced great challenges, he noted.

"I'm thinking of you as well tonight and I wish that all bad will pass and become a bitter, but fading memory," said the prime minister.