Prime Minister Tony Abbott has paid tribute to Australians spending Christmas away from their families in the service of others.

In his first Christmas message in the top job, Mr Abbott urged Australians to live up to their good nature and lend a hand to those doing it tough during the holiday season.

“We are a good and generous people,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.

Mr Abbott made special mention of members of Australia’s armed forces, and emergency workers who were missing Christmas lunches and dinners with their families so they can keep the community safe.

“This Christmas I pay tribute to everyone who’s away from family because of their service to our country and our communities,” he said.

“We all hope you have a quiet day.”

He also thanked those working for charities looking after the less fortunate on Christmas Day.