The Globe asked the guy who skewers politicians for a living to rate, comment, rave about or simply critique this season's political Christmas cards.
But comedian Rick Mercer declined when confronted with photos of politicians with their kids, the family dog or posing with Canada's young men and women fighting in Afghanistan. There was nothing for him to say or add.
Indeed, what to say about the Harper family posed in front of 24 Sussex Drive on a sunny fall day? Truly relaxed, the Prime Minister is again wearing his glasses, having shunned contacts some time ago. "From our family to yours. Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Season's Greetings," the card says in French and English.
Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff and his wife, Zsuzsanna Zsohar, sent out a card with a picture of the two of them in front of the Liberal Express bus, which took them across the country during the summer. NDP Leader Jack Layton and his wife, Toronto MP Olivia Chow, meanwhile, chose a more traditional card - a picture of Parliament Hill with their photo inside and this simple message: "Peace, joy and hope."
Thousands upon thousands of cards leave Parliament Hill around this time of year for the mailboxes of supporters, potential voters and even journalists. Nova Scotia Liberal MP Scott Brison, for example, sends out about 4,000 cards.
This year he reproduced the painting he did to help raise money for The Kidney Foundation of Canada. It's called Cheverie Sunset over Cape Blomidon, and it depicts a lovely part of his riding. Inside is a picture of Mr. Brison and his spouse, Maxime St. Pierre, with their dog Simba.
Labour Minister Lisa Raitt posed with her two young boys while Transport Minister Chuck Strahl used a picture of his many grandchildren recreating the nativity scene.
Defence Minister Peter MacKay went with a more macho picture. He's posed, kneeling down, wearing shirtsleeves, khakis and boots and surrounded by soldiers and Chief of Defence Staff Walt Natynczyk at the Kandahar airbase. "Share the Hope," is his message.
Industry Minister Tony Clement and his family got together - all dressed in stylish black - in front of their new home in his Muskoka riding. The only real pop of colour comes from Roxy, their caramel and white Brittany Spaniel.
Governor-General David Johnston and his wife, Sharon, also posed with their family pet - Cato, their 12-year-old Chesapeake Bay retriever. Inside, however, is a painting by aboriginal artist Allen Sapp titled It's Time to Play Hockey. "This holiday season, may we share our blessings with one another," reads the message from the vice-regal couple.