Washington  - US President George W Bush plans to get out of bed early on the first day of 2009 and go for a sunrise walk on his ranch with First Lady Laura as he ushers in the last New Year's Day of his presidency.

Bush has been spending the holidays at his ranch in Crawford, Texas, and in 21 days will have more time to hang out at his beloved home away from Washington dubbed as the "Western White House." Bush, famous for going to bed at an early hour, does not intend to stay up for a midnight celebration, Gordon Johndroe, a White House spokesman said.

"He's more likely to be an early riser for the first of the new year rather than to see the old year out," Johndroe said.

"It's been a tradition they've had for I think almost their entire presidency down here, woken up and gone for a sunrise walk on the ranch," he said.

The Bushes have also purchased a home in Dallas where they intend to live after leaving the nation's capital but will likely spend weekends and holidays in Crawford.

Bush also marked the final New Year of his presidency with a message thanking the nation for the chance to serve as president, while looking forward to his successor's arrival.

"This New Year is an exciting time for our country, as the peaceful transfer of power is one of the hallmarks of a true democracy. We are preparing to welcome a new president into office, and we celebrate in a spirit of unity: one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all," Bush said, echoing the country's Pledge of Allegiance.

"As my time in office comes to a close, I thank the American people for trusting me with the honour of serving our great country. It has been a tremendous privilege, and together we have accomplished a great deal," he said, citing advances in national security, education reform, the fight against disease and advancing "the cause of freedom," a phrase he often uses when discussing the controversial wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

President-elect Barack Obama, who takes office January 20, will be far behind the rest of the country in any New Year's celebration. He has been vacationing in Hawaii, where the time zone is six hours behind Washington. (dpa)