Christmas, they say, is a time for giving but as the end of the year draws near it is also a time for reflection.
So what better excuse to look back at some of the top UK political stories of the year?
Sadly "most significant", "most surprising" and "most read" don't always go hand in hand so here is a hand picked selection from each group.
Most surprising:
1. Peter Mandelson's return to the cabinet
2. Boris Johnson elected mayor of London
3. David Davis's resignation from parliament
4. Yachtgate
5. The £2.7bn mini budget give-away
Most significant:
1. £500bn bank bail out
2. Brown hits all-time low
3. Labour loses Glasgow East byelection
4. Government concedes defeat on 42 days
5. Post offices saved
Most read:
1. Lembit and the Cheeky Girl split
2. Waiting for the London Mayoral election results blog
3. Darling says the economy is heading for a 60-year low
4. Blair for president of EU
5. A state funeral is planned for Margaret Thatcher
And the 5 next most read (just because it's interesting…)
6. BNP membership list leaked online
7. The many hairstyles of David Cameron
8. Nick Clegg tells GQ of his sex encounters
9. Response to 9/11 was "huge overreaction" says ex MI5 chief
10. Downing Street to end ban on Catholic ascent to the throne.
Disagree with these choices? Why not suggest a top five list of your own?
