David Cameron’s vetoed an EU-wide treaty change over eurozone rules which sparked a war of words with the French and further ructions within the coalition.

In North Korea, leader Kim Jong-il died, causing global concerns of political instability and flash floods ravaged the southern Philippines, killing hundreds and leaving more than 50,000 people homeless.

The UK Snooker Championships returned to York’s Barbican after a five-year absence with record pre-tournament ticket sales.

Thousands of council workers in York were told they would have to take an unpaid day’s leave and would lose perks such as free Park&Ride passes as part of a council drive to save £250,000.

The death of dog walker Leslie Hughes as he tried to cross the busy A64 near Bilbrough Top on foot led to renewed calls for safety measures there.

December 12 marked 1,000 days since the disappearance of York chef Claudia Lawrence. Since she went missing, Claudia’s father, Peter, has campaigned tirelessly for people to come forward with any information they may have – “the missing piece of the puzzle” he calls it. And on the poignant anniversary of his daughter’s disappearance, Mr Lawrence’s plea was answered, when police announced a significant and new line of inquiry has come to light about the time Claudia vanished.

The Big Wheel returned. After months of doubt, bats in the belfry and rows over locations, it opened again for business in time for Christmas.

The 53-metre structure will stay at its home by the Royal York Hotel for two years.

Another slumbering giant brought back to life was Holgate Mill. After a decade’s restoration, the sails are finally in place for the first time in more than 50 years.

The 35ft-long sails, each weighing a tonne, will allow York's last remaining windmill to start grinding flour again.

Meanwhile, after last year’s December was the coldest in more than a century, winter weather returned to normal and we didn’t grind to a halt in the snow.