It's a wonderful life, by Brian Katcher

Christmas, 2001: I'm sitting in a bar in the red light district of Hamburg, Germany. I'm so desperate for companionship I pay a prostitute TO TALK TO ME for twenty minutes. Miserable and lonely as I am, I can't help but reflect that things have improved since last Christmas.

Christmas, 2014: I watch the joy and excitement in my daughter's eyes as she opens her presents from Santa, as my wonderful wife stands next to me.

Here's hoping that the new year brings lots of new and wonderful things for all of you. Believe me, life does get better.