The holidays can be a time for quiet reflection -- a chance to take a step back from the world and enjoy the company of loved ones.
But the world doesn't stop. Stories of tragedy, success and political intrigue continued to spill into our newsroom. Some of the big news seemed to be timed for release on days when few were paying attention.
Below, CTV.ca has compiled a list of major news reports you have may have missed, including some that could have a major effect on events in the New Year.
December 22
Late December marked the end of a two-year project for Health Canada to monitor the amount of trans fats in our food. In 2007, then-health minister Tony Clement promised the government would take action if it remained at unacceptable levels.
So what happened? Health Canada released its final report on Dec. 22 and found... unacceptable levels on trans fats. Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq has yet to comment.
December 24
Canadian senators, take note: the U.S. Senate held a vote on Christmas Eve -- the first time that's happened in more than 100 years -- and approved a landmark health care bill.
Now, the U.S. Senate bill must be reconciled with the version passed by the House of Representatives, but the two have a few major differences. Namely, the Senate version lacks a so-called "public option," or government-run health insurance.
But if Congress succeeds, it will extend health insurance to millions of Americans.
December 25
During one of the busiest times for U.S. airlines, a Nigerian man allegedly tried to ignite explosive material stitched into his underwear. A Yemen-based group linked to al Qaeda later claimed responsibility.
It forced President Barack Obama to address serious questions about airport security and the failings of the U.S. terror watch list, while creating commuter chaos in airports across North America.
Hundreds of Canadian flights to the U.S. were cancelled or delayed as Transport Canada introduced tough new security measures. If you're planning to fly to the U.S. anytime in the future, make sure to read the new rules about no carry-on luggage, and forget about listening to your new iPod.
Vic Chesnutt always played on the side-lines of popular music, and you may have never listened to his songs. But you've probably heard of his biggest fans -- musicians like R.E.M. singer Michael Stipe. And like many great songwriters, he may only find recognition now that he's gone.
His death was made all the more tragic because it highlighted some of the flaws of health care in the United States. A car accident had left Chesnutt paralyzed in 1983, and in the final months of his life, he was sued by a hospital as he sank under thousands of dollars in medical bills.
Actor Charlie Sheen, who makes roughly $20 million a year for his role in the television sit-com "Two and Half Men," was arrested for allegedly threatening his wife. Officers responded to a 911 call from his house in Aspen on Christmas Day.
His wife now reportedly wants to reunite with Sheen at their home in Los Angeles, but prosecutors intend to press on with their charges.
December 30
It had been nearly a week since any Canadians had died in Afghanistan, but in the final days of 2009, four men lost their lives as their vehicle struck a roadside bomb.
They were identified as Sgt. George Miok, 28, and Cpl. Zachery McCormack, 21, both of Edmonton; Sgt. Kirk Taylor, 28, of Yarmouth, N.S.; and Pte. Garrett Chidley, 21, of Cambridge, Ont.
The same attack killed Calgary Herald reporter Michelle Lang -- the first Canadian journalist to die in Afghanistan since the war began.
In a move some critics called an affront to democracy, and Conservatives called a "routine" measure, Prime Minister Stephen Harper prorogued Parliament for the second consecutive December. And this time, he made his request to the Governor General by phone.
Analysts quickly outlined the political benefits of the move: no question period means the Tories will not be challenged on the Afghan detainee issue, and Harper can appoint new senators, effectively breaking the Liberal hold on the Upper Chamber.
But it also means that more than 30 tough-on-crime bills will have to be re-introduced when the House of Commons starts a new session, after Conservatives spent months trying to get them passed.
January 1
In a year of trench warfare on Parliament Hill, with the federal parties doing everything they could just to gain a point in the polls, this was one of the weirder political moves.
The Conservatives brought Elections Canada to court so they could pay back $591,000 in a GST rebate for campaign expenses. Why? Because they didn't want to waste taxpayers money. Or, because they knew the Liberals would have to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars too.
But what about the NDP? Well, they never asked for the GST rebate in the first place.
