Mosul celebrated Christmas amid ruins and damaged buildings that are still a common sight in the Iraqi city, one year after ISIL was driven out. /VCG Photo

Two young men tried to add a bit of joy to the gloomy city, donning Santa Claus suits and going around distributing gifts to local residents on Wednesday. /VCG Photo

Mosul, a major city in northern Iraq, had been occupied by ISIL for over three years before being freed by government forces last year with victory against the terrorist group declared on December 10, 2017. /VCG Photo

One year on, the marks from ISIL's presence and the government campaign that defeated them are still visible as locals continue to struggle to rebuild their homes. /VCG Photo