Christmas is my favorite time of year. There's so much that I enjoy! Here's my top twelve favorite things about Christmas, in no particular order -- one for each day of the Christmas season!

1. Midnight Mass

For me the Christmas season begins with "midnight" (it starts around 10pm these days) Mass at my home parish. I love the glorious literature and music. Midnight Mass is a beautiful, exciting start to my favorite holiday.

2. Christmas Carols

Some of the most beautiful hymns written are those for the Christmas season. The combination of beautiful music and evocative poetry is often breathtaking. Of course you can't forget classics on the other end of the scale such as "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" and "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer."

3. Eggnog

Some people have described drinking eggnog as akin to getting drunk on pancake batter. I say it all depends on the quality of the eggnog (and your own self control of course). Hands down the only eggnog worth anyone's time is the homemade sort. So get out the cream, crack some eggs, and get whipping!

4. Santa Claus

I absolutely love the magic of Santa Claus. Santa Claus invites us all to be children again in all the best ways for a little while every year. So be good, lest you receive coal!

5. Opening Presents

Opening presents on Christmas morning is something I look forward to all year. Not only is it fun to open your gifts (who doesn't like getting presents?), but it is just as gratifying to watch your family open their own gifts. I love the successive looks of anticipation, excitement, and happiness on the faces of my family and friends.

6. The Christmas Tree

I love Christmas trees. The lights and the smell of pine makes the house seem magical. Taking out the decorations is like revisiting old friends.

7. Christmas ornaments

Speaking of decorations, did I mention that I love Christmas ornaments? My siblings and I each get a new ornament every year so we have quite a collection. They are so delicate and sparkling -- each one seems special, telling a story and reminding me of a different part of my life.

8. Family traditions

Every family has a Christmas tradition. For example, my family takes an awkward picture in front of the Nativity scene at church. Okay, that's not our only tradition. We do normal things too. Like hiding a blown glass pickle somewhere in the house and awarding a prize to whoever finds it first.

9. The Muppet Christmas Carol

This movie is a bit of a family tradition, too. It's my favorite adaption of "A Christmas Carol" because the Muppets lighten up the story with much needed comic relief. In fact most of Dickens' works could probably be improved by the Muppets -- except for Oliver Twist. I would probably still hate Oliver Twist.

10. Candy Canes

There's something about candy canes. It's the perfect minty flavor and you can only get them at Christmas time. And the fact that you can sharpen them into improvised lethal weapons with only your tongue.

11. Chocolate

Christmas chocolate is the best. Maybe it's because people are feeling more generous this time of year, but Christmas chocolate always seems to be higher quality. Often there's European chocolate that came from somewhere (thanks Santa!). Christmas brings good chocolate in good supply.

12. Peace

Christmas brings peace. Christmas is one of the only days when everyone seems to take a break. Many stores are closed. There isn't really anything that you have to do. I love just basking in the joy, peace, and happiness of Christmas. Because above all else Christmas brings with it the knowledge that each of us are infinitely valued and loved. Each one of us matters so much that God himself came to Earth in the most innocent and vulnerable form he could. He came as a child, born in a cold stable. He came for all of us, yes, but also he came for each of us individually to deliver us and to forgive us our sins. And that is why I like Christmas best of all. Merry Christmas everyone, and may your days be filled with light!