Merry Christmas to all Patch readers!

The 2012 holiday season has been merry and bright due to extra special events like the first-ever Santa Run in downtown Crystal Lake, the annual Merry Cary Parade, the Festival of Lights Parade in Crystal Lake, the more than 750 gifts collected by Cary-Grove High School students to donate to kids in need, and annual Red Kettle Campaign and Angel Tree toy collection drive held by the Salvation Army.

There was plenty of Christmas spirit over at the Dole Mansion/ Lakeside Legacy Arts Park, where the Savvy Sisters decked the halls, walls and Sage Gallery and hosted a Ladies Holiday Soiree.

The Berkshire Ballet Theater presented its traditional performance of the Nutcracker at the Raue Center for the Arts while the Judith Svalander dancers performed their Nutcracker show at the Woodstock Opera House.

Santa Claus took time out of his busy schedule to visit with area children at his comfy little cottage in the Brink Street Market in Crystal Lake. He also stopped by several area "Breakfast with Santa" events.

What was your favorite event and/ or holiday program this Christmas season? Share in the comments section below.