In this season of goodwill series, Guardian and Observer columnists write about what they particularly enjoyed this year throughout the month of December. Readers might be in for a surprise ...
The story of Jesus is the ultimate political drama
Jonathan Freedland
Jonathan Freedland: Season of goodwill: I shouldn't be interested in the life of Jesus, but I can't help it – his story makes for gripping entertainment
Barbara Ellen: Season of goodwill: For some reason I find myself regularly ringing up to express my preference on shows like The X Factor and Celebrity Big Brother
Matilda is a brilliant little girl, but she won my heart for another reason
Jane Martinson
Jane Martinson: Season of goodwill: The stage version of the Roald Dahl book made it possible for me to share my love of a good musical with my children
John Harris: Season of goodwill: Admitting I liked Simply Red didn't fit with the NME's Maoist indie conspiracy, but Hucknall's repertoire is studded with triumphs
I'm hooked on George RR Martin's flights of fantasy
Michael Hann
Michael Hann: Season of goodwill: OK, so it's not Proust or Trollope. But when times are tough, there is no better distraction than these magical tales
Julian Glover: Season of goodwill: Tart, bitter, home-made preserved lemons – these wonderful things are never boring, full of the faraway taste of sunny days
John Crace: Season of goodwill: Biggles was my childhood escape route from the dreariness of my Wiltshire village – a passport to action and the exotic
Catherine Bennett: Season of goodwill: My booing reflex responded so irresistibly to the sight of Michael Gove at a schools prom, it came out before I could stop myself
Andrew Brown: Season of goodwill: On winter evenings I go down to the back room of a local pub and indulge in a passion that demands patient, watchful attention
Aditya Chakrabortty: Season of goodwill: The simple pleasures of Come Dine With Me may leave you feeling a bit sick, but they taste all right going down
Gary Younge: Season of goodwill: The plot, acting and script are all pathetic, but I love the musical Grease for its singing and dancing – and not in an ironic way
Whether it's Justin or Cliff, I'm a Belieber in Christmas songs
Marina Hyde
Marina Hyde: Season of goodwill: Save your virtual breath. There is nothing you can say to stop me rejoicing in mistletoe and wine slung in with Christian rhyme
