When it comes to yuletide cinematic cheer, few films rival “A Christmas Story” or “Elf,” but instead of ranking the Best Holiday Movies, I would rather take this opportunity to focus on what actually makes those films seasonal staples — the characters.

So here are, in no particular order, the 12 Best Christmas Movie Characters — and for the record, I omitted those puppies from “Santa Buddies” in the interest of fairness.

Ralphie, “A Christmas Story”

Buddy, “Elf”

The Octopus Kid, “Love Actually”

Ghost of Christmas Present, “Scrooged”

Jack Skellington, “Nightmare Before Christmas”

Kevin McCallister, “Home Alone”

Bird Lady, “Home Alone 2”

Annie Campbell, “The Family Man”

Rizzo the Rat, “Muppet Christmas Carol”

The Kid, “Bad Santa”

Elsie, “While You Were Sleeping”

Cousin Eddie, “Christmas Vacation”

Who is your favorite Christmas character?