In honor of the year that was 2012, here are the 12 most-read stories on Lincoln Square Patch:

1. No Christkindl Market This Year in Lincoln Square: Citing minimal profits, St. Matthias Parish decided to cancel the Christkindl Market this year. Organizers said the festival could return, but not before making significant changes. 
   
   
2. Victim Applauds Police in Armed Robbery Arrest: When reported gang members attacked a young woman on Wilson Avenue, two police districts worked together and apprehended the culprits. 
   
   
3. 'This is Crazy, but do You Have Obama Tickets, Maybe?': On the eve of our president's re-election, tickets to his rally were selling for hundreds on Craigslist. One young woman said she was willing to sell her soul to be at McCormick Place on Election night. 
   
   
4. Lincoln Square Man Identified in Fatal Motorcycle Accident: A motorcycle accident claimed the life of a Lincoln Square man in December. He was riding and struck a parked car near Welles Park. Read more: Motorcyclist Dies After Hitting Car on Montrose
   
   
5. Mariano's, New Apartments to Create 500 Temporary and Permanent Jobs: Every story about a new Mariano's Fresh Market coming to Lawrence and Ravenswood hit the most-read list. With the development's approval in November, the grocery store, along with an L.A. Fitness and 150 new apartments. Read more: Mariano's Market Nears Approval for Ravenswood Location, Mariano's Construction Begins, January 2014 Opening Predicted, Construction on Mariano’s Could Start in Next 4 to 5 Weeks
   
   
6. Crime is Up in South Lincoln Square, Actual Burglars Explain Why: Track a burglar's thoughts through this comical list of their reasoning for breaking into a house. 
   
   
7. Artist Creates Print to Help Unborn Baby with Spina Bifida: Lincoln Square artist Patrick Morrissey uses his paintings as responses to life’s relationships and experiences. But when close friends were put in a tight situation, Morrissey used his art not only to respond, but also to act,
   
   
8. ‘Latin Kings' Call Lincoln Square Home, Police Respond: With several patches of gang activity in Lincoln Square, police from the 19th District tell residents how to avoid gang-related crime. 
   
   
9. 7 Cyber Monday Deals: An Online Shopping Guide: Shopping without leaving your home is becoming a larger empire every year. Cyber Monday sales almost topped Black Friday deals. 
   
   
10. Lincoln Square Couple to Open Game Store and Playing Space: Wanderers' Refuge opened in late October and gave Lincoln Square residents a new type of store. From board games to Magic cards, this shop and playing space is providing fun for everyone. 
    
    
11. 20 Cars, Light Pole Damaged in Lincoln Square Car Accident: Twenty cars and a light pole were damaged in November after a reckless driver ploughed through the Damen and Winnemac area. Police caught the man and issued him a ticket for leaving the scene of an accident.


12. Thai Restaurant Fails Health Inspection; Brew Camp Passes: From rat droppings to dirty ice machines, the City of Chicago health inspections canvass area restaurants for sanitation violations.