Mount Rainer in mid-December?

I've been thinking of driving up to Washington(from NorCal) with a bunch of buddies to go hiking in Mount Rainer during winter. We don't get much snow in our area so we thought it might be fun to go hiking in the snow/check out the beautiful nature in that area. Has anyone gone to Mount Rainer during Christmas/New year's week? What are some things we should keep in mind or pack?