Christmas shows snowing now

The smell of turkey in the oven, the sound of parade music in the air and the sight of bare trees along the street remind us all that Christmas isn't that far away.

And that means that Christmas specials are about to drop like snowflakes in December. Here's a wreath full of holiday shows you might want to watch (subject to last-minute network shuffling):

* Dec. 4: "The Story of Santa Claus" (CBS), a new animated musical with Ed Asner as the voice of "Nicholas Claus," which is, of course, a redundancy. He and his wife (voice of Betty White) are evicted from their shop with only a bag of toys to their name. They decide to deliver them to an orphanage but get sidetracked by a storm and end up at the North Pole. It's not exactly the truth about St. Nicholas, but it could be cute for kids. On the same night, PBS is showing "Musicals Great Musicals," a 90-minute special about classic musicals from MGM. It's not about Christmas, but it is about fun, family entertainment.

* Dec. 8: "Mrs. Santa Claus" (CBS), starring Angela Lansbury in the first, live-action original musical written for TV in 40 years. The songs are by Jerry Herman of "Hello Dolly" fame.

* Dec. 10: "Martha Stewart's Home for the Holidays" (CBS) with the kitchen queen showing off her decorating and cooking skills, including finding the right Christmas tree and crafting wreaths. Why basketball star Michael Jordan and Dennis Franz of "NYPD Blue" make sense as her guests is anyone's guess.

* Dec. 12: "Elmo Saves Christmas" (PBS) with the red-bellied Muppet finding out what the world would be like if every day were Christmas. It isn't the paradise you imagine. Remember: The Easter Bunny would be unemployed!

* Dec. 14: "Opryland's Country Christmas" (CBS) features seasonal music from Clint Black, Barbara Mandrell, Kenny Rogers and Wynonna, among others. The Irish dance group Riverdance will also appear.

* Dec. 15: "A Peter, Paul and Mary Holiday Concert" (PBS), featuring the folk trio singing such tunes as "Silent Night" and "O Come All Ye Faithful." They toss in some of their non-holiday hits as well. They are followed by "A Carnegie Hall Christmas Concert" with opera singers performing carols and spirituals.

* Dec. 18: "Christmas in Washington" (NBC), hosted by the President and First Lady with the U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club and Army Band Herald Trumpets.

* Dec. 19: "A Charlie Brown Christmas" (CBS), probably the only holiday special you need because it contains not only charm but also the religious content missing from so many other holiday specials. It will be followed by "A Garfield Christmas Special," not exactly in the same league.

* Dec. 20: "The Sound of Music" (NBC), rerun for the 19th time but still a family favorite.

* Dec. 21: "It's A Wonderful Life" (NBC), once available on every channel, will be seen only here this year, so mark your calendar for this perennial.

* Dec. 23: "Mary of Nazareth" (A&E), one of the cable station's "Biography" segments, exploring Jesus's mother through art, Scripture quotations and opinions by scholars.

* Dec. 24: "A Holiday to Remember" (CBS) with Connie Sellecca and Randy Travis as a divorced woman returning to her childhood home and finding her first love. Also on Christmas Eve, PBS will air "The Atlanta Symphony Gospel Christmas."

* Dec. 25: "The Christmas Box" (CBS), the second showing of last year's made-for-TV film starring Maureen O'Hara as a reclusive woman with an attic secret.

Merry viewing.

(11-28-96)

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