NickToons Christmas

Compiling episodes from four Nickelodeon series', this program opens with “Christmas Who” (SpongeBob SquarePants), in which our hero excitedly prepares for his first celebration of the holiday (and an appearance from St. Nick), rounding up the Bikini Bottom regulars for festivities, and then wilting when the big guy's arrival is “delayed.” The Rugrats gang celebrates the season in “Babies in Toyland” at a holiday party in Christmasland--an animatronic winter wonderland designed by Tommy's dad Stu--where Angelica attempts to spoil Dil's first Christmas and drive Santa Claus nuts, but is thwarted by Tommy and the rest of the babies, who come to the rescue in a scene inspired by The Nutcracker. Also by Rugrats co-creator Arlene Klasky is Nickelodeon Rocket Power's merry special “A Rocket X-Mas,” in which the tubular and energetic Rocket family (made up of dad Ray, sis Reggie, and bro Otto) is divided by pop's pushing of quirky traditions (paper chains, gingerbread village construction) and the youngsters' secret time-consuming dog-sitting plan to earn cash for an expensive surf longboard for dad. Finally, in The Fairly OddParents episode “Christmas Every Day,” Timmy uses fairy godparents Cosmo and Wanda to stretch his holiday glow, but ends up annoying the entire town of Dimmsdale as well as various holiday figures (such as the Easter Bunny, April Fool, and Cupid). A joyful, amusing holiday compilation, this is recommended. Aud: P. (J. Williams)