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Disney special gives lesson on not letting greed steal Christmas

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TIMES STAFF WRITER

What happens when kids want too many presents? A new animated special, “The Boy Who Dreamed Christmas,” provides a none-too-subtle hint that rampant greed should not fuel holiday spirit.

The special begins on Christmas Eve, when a boy named Peter uses his computer skills to access his wish list so he can figure out which toys he asked for will be appearing under the tree. Little does he know that later that night he’ll be magically transported to the North Pole, where he finds Santa in a very sorry state. Because children of the world no longer are satisfied with a few special gifts and want more every year, Santa and his elves haven’t been able to meet the increased demand for toys. The result: Santa is now out of work and the greedy Toy Master has taken over Santa’s empire.

Is this a cautionary tale for the ‘90s?

“The Boy Who Dreamed Christmas,” Tuesday 8-9 p.m. Disney Channel. For all ages.

MORE KIDS’ SHOWS

Christopher Plummer narrates the rebroadcast Madeline’s Christmas (today 11-1:30 a.m. Family Channel). For 2- to 10-year-olds.

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Maurice Sendak wrote the words and Carole King performs the music for Really Rosie (today 4:30-5 p.m. KCBS), an animated special about a little girl who makes her own movie. For all ages.

2 The Children at Christmas (today 5:30-6 p.m. KCBS) reports how viewers can get involved in a local holiday toy drive for disadvantaged children. For parents.

Tiny cameras take viewers on a tour of the human body on ABC’s World of Discovery (today 7-8 p.m. ABC). Similarly, “The Miracle of Life” on Nova (Tuesday 7:30-8:40 p.m. KCET) follows the development of a fetus. For ages 10 and up.

A TV movie inspired by the famous 1897 New York Sun editorial Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus (today 9-11 p.m. ABC) stars Richard Thomas and Ed Asner and features an appearance by Charles Bronson. For ages 8 and up.

Albert Finney and Alec Guinness star in Scrooge (today 9-11 p.m. and Saturday 1-3 p.m. KCAL), the 1970 musical version of “A Christmas Carol.” For ages 10 and up.

Jessica Tandy plays a teller of children’s tales in The Story Lady (Monday 9-11 p.m. NBC). For all ages.

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A mischievous mouse makes life difficult for villagers awaiting the arrival of Santa on the rebroadcast ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (Wednesday 8-8:30 p.m. CBS). For all ages.

A special Dr. Seuss Triple Feature includes “The Butter Battle Book” (Thursday 4:30-5 p.m. TNT), “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (5-5:30 p.m.) and “The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T” (5:30-7:30). “Grinch,” will be broadcast throughout the month on TNT. For all ages.

Michael Caine narrates “King Midas and the Golden Touch” (Friday 7:30-8 p.m. Showtime), a new episode from the We All Have Tales series. Ellis Marsalis and Yo-Yo Ma wrote the music for the animated story, which is based on the Greek legend of a greedy king who learns his lesson. For all ages.

Airing as part of PBS’ Wonderworks series, “Anne of Green Gables I, Part I” (Saturday 1-3 p.m. KCET) retells L.M. Montgomery’s tale of a spunky orphan (Part II airs today 5-6:50 p.m. and next Sunday 1-3:30 p.m.). For all ages.

The new Disney special Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too (Saturday 8-9 p.m. ABC) stars that cuddly bear of very little brain, plus all of his friends. Included in the hourlong special are other Disney treats--two Donald Duck shorts and a glimpse at the making of the new film “Beauty and the Beast.” For all ages.

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