WORTH NOTING ON TV
This guide is designed to alert readers to the scope and variety of programming. Listing is not meant to represent blanket endorsement. Viewers are urged to be selective. FRIDAY Christmas With Flicka (PBS, 9-10 p.m.): ``Great Performances'' follows Frederica von Stade and two children through a day of traditional holiday activities in an Austrian village. Melba Moore and Julius Rudel join in the carols and storytelling. A Christmas Calendar (PBS, 10-11 p.m.): Loretta Swit hosts a visit to German locations of some best-loved Christmas traditions.
SATURDAY Tibet: The Lost Mystery (A&E/cable, 9-10 p.m.): A journey to the real Shangri-La.
SUNDAY Christmas Comes to Willow Creek (CBS, 9-11 p.m.): Warmhearted seasonal drama about feuding brothers (John Schneider and Tom Wopat) in small Alaska town.
MONDAY The Little Match Girl (NBC, 8-10 p.m.): Keshia Knight Pulliam of ``The Cosby Show'' plays the homeless child who brings the gift of love to a powerful family in the Hans Christian Andersen parable. Sticky, seasonal fare. Christmas in Washington (NBC, 10-11 p.m.): Country-music star Barbara Mandrell hosts this annual holiday musical special. In Search of Love With Leo Buscaglia (PBS, 10-11 p.m.): The best-selling author visits people who have transformed others with their generosity, understanding, and love.
TUESDAY Kodo: Heartbeat Drummers of Japan (PBS, 9-10 p.m.): A unique group of young musicians and dancers perform to drumming. Coach (PBS, 10-11 p.m.): A look at the effect on college players of coaches Joe Paterno and Rollie Massimino.
WEDNESDAY A Child's Christmas in Wales (PBS, 8-9 p.m.): Drama based on Dylan Thomas's poem. Top of the Pops: A Very Special Christmas (CBS, 8-9 p.m.): Pop artists like U2, Sting, and John Cougar Mellencamp perform holiday songs, recorded on a benefit album for the Special Olympics. Moyers: God and Politics - Paradise Restored (PBS, 9-10 p.m.): Final segment of three-part series explores a potent Christian movement in a world in which the Bible is the basis for all government.
THURSDAY Handel's ``Messiah,'' with Robert Shaw and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. (PBS, 8-9 p.m.): Title tells it all. The Magic Flute (A&E/cable, 8:30 p.m.): Glyndebourne production of Mozart's opera, with sets designed by David Hockney. Carols From King's (PBS, 9-10 p.m.): The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols with the choir of King's College in Cambridge, England.
Listings are in Eastern time; other zones may vary. Please check listings for all PBS programs, since local option often results in differing days and times.