ARTHUR'S CHRISTMAS

As it must in the life of every series character, Christmas has come to Brown's aardvark Arthur--who looks, as it happens, more human at each installment. What's bothering earnest, considerate Arthur is what-to-give Santa! While little sis D.W., pushy as usual, keeps adding to her want-list, Arthur keeps searching for the perfect gift. Then he sees the department store Santa ordering an elaborate banana split, other Santas (all humans, various races)--whom he takes for one fast-mover--eating ""subgum chow goo"" and ""pickled peppers."" So his present for Santa will be impromptu combinations of ""Santa's favorite foods""--which D.W., and meek dog Killer, surreptitiously dispose of--lest Santa take flight and Arthur's feelings be hurt. It's a hoary, gimmicky situation--redeemed by Arthur's warm heart and D.W.'s unexpected kind-heartedness. Or, true Christmas spirit, in a trite form.