Surfing on the Yuletide

For some, the holiday season can be a trial of sorts. There are cards to send, gifts to buy, vacations to coordinate, homes to decorate, children's recitals to attend, relatives to board, turkeys to cook, weight gain to avoid, Santas to visit, religious services to attend, Hanukkah candles to light, presents to wrap, and devising a way to see both sets of parents over 24 hours and across 11 states.

Relax. At least you know that with seven productions at various times and venues in Orange County this season, you're not going to miss "The Nutcracker."

But if you do, here are some other ways to celebrate the season of joy, charity and goodwill to all:

Anaheim

In addition to lavish holiday decorations, Disneyland presents a new fireworks show, "Believe . . . in Holiday Magic." Also featured are the holiday parade, "A Christmas Fantasy;" live jazz entertainment in New Orleans Square; and a Yuletide spin on the "It's a Small World" attraction. Admission is $33-$43. Special entertainment continues through New Year's Eve at Disneyland, 1212 Harbor Blvd. (714) 781-4565.

Avoid holiday themes with the "Non-Christmas December Show," at the Chance Theater, featuring three short plays. Dec. 9-23: Saturdays and Sundays, 5 p.m. $10-$12. 5576 E. La Palma Ave. (714) 777-3033.

"Holiday Magic," featuring the Buckingham Toy Soldier Brass Band, will be performed at the Sun Theatre. Dec. 10, 15, 17-19 and 21, 7 p.m. $39.50-$42.50. Also Dec. 10 and 17, 1:30 p.m. $32.50-$38.50. 2200 E. Katella Ave. (714) 712-2700.

The Sunrise Ballet Theatre presents "The Nutcracker." Dec. 10, 2:30 p.m.; Dec. 16, 4:30 p.m.; Dec. 17, 2:30 p.m. at Servite High School Theater, 1952 W. La Palma Ave., Anaheim. $10. (714) 630-3223.

At the 16th annual "Christmas Through the Eyes of a Child," sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps and Toys for Tots, Santa will be on hand to deliver toys for needy children. Dec. 16, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the West Coast Hotel, 1855 S. Harbor Blvd. (714) 288-5600.

Brea

The Curtis Theatre presents "Christmas in a Celtic Land" a program of Irish folk music and dance. Dec. 8-9, 8 p.m. at the Brea Civic and Cultural Center, 1 Civic Center Circle, plaza level. $17-$27. (714) 990-7722.

"The Forgotten Carols" will be performed by folk singer Glenn Yarbrough. Dec. 10, 2 and 8 p.m. at the Curtis Theatre, Brea Civic and Cultural Center, 1 Civic Center Circle, plaza level. $17-$27. (714) 990-7722.