Blue's Clues - Blue's Big Holiday [VHS]
If sleuthing, not Santa-stalking, is the name of your 2- to 5-year-old's  game, grab your scarf and settle in forBlue's Big Holiday, a festive  double feature that doesn't dissolve into folkloric fluff. The title episode  arranges itself gently around December's gift-giving trifecta. Steve and Blue,  off delivering presents, pick up on some peculiar goings-on at the homes of  their pals: At Wynonna Judd's, a tree twinkles in the living room; at Lisa  Datz's, candles symbolizing a miracle burn brightly; and at Tyrese's, corn and a  cup, tokens of community togetherness, create a curiosity-arousing tableau. Who  knew Blue hung out in such swanky celebrity circles? No matter--they're a mere  sideshow here. The mystery we're meant to tackle is not who celebrates what and  why, but which patch Blue wants to add to her holiday quilt. "A Snowy Day" also  circumvents the seasonal trappings in favor of a romp through the white stuff.  Before bundling up, though, Steve will need to get to the bottom of what Blue  wants to play (hints: a carrot and a snowball factor in). He'll also have to  skidoo into a calendar to fix an inappropriate winter scene (swimsuits in the  snow?) and match some falling snowflake patterns for Mr. Salt and Mrs. Pepper.  What's best about this collection is its bold choice to go against the holiday  herd and bag the moralizing. Instead of getting all wrapped up in the dog days  of December, it keeps its concept on a short leash, which means plenty of  skill-builders and problem solving. It's perfect for preschool fans of the show, and  parents hoping to head off the annual hoopla with calm, low-key holiday fare.--Tammy La Gorce