For many listeners, Handel's ''Messiah,'' Tchaikovsky's ''Nutcracker'' and Menotti's ''Amahl and the Night Visitors'' are all that's needed to celebrate Christmas. But there's a lot of other truly great holiday music to choose from. As wonderful as ''Messiah'' is, why not start some new traditions?
Here are some lesser-known seasonal pieces to get to know - with recommended recordings.
