Directing a variety show with a cast and crew of 60 people may sound like a big job.

But Shirley Kintner tells a different story. In her second year directing Little Ole Opry’s Country Christmas show, which runs next weekend at Little Theatre on the Bay, Kintner says she’s amazed at how easy it is.

“It runs itself,” Kintner said. “Everybody has a job and they know it. That somebody gets credit for it is just laughable.”

Of course, not everyone who has occupied her seat in the last 15 years would agree that it’s easy. While Kintner acknowledges she has a lot of help, she downplays the effect her infectious enthusiasm for the show has in recruiting that help, or how her extensive planning since August smooths the way toward the Dec. 5 opening.

“I have a lot of energy,” Kintner conceded. “I love bringing people together.”

Family involvement also helps, Kintner said, describing the numerous people who have followed members of their families into working on the show.

Popularity built over the years will bring sellout crowds to the 16th-annual show, making it a priority to reserve tickets, which are now available online, early.

Though the show is billed as a country music variety show, Kintner described it as a good mix of country, traditional Christmas songs and black gospel, dance-in-the-aisle tunes, referring to performances by her daughter, Hannah Kintner, and Alyssa Birrer.

Kintner detailed some of the show’s highlights:

• Kelly Coolen will repeat a performance of “O Holy Night” that got a standing ovation two years ago.

• Josie Reid and her grandson Shon Mobley will perform “Little Drummer Boy” in one of the more theatrical numbers, featuring a harmonica-playing Bill Binnewies as an old shepherd and 7-year-old Gabriel Presad as the little drummer.

“He’s such a good drummer,” Kintner added. “He’s been playing since he was 3.”

• The show marks the return of Brad Barnett, 25, who is back in the area after seven years away.

“(Emcee) Ron Nance always called him the heartthrob of Opry,” Kintner said.  “The girls just loved him.”

• Barnett may have some competition in that department, with more younger guys in the cast this year, including some of the dancers. Singers Austin Thompson and Clint Guevara have become regulars, and Trevor Berrian joins the lineup for a performance of “Hallelujah” from the “Shrek” soundtrack.

• There are a few other new performers, including Rebecca Allen, Charlene Brigham and Dennis Young.

• Bandleader Dave Ford will impersonate Elvis on “Santa Bring My Baby Back To Me.”

• And the Young Bucs will give an a cappella performance of “Let It Snow.”

There are also dances, led by Kayla Fletcher, and comedy sketches, directed by Jill Hanson.