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.