SATURDAY NIGHT WAS MORE THAN ALRIGHT: The writers and cast of Saturday Night Live responded to the challenge of doing a Christmas special a day after the incomprehensible tragedy in Newtown, CT, with intelligence and class. The show began not with the standard opening skit but with the New York City Children's Chorus singing a stunning, beautiful rendition of "Silent Night." Regardless of whether the performance was written as a last-minute salute to the youngsters lost on Friday, or a pre-planned bit meant to bring cheer to the show's Christmas episode, the tone was pitch perfect, Rolling Stone noted. The other highlight of the episode, hosted by Martin Short, with musical guests Paul McCartney and Nirvana, was a segment titled You're a Rat Bastard, Charlie Brown. In it, Short impersonated Larry David playing Linus, Kate McKinnon impersonated Edit Falco playing Lucy, and Bill Hader impersonated Al Pacino playing Charlie. SNL matched its second-highest rating of the season, the Nov. 17 episode hosted by Jeremy Renner), behind only the Oct. 20 outing with Bruno Mars. (12/17a)