Singer Clay Aiken isn't worried about any shortage of holiday songs to perform for his Christmas show Saturday at Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville.

He has plenty of his own favorites to pick from to share with fans.

His first Christmas album, "Merry Christmas with Love," came out on Nov. 16, 2004, and immediately was hailed as a new holiday classic.

And that same season in 2004, Aiken hosted his first Christmas television special, "A Clay Aiken Christmas," airing on NBC and featuring him with special celebrity guests Barry Manilow and Meagan Mullally of "Will and Grace" fame.

In fact, when Aiken brought his Christmas concert to the Star Plaza last year, it easily sold out.

Now, for year two, Aiken said he's been trying to think of how he can add some old and new traditions to his stage show.

"My problem is, my family never really had all that many Christmas traditions that stand out in my mind," said Aiken, speaking by telephone in early November from his recording studio near his home in Raleigh, N.C.

"We did most of the usual things, but mostly, it was just a time to get everyone together."

However, one of his favorite family traditions involves food.

In early October, he was in New York appearing on Martha Stewart's daytime show "Martha," helping the kitchen diva whip up his grandma's recipe for "Hot Pineapple Salad."

"I know the recipe sounds weird and even Martha seemed a little worried about making it, but that stuff is so good," Aiken gushed.

"I think even she (Martha) was surprised. I love that recipe. We always have it for the holidays and family get-togethers."

Even though Thanksgiving was still days away at the time of The Times' interview with Aiken, he was already busy rehearsing Christmas songs with his background singers to prepare for his holiday tour.

"I'm embarrassed to say I'm really the only one who needs any rehearsing," said Aiken, punctuating his answers with a nervous giggle.

"The singers already know all of these songs, and I'm the one that needs to get them down."

When Aiken is center stage on Saturday, surrounded by singers, poinsettias and Christmas trees, he says his mind will forget everything, including his favorite foods, and focus on his music.

"We'll do a nice mix of some old-fashioned Christmas favorite songs and also some spiritual Christmas hymns, which are always at the top of the list for requests," he said.

"We want to get everyone into the spirit of the season and get them singing right along."

As for Aiken's own holiday list of things to do, like Christmas shopping and sending out his Christmas cards to all his friends old and new, including those from his "American Idol Days," Aiken said his being on tour during December gives him an excuse to be a little late sending out his cards while "on the road."

And when it comes to holiday shopping, the timing of his tour actually gives him an advantage.

"When I'm traveling from city to city, I get to visit some of the best places all over the country for shopping," Aiken said.

"I'll have all my gifts bought in plenty of time."

Clay Aiken's Grandma's Hot Pineapple Salad

1 (20-ounce) can pineapple tidbits with juice

1 cup sugar

6 tablespoons self-rising flour

2 cups grated medium-sharp cheddar cheese

1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

* Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

* In a medium bowl, combine pineapple, sugar, flour and cheese.

* Transfer salad to an 8-by-8-inch, 1-1/2-quart baking dish.

* Top with crushed crackers and drizzle with melted butter.

* Bake for 35 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Serves 8 to 10