DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES - CROSS PLANNING CHRISTMAS EVE WEDDING, SAY PALS

DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES star MARCIA CROSS is planning to wed her fiance TOM MAHONEY in a Christmas Eve (24DEC05) ceremony in her native Marlborough, Massachusetts, according to pals.

Friends of the redhead beauty, who accepted the stock broker's proposal last month (AUG05), say the actress wants to return to the small town where her parents still reside for the ceremony.

A source says, "A candlelight ceremony is planned for St Matthias Church, which her parents attend faithfully. Marcia always comes home to Marlborough at Christmas, and this year will be full of joy!"

The actress' mother JANET coos of her future son-in-law, "He's a great guy! We love him. It's wonderful. And we're glad he's not in the entertainment business!"