rain at times. not expected to be completely widespread heavy downpours. notice on thursday we get a break in between systems, and then for friday and saturday we are talking about more rain and wind in our forecast. the "today" show is just ahead. we continue "today in the bay" on roku and other streaming platforms. you can watch our 7:00 a.m. newscast next and see it online at nbcbayarea.com, or even on our smartphone apps. >> merry christmas to you all out there. take the time to tell someone you love them today. have a great one, as our producer tells us he loves us. we love you, too. >> merry christmas. go . merry christmas. >> families waking up and celebrating. it is december 2 good monday morning, and merry christmas. >> families waking up and celebrating. it is december 25th. this is "today." joy to the world

it's christmas morning the start of a special day all across the globe a time of family, faith, food, and fun, and we are happier spending part of the holiday with us. monday, december 25, 2023. >> announcer: from nbc news, this is a special edition of "today" with savannah guthrie and hoda kotb from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. >> hey, everybody. good morning, and welcome to "today," and merry christmas >> merry christmas. >> merry christmas. >> we're all here, and we're so happy when you join us on this special day, christmas morning, here we go. >> we're happy to be sharing it with you we have a fun and festive morning on the way including one of our favorite traditions of the season, cardinal timothy dolan. joining us to share his christmas message. it's inspiring for people of any faith celebrating this day plus, a christmas story you

probably haven't heard on an american's experience of a old english holiday that helped popularized many of today's beloved traditions. >> it's christmas. we need music. we need a little food. >> yes >> we've got all those festive things, even recipes from the one and only martha stewart. i hope she's making her eggnog it's famous around here, but a lot coming up on that front. let's get a check of the morning's top stories. garrett haake on duty for us merry christmas. >> reporter: hey, guys, good morning, merry christmas, and good morning to you at home. this christmas day finds the united states and the world facing dire challenges to peace and stability. president biden did leave washington for the holiday, but with a long agenda of urgent matters to deal witht has a loo what's on the president's plate. >> reporter: the president spending the holiday at camp david. on saturday we saw president biden, his son hunter and

several other family members leaving the white house. the last order of business before the holiday was a phone call with prime minister from israel, benjamin netanyahu the white house saying the leaders talked about israel's military object in gaza an and precise. president biden we're told also stressed the need for help for civilians as the death toll climbs i asked president biden about a cease-fire, and he said he did not ask for one during his cal with netanyahu war sure to continue to challenge the president in the new year as the congressional bad for aid for ukraine will heat back up then. we expect to see president biden ramp up his re-electio effort he had eight fund-raisers in december alone raising more than $15 million according to a source the campaign has signaled he will start hitting the campaign trail in the new year trying to sell his vision for re-election, and taking direct aim at the presumptive republican nominee, former president donald trump. garrett?

>> thank you now to the middle east where intense fighting in the israel/hamas war has made it impossible to observe the usual christmas celebrations in bethlehem. josh lederman joins us from tel aviv with the latest including a deadly strike on a refugee camp. josh, good morning. >> reporter: good morning, garrett. around 70 people were killed overnight in the refugee camp in central gaza according to the hamas-run palestinian health ministry a nearby hospital became an outdoor morgue with white body bags lining up outside the israeli military tells us they are reviewing the incident, but it comes as israel suffers the most deadly stretch of the war. more than a dozen troops killed over the weekend and another two announced just this morning. president biden said there's no other choice now israel is also revealing new video of prime minister netanyahu conceding that israel is paying a heavy price, but he says there is just no other choice. now israel's also revealing new video of a sprawling network of tunnels it says it discovered dozens of feet under northern

gaza, complete with a shower, a toilet, electrical gear, and even a water cooler. israel says the bodies of five hostages were found inside this conflict is now increasingly spilling out of gaza and across the region with a u.s. navy ship shooting down drones launched toward it in the red sea by iranian-backed houthis. for the first time in this war, the u.s. is accusing iran itself of striking a chemical tanker in the indian ocean iran is denying that in the west bank, the festivities for christmas have all been canceled this year. people in bethlehem say their christmas wish this year is for peace. garrett? >> josh lederman, thank you. in vat vatican city, more than 6,000 peopl filled st. peter's basilica to speak about what he called the futile logic of war. the pope told his audience that in a world obsessed with power, people should turn to the real christmas message of peace and love now here's a look at your local

forecast in the next 30 seconds. we're waking up to 40s right now in san jose, 43 degrees, oakland, 40 degrees, and we do have some clouds mixed in. also, a reminder through the afternoon, a beach hazard statement will remain in effect, along with a coastal flood advisory through 11:00 a.m. we're talking about high tide with 10 and 12 feet waves. please be careful. daytime highs will be pleasant, upper 50s, low 60s. in san jose,

thank you so much. so in the spirit of christmas, we have a beloved tradition around here today, taking a moment to catch up with the archbishop of new york to explore the true meaning of this day. >> cardinal timothy dolan, merry christmas. >> savannah and hoda, this is part of my christmas tradition i thank you for inviting me into your living room for christmas morning. i couldn't think of a better place to go. by the way, thank you. >> not so bad around here. >> so christmas morning, what is your message going to be this year >> it's sort of the same every christmas because the christmas message is all about hope, life, light, promise, but it's particularly pressing this year, isn't it especially when you think of the turmoil and the trauma that's going on in the very land where the messiah was born, in the very land of the chosen people,

in the very land where god kept his promises to the people of israel and sent us a redeemer. when we see -- when we see the suffering there, you say, my lord, we need that message more than ever. when the angels sang peace on earth to all people of good will, i'm thinking, do we ever need that? >> mm-hmm. >> i don't mind telling you sometimes i'm thinking, what's taking so long >> yeah. >> what's taking so long if i go back to the -- well, i have been here 15 years, and i think every year you're kind enough to invite me. probably every christmas morning i talk about the darkness in the world because we can't avoid that we're not -- we're not so naive, but this year seems consecutive -- kind of pointed. we're worried about our city we're worried about our country. we're worried about the world, and darn it, but then i think to myself, dolan, last year we wondered, are we going to make it and here we are. and we've got that -- we kind of got that resilience, and that

upbeat part of our spirit that cannot be crushed, and doesn't that give us some hope >> it does it does. you spoke at a synagogue recently >> i did, yeah >> and i think there's something about the faiths coming together i feel like people of good faith and good will are wandering all around, yet somehow people are being othered than us. >> yeah. good point, and let's face it. this should be where religion and faith and the churches are because so often we see what pope francis calls blasphemy, a sacrilegious use of religion the cause of evil, violence, and hatred people of faith have to come together we've always done that in new york it's particularly pressing now because of our beloved jewish people i said to them in the synagogue, you know, during the holocaust, you all desperately searched for friends and people to be are -- to be with you. and i say with shame, yo didn't always find them even

among our own. we can't let that happen now we've got to walk with you we got to walk in front and behind, aside you because this could bring us together. look we have a god who can bring good out of evil, and if there is kind of a -- if there is kind of a brewing solidarity among people of good will throughout the world, as i think there is, this could be part of the good that the lord brings from this terrible evil, and that's christmas too, isn't it? that in a little crib with these poor outcast people away from home and hardly less than perfect situations, from there we have salvation. from there we have joy from there we have the savior of the world. so god can transform god can bring good out of evil, life from death. that's what christmas is about, and that's what i hope this crisis brings. >> when you think about this morning, it's a beautiful morning, and so much joy, especially if there's kids

around, people opening presents and all of that, and we love that aspect of christmas. >> yep >> how do you advise people if you want to hold onto the meaning of christmas, even if you are not of a particular faith, how do you connect with something deeper >> that's why i'm so grateful. i mean, some people snicker about, you got your christmas and easter catholics i'm saying yippee, i'm just glad they're here because they're tagging the real meaning and they're saying, there's a bit of a hole in my heart there's a bit of an empty crib within, and i need to fill it with something beyond me i need to fill it with something that is nurturing and meaningful, and if my heart is filled with that, then the rest of the year is going to be a continual opening of gifts, okay if it stops here, trouble, but that's why i'm always encouraging people -- remember the ancient tradition of the 12 days of christmas we start at christmas and go to the epiphany, 12 days after christmas kind of saying, 12 in the bible is a mystical number

of a lot so that means we need to extend this all year, and that's just not a hallmark greeting card wish that's a reality for us. >> what if people are looking out in the world, and i think there's so much that's underscored that is negative, divisive, sad. >> yep >> scary a lot of people want to lock their doors and say, you know what i'm safer in here, but there's hope out there i feel like sometimes i'm driving down the streets of new york and i see the worst part, and on this side i see the best part. >> don't you >> it's kind of where you look, but do you see more hope than despair? >> yes so part of the human perspective is we always see both. you also look at christmas you see the beaming savior of the world and you say, my god. he's born as an outcast. and ins the king wants to slaughter him and the whole family has to escape you see good and evil and we're reminded left to ourselves it leaves the chances of evil

dominating when we lot the lord in, god in, the savior in, that's when the chance of transformation comes all over the country you great people out there you have moms and dads, kids surrounding a tree, smiling, exchanging gifts looking forward to every mom and dad is sort of saying, i think this is sort of the way it's supposed to be. i think this is the way the lord intended things. we've made a mess of it. let's work on -- let's work on repair >> one of the things i know you talk a lot about -- >> you don't mind, do you? i don't know how you do this this is worth the trip >> we don't do this every day. >> i'll come all 12 days >> a final word if you would on gratitude because sometimes gratitude, it seems sort of strange, but that is when you're feeling down -- >> yeah. >> finding gratitude is a fast track. >> hot diggity the bible tells us that

gratitude is the beginning of all virtue because i say, everything i got is a gift, as is the christ child, the gift from god the father to us. everything we have is a gift don't we at christmas -- i'm thinking about who i'm thinking about mom this will be my second christmas without her. dad, grandparents, aunts and uncles okay, they've gone, but i'm so grateful they have been a part of those warm and tender meetings we celebrate on christmas morning. that's gratitude, isn't it and also, if i got everything as a gift, i ought to give some of it away, and that, of course, inspires and sparks a generosity or sharing for which this season is so celebrated >> and all the people said amen. >> amen. >> you got the red and greend g. i got the red. i know you like a chubby guy that wears red on ch >> yeah. >> i got no red. you like a chubby guy that wears red on christmas morning. >> we love you thank you so much. merry christmas. >> thanks for inviting me. you're the best.

good cookies too >> christmas and cheers as always craig, over to you thanks, guys when it comes to this year's holiday season, a theme at the nation's most famous residence, the white house is all about magic, wonder, and joy, inspired by the experiences of children nbc's kelly o'donnell has more on the festivities in washington kelly? >> reporter: good morning, craig. the trimmings of this season are a gift in themselves, and here at the white house, nearly 100 trees are glowing with ornaments. the national string of lights for all the wreaths and all the decor tops 140,000 bulbs, and as you might guess, that takes a lot of elves to assemble five days of decorating brought this year's display to life. an enchanting transformation inside the white house, drenched in color, sparkle, and floating treats and sweets. all evoking a time in our lives

when christmas was still new >> amazing >> reporter: like every first lady since jacqueline kennedy, across generations of presidential families, dr. jill biden chose the motif. >> it's this childlike marvel and awe that inspired this year's holiday theme, the magic, wonder, and joy of the season. >> reporter: dreams made of bedtime stories with a nod to the 200th anniversary of the classic " 'twas the night before christmas," and all through the house, there was indeed stirring volunteers, they did pounce. >> it is a pinch-me moment. >> reporter: from across the country --, pasted >> everything was literally hand cut, pasted, stapled >> reporter: -- 300 volunteers came to hang with care more than 33,000 ornaments. >> i think everybody will be able to relate to it and bring their inner child out. >> reporter: now dasher, now dancer, high in the grand foyer. >> like they're leaping from the

storybook's pages. >> reporter: just as captivating, the 18-foot north carolina fraser fir towering in the blue room drawing your eye down to a replica vintage train on the move, but not all things are child's play of the 98 trees, one glitters with gold stars to honor fallen service members, and the red room decorated for the military child. >> there's emotions to begin with, but it's hard not to be moved. >> reporter: not to be missed, the gingerbread white house with its 50 pounds of icing from splendid confection to south lawn recreation. a december ice rink for invited military families and first responders more of the magic, the wonder, and the joy of a white house dressed for the season so after enjoying the decorations here all month, the

first family will spend this christmas day at camp david, and then the bidens will keep a family tradition by going to the u.s. virgin islands, st. croix for the new year, and merry merry from our white house team to all of you back in the studio >> kelly o'donnell, thank you. we got a lot more ahead this christmas morning including a merry and bright story from our own harry smith celebrating the magic of the season's beloved holiday lights. and then hoda got a chance to play santa for a day, delivering a big surprise to some deserving students. just wait until you see the smiles on their faces, but first, this is "today" on nbc.

coming up, we are throwing it back to the ye old english

christmas. >> molly hunter hitched a carriage ride back in time to find out where some of today's most cherished traditions actually got their start, the american that we have to thank for them, but first, these messages ♪ it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you ♪ and provides 2-times more hydration at half the price. try curél. ♪♪ vicks vapostick provides soothing, non-medicated vicks vapors. easy to apply for the whole family. vicks vapostick. and try vicks vaposhower for steamy vicks vapors. you don't have to be a wizard to make delicious iced coffee at home. mmm...wow! that's good! (sfx: thunderclap) never gets old. (woman laughs) -want me to do it again? -no thanks. dunkin' cold. easy to make at home. stands up to ice. (son) dad. you ok? dunkin' cold. (dad) it's our phone bill! we pay for things that we don't need!

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good morning. we are moving you forward with a look at our top stories here on "today in the bay." >> first, firefighters are responding to a three alarm fire happening on el camino real in los altos.

we don't know what started the fire, but firefighters are asking people to avoid the area of north san antonio road and sherwood avenue. it's happening at a 20,000 square foot commercial building with several businesses inside. firefighters shared a photo of the flames. we were hoping to show that to you. you could see thick, black smoke coming from that building. a busy thoroughfare there near el camino real, so avoid that area. and a deadly apartment fire in the south bay is under investigation this morning. it all happened yesterday in menlo park. a two-bedroom unit on fire. firefighters rescued one person. sadly, another died from smoke inhalation. we don't know exactly what started the fire, but firefighters say the unit did not have smoke detectors, nor alarms. to a live look outside, this time from dublin. the air quality management district is asking people to not burn wood fireplaces or wood stoves. burning wood poorly impacts the

air quality. let's get a look at that forecast today. it's christmastime, looking nice, vianey. >> very nice. we're starting to see some chilly 40s, even a couple of upper 30s for the interior. take a look at san jose, about 43. walnut creek, inching closer to the 30s. your christmas day forecast will be in the 50s and 60s. you don't have worry about any rain today. we're going to get a mix of sun and clouds. 59 in hayward. if you do want to plan ahead, i want to remind folks around the coastline, we have a beach hazard in effect, along with a coastal flood advisory in place

♪ rocking around ♪ rocking around the christmas tree at the christmas party hop ♪ we're back at 7:30 with that gorgeous norway spruce right across the street shining a

little brighter on this christmas morning. it's got more than 50,000 twinkling leds among the most famous holiday lights in the world, in fact >> we've got a deeper look this morning at the festive tradition of lights that keeps us smiling through the darkest nights you decided to go back and find out what it's all about. >> think about it. this time of year, you know this seasonal adjustment disorder because the days are so short. >> yeah. >> they're only nine hours long right now versus 15 in the middle of the summer, and we are looking for light, and especially bright lights this time of year >> reporter: we love the lights at christmastime as kids, we'd load up in the car to tour the neighborhoods with the best lights. we'd ooh and aah and think this was a truly great thing to do, noses smashed against the fogged up windows in the backseat we'd roll the windows down to get a better view, especially the certain streets that were just plain superior. there was no price of admission,

no barrier to entry. it wasn't even difficult to convince someone to go nowadays, neighborhoods still compete, but the allure of the light has gone from quaint to colossal mega light displays can be found from coast to coast. the callaway fantasy show in georgia boasts 10 million lights and in kansas city, it claims it is the world's largest we also do all right here in new york 50,000 lights for one tree seems to get the job done. the season sneaks up on us warm gives way to cool, and then to cold. the foliage takes its turn too amazing ambers and burgundy and. trees and bushes bare, the sun so low on the horizon there are shadows all day long. where rust then one day they're gone. trees and bushes bare, the sun so low on the horizon there are shadows all day long where did the light go we miss it so we make up for it

we pretty much always have solstice festivals go back to the ancients from which cultures ever since have borrowed liberally. we shouldn't be surprised that hanukkah and christmas occur in december, bringing light to our darkest days so we strolled through our downtowns and gazed at the window displays and smiled at the over-the-top wonder of the annual appearance of things like this, selfie magnets, but be it candles or leds, the light warms us up inside it cheers us and reminds us there is light in the world. maybe even light within us, and especially this time of year, we should let our light shine >> and i would like to think some of the bright lights that we go out in search of come in and illuminate us on the inside. >> oh, that's a very good thought on christmas >> thank you, harry. >> we love those pants.

>> thanks, dude. >> a story on those pants? >> maybe next christmas. >> maybe next christmas we'll all get a pair can wear them. >> these are my pretend wasp pant >> did you get those from craig? >> on christmas morning. just ahead, one of our favorite traditions around here, guys get ready. it's almost time for our secret santa gift exchange. >> oh yeah >> and speaking of gifts, hoda claus spread some christmas cheer at a school in new york city she's going to remind us what the season is really all about right after this ♪ next year ♪ jerry! come see who it is! what are you doing here you said you weren't coming home! i wanted to surprise you! mom, are you coming? i'll be right in! ( ♪♪ ) this is not just 1-hour delivery. this is help with the holidays, right in your neighborhood.

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estamos de regreso en town ♪ we are back with our season of giving series. >> that's right, and hoda, you had a chance to pay a school a visit. >> i was in al's old neck of the woods. the students here are incredibly passionate about helping their community. so i wanted to do a little something for them in return, so i got to surprise more than 1,000 kids with a gift that they did not see coming, and their reaction, guys, pure joy >> be the change >> be the change >> be the change ps 124 are here to be change makers. >> we're here for the holiday troy drive. do y >> reporter: the students at psms 124 are here to be change makers. >> we're here for the holiday

toy drive. do you have any toys >> yeah. >> reporter: this school in queens, new york, has more tha 1,000 students who all share one goal, to give back to others as much as they can. >> all: happy holidays. >> reporter: be the change is their school motto and they're living up to it by helping a new cause each month a sock drive in october, a food drive in november, and now they are santa's elves collecting toys for their holiday toy drive. let's go i visited the school to meet up with these incredible students when i walked in your school, i could feel the vibe. there's something different about your school. why do you want to be the change >> if something is wrong and nobody changes it, it's just going to keep getting worse and worse, but if somebody changesl change someone's life entirely. >> i know that there are those struggling, and if they're struggling, it's a struggle that we struggle together. >> we know your generous hearts aren't just around this time of

that, it can spread kindness we should be helping each other out, and everyone deserves to be happy. >> we're collecting toys and giving them to the people who are let fortunate. >> we're making their lives a bit easier and, like, less stressful which makes all of us really proud of this whole school. >> we're doing the toy drive at the school >> reporter: at psms 124, this is a title 1 school, and many of its families are in need amy and erica spearhead faculty-wide efforts to help the kids they love. >> if we can give them any semblance of peace, love, care, i will always do that work >> reporter: staff members anonymously buy a winter coat and a holiday present for every student in need, and host a big thanksgiving feast for all the families in temporary housing. >> we were able to have the entire family staff there helping. the whole community just came together >> everything that is purchased is purchased by our staff with

their own money. >> reporter: you could say the spirit of giving echoes through the hallways here. so you collected how many toys today? >> i would say about 50-ish. >> let's go check it out come on. >> reporter: but little do they know, it's about to kick into high gear. >> that does not look like 50. >> wow >> come on in. is this more than 50 toys? >> all: yes. >> reporter: macy's and toys "r" us donated 1,000 toys to your toy drive. [ cheers and applause we actually have another surprise in an effort to help you guys help the students, macy's is giving you a $3,000 gift certificate. come on. do you love your teachers? [ cheers and applause >> reporter: meanwhile, just down the hall, hundreds of students gathered for our biggest surprise yet

what do your shirts say? >> all: be the change. >> reporter: by the way, this school is the change i am so proud of you because you guys are focused on giving things away, but you know what it is time for someone to give back to you. count down with me three, two, one. ♪ [ cheers and applause >> macy's and toys "r" us is going to give every single student in here a christmas present. ♪♪ ♪

♪ jingle ♪ jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way ♪ >> reporter: a joyous celebration of the season of giving with children who live it every single day >> all: happy holidays >> i mean, did you guys love that >> yeah. >> i saw that coming. >> we got to hear it one more time for the kids of psms 124. >> well deserved well done. >> i loved it. christmas morning at squall valley looks like this, not a whole lot of snow, but a nice, beautiful dusting, and daytime highs in the 60s. first we've got to get through the chilly 30s right now. concord 39 degrees, dublin 39, through san jose 42, oakland 44 degrees, and a reminder, we do have a high surf advisory -- i

should say a beach and that is your latest weather. >> all right, al cool just ahead, we'll give you more reasons to smile on this christmas morning. we've got a very special boost, but first, these messages. ♪ jordan's sore nose let out a fiery sneeze, so dad grabbed puffs plus lotion

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♪♪ ♪ we are back. it is that time of the morning, and hoda, you have a special christmas boost for us. >> i do indeed here we go an elementary school was putting on their annual nativity play, and a little boy named milo just could not wait to tell his mom which role he got. take a listen. >> guess what i am for the nativity i'm a classic one. >> classic role is it? classic part >> yeah. >> joseph? >> no. >> uh, one of the three wise men? >> no. >> one of the innkeepers >> no. >> um, it's a classic part >> yeah. >> okay. you tell me then because -- >> i'm door holder number three. i'll be holding doors. >> that's amazing. >> and i was, like, i'm a door holder get in there let's go yes.

>> whoa. >> yes >> that's right. a classic role >> he is excited about it. >> classic role of door holder number three milo was so excited he couldn't stop smiling he said he was going to crush it and wear brown he thought brown was the proper color to wear to be door holder number three. >> he's, like, get in there. >> who does he hold the door open for >> door holder number two maybe. >> it's the english accent we'll turn into this christmas boost to a jolly pop start. we'll reveal the top holiday songs, specials in tv in music, and what we love to listen to year after year. first, these messages. ♪ i don't need to hang my stocking ♪ gas... or abdominal discomfort... help stop the frustration and start taking align every day. align probiotic was specifically designed by gastroenterologists

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good christmas morning to you. it is 7:56. i'm laura garcia. here is a look at what's happening now. >> reporter: i'm ginger conejero saab in san the salvation army is continuing its longstanding tradition of delivering food, a christmas meal, to thousands of san franciscans on christmas morning. you can see the volunteers are ready for the cars to roll on

through, be loaded with these prepackaged meals, and be delivered to an estimated 4,000 people on christmas day. let's get a look at that christmas forecast. vianey is in this morning. looking nice? >> it does. this is my favorite camera this morning, a look at squall valley. look at the light dusting of snow. it definitely gets you in the spirit. temperature-wise, we're not cold enough for snow locally, but we're pretty cold. it's in the 30s in a lot of spots, including dublin and concord. low 40s stretching through the south bay. some areas of patchy fog still expected for the north bay. the one advisory i want to make sure folks know about is the beach hazard statement for the entire coastline, along with the coastal flood advisory. if you're headed toward the coastline, we are expecting to see high tide, 10 to 12 feet waves, so keep this in mind. it's going to remain in effect through about 11:00 a.m. never turn your back to the

ocean. temperature-wise for christmas day, 50s and 60s. we're going to get lots of sunshine, but a mix of high clouds. it will be a mix of both. no rain expected today. please go out and enjoy the sunshine. for tomorrow, we'll stay dry. looking ahead to wednesday and thursday, we are setting up for an unstable week ahead with a lot of rain in the forecast. >> sounds good. we'll just enjoy this christmas day and morning. we'll be back with another local news update in a here we go. can we land? you're old enough to do it in the sky now. but it's gross. there is no way we're landing. are you sure no one is watching? gwen mallard! do it now, or we leave without you.

ok.

♪ it's beginning to look a lot like christmas ♪ it's beginning to look a lot like christmas ♪ it's 8:00 on "today. coming up, merry christmas we're taking a look at how some of the holiday's most loved traditions got their start by sharing the tale of an old english christmas that changed

the way we celebrate today then, holiday hits counting down the greatest of all time from christmas music -- ♪ all i want for christmas is you ♪ -- to tv specials. >> we are going to turn secret santa into yankee swam -- swap. >> to the movies we remember >> 4:00, wallow in self-pity 4:30, stare into the abyss >> all the classics to get you into the spirit. plus, getting merry with martha the queen of the holidays is here with some dishes that will take your celebration to the next level and fancy and festive. ♪ fancy like christmas ♪ >> walker hayes joins us for a special performance, a holiday take on his viral hit. so grab some eggnog and gather around the tree, today, monday, december 25, 2023.

>> today's the day >> merry christmas from our family to yours. >> celebrating vince's first christmas. >> today, christmas day, it's my 60th birthday. >> celebrating christmas in new york city from madison, mississippi. >> columbia, south carolina. >> auburn, michigan. >> brownsburg, indiana >> all we want for christmas, to be on the "today" show >> merry christmas >> nothing like a holiday crowd out here welcome back holiday with us. we're happy with our bosses who actually let us tape this a little bit early. we're not here. we're with our friends, but the staff can spend extra time with their families too. >> i can't wait to open this.

>> we got a lot to get to this special christmas edition of merry christmas to garrett haake. good morning >> good morning, and merry christmas. for president biden, there is no holiday respite, from the war, and from his pressing campaign aaron gilchrist joins us good morning >> reporter: good morning. president biden spending the christmas holiday at camp david for the first time in his presidency on the saturday afternoon, we saw the president, his son, hunter, and others leaving the white house. his last order of business was a phone call with israeli prime minister benjamin netanyahu. now the white house says the leaders talked about israel's military objectives in gaza and moving to the next phase of the war which the administration has said should be more intel-driven and precise. president biden, we're told, also stressed the need to protect civilians as the death toll in gaza continues to climb. i asked the president about a ceasefire on saturday and he said he did not ask for one

during his call with netanyahu war both in israel and ukraine sure to continue to challenge the president in the new year as the congressional battle for aid for ukraine will heat back up. we also expect to see president biden ramp up his re-election effort he had eight fund-raisers in december alone, raising more than $15 million according to a source now the campaign has signaled biden will start hitting the campaign trail in the new year trying to sell his vision for re-election and taking direct aim at the presumptive republican nominee, former president donald trump garrett? >> aaron gilchrist at the white house. thank you. now to the middle east where an attack on a refugee camp punctuated a week of escalating violence israel released video of newly discovered hamas tunnels. josh lederman joins us. josh lederman joins us good morning >> reporter: one of the deadliest strikes of the gaza war so far, took place at this refugee camp in central gaza

where the hamas-run health ministry says at least 70 people were killed. israel's military tells us it is reviewing the incident, but it comes after one of the deadliest stretches of the war so far for israel with a dozen troops killed over the weekend and another two killed just this morning. israel is also releasing new video of a sprawling network of tunnels that it says it discovered under northern gaza, complete with a shower, a toilet, electrical gear, and even a water cooler. israel also says five hostages were found dead inside, and this conflict is now spilling out of gaza across the region with the u.s. navy ship shooting down drones launched toward it in the red sea by iranian-backed houthis in yemen, and for the first time in this war, the u.s. is also accusing iran directly of striking a chemical tanker in the indian ocean iran is now denying that claim, and on this christmas morning, all of the festivities in the occupied west bank and in

bethlehem have been canceled as worshippers say their christmas wish this year is for peace. garrett? currently we're in the 40s, beautiful start to our day. we have walnut creek with some clouds. in san francisco daytime highs in the upper 50s and low 60s on this christmas day. we have a coastal flood advisory in effect through 11:00 a.m. a bit. a special edition of pop start. one of the most popular holiday movies of all-time is "die hard." >> let's not get int

thank you very much. is going to take us to the heart of england for some of -- some of our favorite christmas traditions, where they got their start, and let's say molly got into the spirit of things. we'll be right back. ♪ thirty-three hundred wishes granted. four point three million meals provided. and over four hundred national parks protected. be a part of something bigger. get a new subaru during the share the love event and subaru and our retailers will donate three hundred dollars to charity. get two point nine percent apr financing on a new 2024 outback during the 2023 subaru share the love event. sometimes jonah wrestles with falling asleep... ...so he takes zzzquil. the world's #1 sleep aid brand. and wakes up feeling like himself. get the rest to be your best with non-habit forming zzzquil. ♪ ♪

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even the ground is moving for me! y'all seeing this? wild! and i don't even have to activate anything. oooooohhh... automatic sashimi! earn cash back that automatically adjusts to how you spend with the citi custom cash® card. [mind blown explosion noise] ♪ welcome back as we celebrate with you on this christmas morning, and it wouldn't be complete without a great christmas story. >> our molly hunter traveled to aston, england she traced some of the holiday traditions we hold near and dear to our hearts back to where they began. hey, molly. >> reporter: guys, good morning, and merry christmas from a part of the country known as the heart of england it's actually where many of today's modern christmas traditions took hold thanks to american author washington irving, and to learn more about old christmas, we retraced his

christmas eve footsteps traveling back in time and first by carriage. take a look. ♪ traveling by carriage through the english countryside is just the beginning. >> come, molly come in. come in from the cold. >> reporter: my companion and guide, historian richard jones, and we are on our way to christmas eve 200 years ago. >> so this is the book that washington irving wrote about his experiences. >> reporter: old christmas is a collection of stories irving wrote after a visit to england one christmas back in the 1820s. >> the coach is stashed full of hampers. there's food, games. >> reporter: loaded with hampers >> and baskets, boxes of delicacies >> hairs hung by their ears by the side of the coach. >> reporter: irving's first stop and ours, a coach unit this would have been very typical to what washington irving would have walked into. >> very much so. it's decked out and ready for christmas, and it's decked out

with evergreens, the symbol of eternal life, and there's irving preparing for a day alone on christmas day. it's not to turn out that way. he spots on old friend and the friend says, you shouldn't be spending christmas alone he says his family home is nearby why not come to the family home and partake of our christmas irving does that annoying thing to so many people do he gatecrashes their family christmas. ♪ >> aston hall. >> reporter: our resting place for the evening like irving, and what a night it would be irving would have arrived to festivities well under way >> when they get here on christmas eve, they've already heard the sound of music the servants are having their christmas. it would have been alive. >> buzzing >> people playing games. there were card games being played there were people playing all the games, and of course, there's dancing.

this place is alive with merriment. >> reporter: the merrymaking spilled into every corner of the house, and upstairs too in the grandest room of all >> well, this is the long gallery, and it's an incredible place. this is the place where the family came to take exercise in the cold, wet months this is a symbol the longer your gallery, the higher your status >> reporter: in the end, irving was shown to a guest room and a four-poster bed. >> and he hears music outside the windows and there's a band and they're singing carols beneath his window. >> and that's what puts him to sleep? >> it puts him into a sleep on christmas eve. >> reporter: the next day, a clear, frosty christmas morning much like we got some 200 years later. >> he was walking the grounds. you can imagine the dogs trotting alongside them, and they're just taking in the cold

christmas morning air, building towards the highlight of the day. >> reporter: the main event, of course, the lavish christmas feast. >> this is where that christmas meal would have been held, and the butler carries it in on a silver tray, a boar's head this is the boar's head ceremony and you can't have the christmas dinner without having the boar's head first. >> that did not make its way to my side of the atlantic. >> reporter: no boar's head these days, but so many of the christmas traditions he did observe, have migrated our direction across the pond. as we leave these merry ghosts of christmas past, it's impossible to imagine today's modern holiday without irving's inspiration. this american writer offered up a how-to manual for christmas, planting those festive seeds all those centuries ago. i learned so much on my festive time travel, but washington irving stayed right here at aston hall has inspired

generations on both sides of the atlantic, and really helped shape the modern-day christmas that so many of us know and love, and i'll send it back to you guys on a very chilly christmas morning here in england with a very merry christmas. >> all right, molly. thank you. all right, guys. it is time it's time for our annual secret santa session. >> i love it what were the rules, guys? we put our names in a bowl now we get to reveal who we picked i think we had a budget. >> we did. >> $4. >> craig, i'll start i drew your name >> i hit the lottery >> those at home, we don't know who drew who or what's what. >> that's it right there. >> what was the budget >> $25 >> i thought it was 50 bucks >> close enough. >> it was 50 some people went over. >> i hope you went over. >> i hope i did too. i think i did maybe slightly >> oh! >> oh, i know what that is

>> it's an ice cube maker. >> it's a south carolina -- y'all. >> you can make south carolina ice cubes. >> it's such a great -- >> guthrie >> and they're the big cubes for your bourbon. >> he likes bourbon. >> no water. >> that's okay well done. >> i'm so glad >> that's a gift >> yay >> am i supposed to? >> yeah. >> i picked you. >> you did >> i drew hoda's name, and i got you something you'll use at some point. >> i'll use? >> yesn here. >> i'll look in here what oh my god, it's a journal with my -- >> it's a journal. i know you love to journal and the only thing you probably enjoy more than journaling is your family. >> i can't believe that you did that that was so sweet. >> merry christmas >> thank you oh my gosh that is awesome. >> he bought it for $20 and pocketed the other $30. >> facts nothing wrong with that. >> that was a segment we did on

the third hour >> my turn so i picked carson before you open it, i just want you to know that carson loves a beautiful-smelling space >> i do. i do >> you love it that's for your present. >> i walk into a room and light things on fire i like the vibes that's so sweet. >> you like it >> i like the mood, yes, i do. look at this >> these are some manly scents that go -- you're going to put that in your dressing room >> okay. >> you put your manly scent here, and you hit a button andi. >> that's so you. >> awesome. >> merry christmas. >> i do love to set the scene though. >> i drew uncle al. about six months ago, you had a nice new addition, so i thought this could be something you

could be rocking for pop it will squirt out a little bit >> what does that say? >> the grandfather >> that's fantastic. >> that's beautiful. when they're picking apples or having a sleepover, you can let people know who's boss >> thank you, buddy. i appreciate it. >> and so savannah, that leaves you. last but not least it's not just for you, but for your family, and i think the kids will come to appreciate it. >> are you kidding me? >> how did you get this done this is priceless. >> it's a website that simpsonizes you. >> that really looks like us except for -- >> it's well done. >> that's incredible thank you. there's the original photo oh my gosh. >> you can really get a website to design it >> to be honest, full disclosure, courtney did that for me a couple of years ago i've got it in our kitchen it's -- our family of the simpsons >> i'm in love with it that is really fun. >> we've done secret santas before

this may be our best. >> i think so. >> well done, guys >> all right >> the only thing that could perhaps top it is -- >> the best time of the christmas morning, pop start >> the party is going over here. >> let's go. we got a special holly jolly edition for you. all our stories are saint nick approved today is one of the last to fire up your favorite christmas songs. we are going to start by looking at billboard's ranking for the top three christmas albums of all-time the first one is a classic that people might be surprised is sitting at three not number one the queen of christmas, and her quintessential album "merry christmas," which of course, features the song of the season. ♪ ♪ baby, all i want for christma is you ♪ >> i mean, you're wondering, what could be number one

it's nbc so, we had to have fallon at two and hoda at one. there you go no, no that's not what it is. when it comes to merry music, it is hard to top mariah, since its debut in 1994. "all i want for christmas is you" has spent so much time at the top 100, but that was number three. let's move on. mariah, the queen of christmas this next guy's got to be the king of christmas, michael buble. he has number two with his 2011 album simply titled "christmas." so many chart-topping hits on this one including "holly jolly christmas," "christmas baby please come home," and this one. ♪ it's beginning to look a lot like christmas everywhere you go ♪ >> wow >> beautiful like butter.

>> buttery buble the greatest christmas album of all-time is, uncle al, "a charlie brown christmas. if you don't think anything is sacred anymore, it is. not only did this trio gave us the iconic holiday tunes back in 1965, the sound track. who could forget these dance moves? >> that's right. >> when i think of the holidays, i think of this from our childhood. >> i agree with that list. if you plan on cozying up for yuletide binge watching, the lineup of the best tv hits in history. what made the nice list? we'll start off with season two of "the office," where michael scott didn't quite understand the true meaning of christmas. >> presents are the best way to show someone how much you care it is, like, this tangible thing that you can point to and say, hey, man i love you this many dollars'

worth. >> that is too good. next up in the spirit of sitcoms, ew rated this "friends" moment as one of the greatest. >> what are you doing here, weird turtle man >> i'm the holiday armadillo, your part jewish friend. >> ah, yes who could forget about santa's long lost bff, the holiday armadillo? we're not sure where that costume never caught on. here's one that debuted earlier this year. this cameo-crazy episode of "the bear." >> why the seven fishes? >> oh my god what is up with everyone today i'm just trying to make a nice thing. >> why do you even do it >> because it's based on people who left italy to find new dreams and home. >> the seven fishes is not even close. there are sevens all over the bible. sacraments, virtue, making

people feel like -- raging, pouting, screaming making scenes, you know, all the italian classics >> i don't even know how they got a camera in that kitchen to shoot that scene it's so kinetic and so chaotic and crazy and it puts you right in the middle of it and the casting for that episode was an all-cameo cast you saw jamie lee curtis and bob odenkirk sarah paulson and john mulaney as well. that is going down in tv history. >> it's not a feel-good. >> it's worth checking out if you have time. and here's one more episode packed with holiday spirit nonetheless. >> the tradition of festivus begins with the airing of grievances i got a lot of problems with yo it. you -- >> scene-stealer jerry stiller giving us a holiday we didn't know we people now you're going to hear about it you -- >> scene-stealer jerry stiller giving us a holiday we didn't know we needed very happy festivus. >> bring it out. >> and finally, guys, we're taking a look at the highest

grossing holiday movies. this is according to imdb. number three jim carrey's 2000 take on "how the grinch stole christmas," directed by ron howard apparently shooting this family favorite was not easi. it took eight hours to do just the layering of the makeup on his first day of production giving a whole new meaning to it ain't easy being ain't easy being green next up, people love this grumpy green guy with a heart of gold, the universal pictures 2018 animated version. this is "the grinch. this time benedict cumberbatch played the menace of whoville, and this opened with more than $67 million in box office sales. all right. any guesses as to which christmas classic has the biggest earnings of any festive flick? anybody? >> "die hard." >> let me give you a small clue here take a look. ♪

>> ah! >> that's right, macaulay caulkin going back to the 1990, th original "home alone," number one. >> still the best. what a great christmas pop start. >> thank you need some eggnog after that. just ahead, guys, you wouldn't believe how good it smells here this morning thanks to martha stewart who is here with recipes for candied bacon i knew we smelled bacon all morning. >> merry christmas. >> she'll help us create a special christmas brunch fair warning, she comes bearing a gift her famous eggnog. ♪ you would be there too ♪ ♪ under the mistletoe ♪

♪ we're back on this christmas morning, monday, december 25, 2023, and there you see our beautiful girl, the rockefeller christmas tree looking lovely. >> yes beautiful. in fact, we'll meet the family that donated that magnificent norway spruce and take a look back at how the tradition of all the trees in rockefeller center started. plus, she's not just the queen of thanksgiving, y'all martha stewart has some festive menu ideas for christmas too, including chris kringle bread pudding. have we mentioned the eggnog has anyone been into the eggnog so far >> not yet also a performance that you will love. you'll be singing along with

walker hayes it's a "fancy like beautiful live look at tahoe. look at the light dusting of snow on this christmas morning. we can expect dry conditions throughout the bay area, but we are seeing 30s on the map. we're down to about five miles visibility in livermore and that is your local weather. >> all right, and that is your local weather. >> all right, buddy. thank you. we hope you are enjoying your christmas morning we sure are here, but hopefully with the tree lighting up your home we're lucky enough to have one here on a huge scale outside our window. >> joe fryer is here with the symbol of the holiday season

here in new york hey, joe. >> reporter: good morning, merry christmas. good to see you all. that giant norway spruce plays a big part of bringing this to new york this family graciously donated their tree bringing christmas cheer to millions of people. when matt and jackie moved into their new york home in 2019, they paid little attention to the giant tree towering over their driveway >> we had a whole punch list of things that needed to get repaired, things that we wanted to update or remodel, and frankly the tree was just kind of in the background >> reporter: but someone else did take notice, rockefeller center's head gardener >> a guy gets out and says, my name's eric. i'm here to look at your tree and i was, like, do you, like,

understand how crazy you sound right now? >> reporter: they couldn't have known he was a rockefeller christmas tree legend having personally discovered each tree for the last 30 years. >> i googled him and realized and i quickly texted matt, this is legitimate. we thought they were dating a lot of other trees, that maybe ours would be considered and then as the date got closer and closer, we realized that, in fact, we probably did have the rockefeller center tree. >> reporter: they knew they wanted to be part of the special tradition. donating the tree hoping it brings joy during a busy and sometimes emotional season. >> this is not about us, but it's about being of service to chance to go and make memories by the tree, and for those like us who have had loss, to go back to that space and remember the people that they love -- >> reporter: they will be

remembering matt's mother who passed away four years ago. >> i think she would think it other people, giving them that i keep having this feeling of, like, who am i not telling about this there's somebody that i should be -- that i feel like i ought to tell, and it's her, you know? i was able to reach out to her best friend, and that person will be with us on the day of the cutting. >> reporter: their two kids will be at the tree cutting too, zoey age 12 and charlie age 9, admitting the hardest part was keeping their tree star status hidden until the big reveal. >> i'm bad at secrets, but i have been able to keep this one. >> reporter: the tree stands 80 feet tall it will become a part of new york history with 50,000 l.e.d. lights making it shine bright as a symbol of the holiday season the deeply rooted tradition of the rockefeller tree goes all the way back to 1931 when a christmas tree was put up by the construction workers building rock center. today, more than 100 million

people visit the plaza each year to see the world famous tree the family says they're proud that tree from their own yard is playing a special role. >> matt's mom used to always emphasize joy, and so that idea of joy in matt's face is really exciting >> three, two, one light her up [ cheers and applause >> reporter: and when the tree was lit, that joy filled the space at rockefeller center and beyond and the tree has most definitely been bringing joy to people all around the world here's my favorite part of this story. matt says a week before rockefeller center showed up at their door to say, we like your tree, that his brother looked at the tree and said, that looks like a rockefeller center tree a week later, the gardener shows up and says, i would like to look your tree. >> manifested. >> exactly >> joe, thank you. up next, we're having christmas breakfast with the one

and only martha stewart. we're talking about candied bacon and our favorite eggnog on the planet it's called uber nog because that's what u need after you yoha my name's dan and i live here in san antonio, texas. i ran my own hvac business and now i'm retired. i'm not good being retired. i'm a pain in the neck. i like to be able to have a purpose. about three or four years ago, i wasn't feeling as if i was as sharp as i used to be. i saw the prevagen commercials. after a short amount of time taking prevagen, i started noticing a difference-- that i'm remembering this, i'm remembering that. i stopped taking prevagen and i found myself slacking back so i jumped right back on it. prevagen. at stores everywhere without a prescription.

and we're back now with a holiday edition of "today" food, and we've found a special guest under our tree she passed out there last night after our party. martha stewart is here and she's back with a batch of festive treats that are so easy and delicious, you'll want to make them a part of your annual tradition. thanks for getting up and being here. >> good morning. oh, yes. it's a pleasure. that eggnog was -- >> it's legendary. you see my nickname for your eggnog uber because that's what you need to call after you have a glass. >> and please do. >> what are we doing >> we're making a chris kringle bread pudding. >> okay. >> it's not really bread exactly because i don't use bread in it.

i use either a beautiful chala, brioche, or other. >> what do you mean you don't use bread? >> i don't buy just a loaf of white bread in the grocery store. i use a fancy bread. >> of course >> the one's affordable kind of, and then this one's too expensive. i would eat that rather than make bread pudding >> i'll give you the benefit of the doubt. >> dried food is so good for you and naturally sweet, no sugar. half a cup of cognac >> that's good >> three-quarters of a cup of warm water, and seven ounces of prunes, apricots, peaches, pears. >> can't leave the house, al. >> let that sit overnight. >> what is that doing overnight? what is this called? >> just overnight >> it soaks it up. >> this is a method? what is this called? >> just overnight soak you macerate the fruit it soaks up those cognac smells. do you smell it? >> yes >> delicious you can have a sip you need 12 egg yolks. we have to make a custard. >> those are beautiful eggs undoubtedly from your farm in

the hamptons >> not in the hamptons in bedford. >> bedford >> yeah. you add to that scrapings of a vanilla bean these are getting rarer and rarer. >> is there a shortage >> there's a shortage -- i think there's an overdemand of have -- of pure vanilla beans. >> why aren't you growing those in bedford >> i have a vanilla orchard right now. two cups of half and half, five cups of heavy cream. you got one vanilla bean and two cinnamon sticks are all in here, and you bring this milk up to almost a boil. whip those -- whip those yolks with a whisk >> beautiful >> then temper the egg yolks with a little bit of this warm custard. you mix while i pour. >> okay. >> you just want temper. you don't want to curdle the egg yolks. >> this is tempering. >> tempering, bringing that

to -- not to a boil. you don't ever want to boil this custard. you just want to heat it almost to boiling, but see how pretty it is? >> that's gorgeous. >> we're going to let that -- we have one already made, and it gets -- >> santa claus what did santa bring you in bedford? did you get a new trough for the horses >> no. i got a deer >> a deer? i knew it would be good. >> garden ornaments, a large deer with antlers made out of cement, you know. >> be careful if blake shelton visits. >> we have a loaf of brioche, and then this, custard goes over all that bread. >> is this one of the things that croutons this, bread could be day-old bread does that work here? >> not necessarily i don't dry mine out i just cut them up, and -- that's the finished pudding. we're done already >> i got to get to the candied bacon. >> you add the fruit you add the fruit. you put it in a bowl that's been buttered and sugared >> one minute.

>> and cover it with parchment paper. do you know the secret about parchment? >> staple it >> there's another secret. you soak it in water, and then it goes -- >> it's more malleable >> it goes over the bowl, see? you don't have to crinkle it or anything and put a rubber band look feel this. it's like a drum it dries like a drum >> saran wrap. >> then the bacon, brown sugar, cayenne pepper 350-degree oven. this is what it looks like i love candied bacon so much >> some people tend to overdo the candied bacon. >> this -- don't forget pierre luiji. that's $95 it's worth it. oh my gosh you have to try it. >> what if i drink all of this >> you would not feel well >> it's a christmas long island iced tea what's in it >> bourbon, cognac, rum. that's it. >> that's for starters. >> she's going in alphabetical order. >> lots of heavy cream and lots

of eggs. use farm fresh eggs by the way, and my mother's sour lemon sauce. >> check out by the way, all -- 14 new shows on roku go to today.com/food thanks to you. today.com. martha's holidays, martha cooks and martha's gardens are streaming as well. from a festive food to a festive performance, guys, we're about to get "fancy like christmas" with walker hayes coming up.

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there are trucks, and then there's the gmc sierra... available with the connected driving experience.... and the world's first six-function multipro tailgate. gmc sierra. it's the truck. or just in time for the holidays, get $8,000 total value for current eligible gmc owners. that's 15% below msrp on select 2023 sierra models. we... are professional grade. gmc. ♪ series the citi music series by "today" is proudly presented to you by citi. >> we're back on this christmas morning with a special edition of our citi music series and yet another reason for hoda kotb to be smiling bigger than usual. >> this is your secret santa present actually if you know hoda, you know that "fancy like" -- it had to be one of your top songs.

>> it was. >> walker hayes was, like, what if we turned it into a christmas song the original spent more than six months at billboard number one >> now walker is out with a festive take on his smash song and performing it for us with "fancy like christmas," here is walker hayes ♪ >> come on, come on. ♪ christmas is back, y'all, bells in the track, y'all ♪ ♪ mall santa scaring babies in his lap, y'all ♪ ♪ my baby's cozy, she mistletoe me, and she be slaying that mariah karaoke ♪ ♪ and all the starbuckers in th line say ♪ ♪ put some peppermint mocha in my latte ♪ ♪ still we fancy like christmas around a fake tree ♪ ♪ nutcracker on a mantle and a candy cane candle ♪ ♪ get your eggnog with your

fruitcake ♪ ♪ go, jesus it's your birthday ♪ ♪ bougie like blowups in the front yard ♪ ♪ hoping santa going to leave a applebee's gift card ♪ ♪ in my stocking even though we getting naughty all night ♪ ♪ that's how we do ♪ ♪ fancy like christmas, fancy like christmas ♪ ♪ fancy like christmas, fancy like christmas ♪ ♪ got matching jammies on ♪ ♪ we watching "home alone" ♪ ♪ yeah, you know apple finna drop another iphone ♪ ♪ traffic's obnoxious, dad's at the office ♪ ♪ he got to pay for mama's amazon boxes ♪ ♪ and all the starbuckers in th line say put some peppermint mocha in my latte ♪ ♪ i say we fancy like christmas around a fake tree ♪ ♪ nutcracker on a mantle and a candy cane candle ♪

♪ get your eggnog with your fruitcake ♪ ♪ go jesus, it's your birthday ♪ ♪ bougie like blowups in the front yard ♪ ♪ hoping santa going to leave a applebee's gift card ♪ ♪ in my stocking even though we getting naughty all night, that's how we do, how we do ♪ ♪ fancy like big buck on the wall with a red nose on it ♪ ♪ leg lamp with some fish net hose on it ♪ ♪ so many lights we got the neighbors and the breakers tripping ♪ ♪ girl, that ugly sweater got m grinch-grinning ♪ ♪ like kids better hit the hay fast y'all ♪ ♪ 'less you want to seema ma kissing daddy claus ♪ ♪ still we fancy like christmas around a fake tree, nutcracker on the mantle and a candy cane candle ♪ ♪ get your eggnog and your fruitcake ♪ ♪ go jesus, it's your birthday ♪ ♪ bougie like blowups in the front yard ♪ ♪ hoping santa going to leave a applebee's gift card in my stocking even though we getting naughty all night ♪ ♪ that's how we do ♪

♪ fancy like ♪ [ applause ] >> few would have told me they approved "fancy like," i would have said no way walker's album "new money" is out now. we are back in a moment, but first, this is "today" on nbc.

♪ welcome back best christmas songs ever. >> we crank it up, get the nog out. we're so happy that you spent part of your christmas morning with us. this is a day about traditions, about joy, and every year we like to wrap things up on our own with a toast to our "today" family shall we >> yes get on the air, would not be possible if not for >> we have the best staff on earth. this show would not get on the air, would not be possible if not for everyone in our studio, our writers, producers, crew they're really like family to us and we love them >> yep >> so from all of us to all of you, we want to thank you for everything we love you. >> we love you merry christmas.

>> merry christmas ♪ ♪ when you're feeling low and you just don't know where to run to ♪ ♪ and broke, if your heart's been broken, you feel like you're all alone ♪ ♪ if you need something to believe in ♪ ♪ if you are looking for a ligh to guide you home ♪ ♪ just look inside, your light' shining brighter than you know, and you should know ♪ ♪ i'm never going to let you down, always going to build you up ♪ ♪ when you are feeling lost, i will always find you, love ♪ ♪ never going to walk away, always going to have your back ♪ ♪ and if nothing else, you can

always count on that ♪ ♪ when you need me, i will be here ♪ ♪ i'll be here, i'll be here ♪ ♪ i'll be here ♪ ♪ ooh, ooh ♪ ♪ laugh, i will make you laugh if you ever feel like crying ♪ ♪ close, i will hold you close e in ♪ ♪ if you are reaching for a hand to guide you home ♪ ♪ just take my hand, and i won't let you go because you should

know ♪ ♪ i'm never going to let you ♪ you won't be alone anymore ♪ ♪ when you're feeling lost, i will always find you, love ♪ ♪ never going to walk away, always going to have your back ♪ ♪ and if nothing else, you can ♪ when you need me, i'll always count on that ♪ ♪ when you need me i will be here ♪ ♪ i'll be here, i'll be here ♪ ♪ i'll be here ♪ ♪ i'll be here, i'll be here ♪ ♪ i'll be here ♪ ♪ ♪ if you need something to

believe in ♪ ♪ if you feel you've reached th end of the road ♪ ♪ don't be afraid, i'll always guide you home ♪ ♪ and you should know i'm never going to let you down ♪ ♪ always going to build you up ♪ ♪ when you're feeling lost, i will always find you, love ♪ ♪ never going to walk away ♪ ♪ always going to have your back ♪ ♪ and if nothing else, you can always count on that ♪ ♪ when you need me, i will be here ♪ ♪ i'll be here ♪ ♪ i'll be here ♪ ♪ ♪ i'll be here, i'll be here, i'll be here ♪

good morning. merry christmas. it is 8:56. i'm laura garcia. firefighters responding to a fire in los altos on el camino real. firefighters shared a photo of flames and smoke coming from the building. it's a commercial building with several businesses inside. happening now, san francisco police are investigating an incident on a muni bus yesterday.

this morning on the third hour of "today," honey, we're home we're busy bees in our latest buddy up adventure. >> the bees are your friends. >> see what happens when the four of us visit a different kind of farm