there he is! >> just leaving taiwan. >> we'll be back for our midday newscasts at 11:00. and of course local news updates. the weather looking good for getaway day, and the record 115 million americans hitting the roads and heading to the airports, but there is some trouble brewing. what you need to know w about a major post holiday snowstorm. turbulence at the top. boeing's embattled ceo fired over his handling of the 737 max crisis. the fleet grounded indefinitely after those two deadly crashes. just ahead, the challenges facing the airline makers new man in charge. breaking overnight, back home, that baby kidnapped in texas finally reunited with her father as the little girl's mother is remembered at an

emotional vigil. ♪ i once was lost >> those stories, plus royal release, prince phillip leaving a london hospital this morning just in time for christmas with the queen while baby archie takes center stage on his parents' holiday card. still shopping? your best options today for finding those very last-minute gifts. >> and holiday sing-along. ♪ there is just one thing i need ♪ >> savannah and hoda joining a star-studded tribute celebrating 25 years of mariah carey's "all i want for christmas is you." ♪ is you, you baby >> today, tuesday, december 24th, 2019. from nbc news, this is

and hoda kotb, live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. and welcome to "today," thank you so much for joining us on this christmas eve morning. kristen welker in for savannah and hoda all week. >> merry christmas eve to you, and how about that video with savannah and hoda. they're having so much fun. i love that. i could watch that all morning long. >> if you know anything about either of them, you know that's just like a random wednesday night for them. >> they were having fun. >> getting together and singing like that. speaking of christmas eve this morning, we're going to start with a last minute dash to get home for the holiday, and you will have plenty of company out there with a record number of travelers ready to brave the roads and skies but at least the weather is cooperating. dylan is going to have our forecast in just a moment, but we start this morning with nbc's kathy park who's on a crowded highway in new jersey. kathy, good morning. >> reporter: hey, craig, good

morning to you. millions are on the move today by car, plane or train, and a record number of people will be driving to their destinations. so experts say be prepared for delays, especially at the end of the week. holiday travel has been anything but smooth in parts of the southeast. heavy rain flooded roads in charleston and parts of south florida, temporarily closing the airport in ft. lauderdale monday morning. dozens of flight delays when passengers were stuck and lines began growing. >> they said it was delayed by two hours, and then we switched flights on the app, and now we really don't know what's going on. >> reporter: more than 115 million americans are expected to travel this holiday season, an all time high, and at least 100 million of them will be driving to their destinations, including this mom who's traveling with kids. >> definitely have a lot of activities and tablets are great and videos and just things to do along the way. >> reporter: experts say congestion on the roads will be

lighter than normal with people extending their time off and break but later this week, travel times on the roads may double or even triple in some major cities between 4:00 and 6:30 p.m. nearly 7 million passengers are choosing to fly during the holidays, so prepare for packed airports, especially in phoenix, miami and los angeles. a record 6 million will be moving through airports in new york. >> we're hanging out in the airport. we expected it. you got to come early and just relax. >> reporter: if you're boarding a plane today, you're in luck. aaa says christmas eve will deliver the best travel day with the fewest crowds. and here is a warning from tsa to pass along if you are flying with your gifts. they say don't wrap them because they will likely be unwrapped for additional screening. it's a common mistake they see this time of year. guys, back to you.

>> good tip, kathy park in new jersey, kathy, thank you. and for more on what you'll face as you head out the door, let's head over to dylan. she's in for al this morning with a first check of the holiday forecast. how is the christmas eve forecast looking? >> it's shaping up to be pretty nice. in fact, the heavy rain that we saw down in the southeast that produced more than 8 inches of rain in ft. lauderdale, more than 5 inches of rain in charleston is now finally winding down and it will continue to pull to the east. it gets a little windy on the backside of the storm but we will lose the rain. the threat of that will certainly diminish. out west we do have some mountain snow. that could create some delays at the airports in salt lake city, vegas, phoenix, we could see u in, that could create isolated consider the mountain passes. besides that most of the country is looking all right. the rockies deal with the snow, the southwest deals with the rain. elsewhere across the country, we're looking at warm temperatures. in fact, we could be near record highs, especially back to the midwest going into christmas

day, highs in the 50s and 60s and lingering snow and more rain makes its way on shore in the southwest. craig. >> dylan, thank you, we'll have the latest on the weather throughout the morning. the big news tied to a story we have been following for more than a year now. the ceo of boeing has now been fired in the wake of those two fatal plane crashes overseas. the worldwide grounding of the 737 max and a badly damaged relationship with the faa. nbc's tom costello covers aviation for us. tom, good morning to you. >> reporter: guys, good morning, the water cooler talk within boeing and the faa has been that once the 737 max starts flying again, ceo dennis muilenburg would be out but it turns out his strained relationship with the airlines and faa became so damaged the board decided they needed to act right away. fired from his $30 million a year job, boeing's ce o dennis

muilenburg. it was two months ago that members of congress said muilenburg had to go. >> i think it's time that you submitted your resignation. >> reporter: he had presided over one of the worst years in boeing's history. >> we are sorry deeply and truly sorry. >> reporter: the global 737 max fleet grounded after two fatal crashes overseas killed 346 people. boeing admitted a software problem contributed to both crashes, but boeing was accused by the airlines and the faa of failing to be fully transparent. then mullen berg tried to pressure the faa for recertification before the end of the year. when the faa told boeing two weeks ago to back off, muilenburg was forced to shut down production of the max starting in january. hundreds of new maxes stacked up in seattle with nowhere to go. >> the biggest issue for dennis muilenburg is boeing's relationship with the faa has

broken down completely. boeing's board of directors is replacing muilenberg with david calhoun, announcing they need to repair relationships with regulators, customers and other all people. michael stumo whose daughter died in the ethiopian crash says the ceo and boards need to change. >> they need a board and they need a ceo who has demonstrably installed safety culture into the company. >> reporter: boeing doesn't know how long it will take for the 737 max to be approved and therefore it doesn't know how long the production line will be shut down. the thinking is two to three months, in the meantime, the new boeing chief has already reached out to the faa chief promising cooperation and transparency and trying to rebuild that relationship. guys, back to you. >> tom costello, thank you. now to the impeachment standoff this morning, democrats and republicans are still battling over what a senate trial will look like in the new year. nbc's chief white house correspondent hallie jackson joins us with the very latest. good morning, hallie. >> reporter: good morning to you

from south florida. we are now hearing from all of the key players in these impeachment proceedings and so far, nobody, democrats or republicans, seem willing to budge on their positions. bottom line, negotiations over the senate impeachment trial seem to be on a holiday hiatus. on this christmas eve, democrats don't want gifts, just the presence of white house officials at a senate impeachment trial and documents related to ukraine. >> we say to president trump, release the emails, let your aides testify. we say to leader mcconnell, a fair trial with the facts, only the facts. >> reporter: that new push coming from senator chuck schumer sending a letter to his colleagues tell them no good reason has been offered as to why the senate should not hear all the available evidence in this trial. the trial timing remains in limbo as house speaker nancy pelosi now insists she will not take the next step in the impeachment process and turn

over the articles of impeachment to the senate until we know what sort of trial the senate will conduct, pointing out the president blocked witnesses from the house. so she says, what's his excuse now? in his own tweet, the president's firing back writing pelosi is trying to take over the senate and crying chuck is trying to take over the trial. no way. he's getting backup from fellow republicans. >> it's very odd. i mean, what's the old movie line, looks like i picked the wrong week to stop sniffing glue. >> reporter: now this holiday hold on impeachment proceedings appears to be holding up. >> we'll find out when we come back in session where we are. we can't take up a matter we don't have and so hopefully it will be on the way over at some point. >> reporter: there's also this legal fight that's going on now between former white house counsel don mcgahn and the house judiciary committee. in a new court filing, the committee is warning that depending on what kind of evidence mcgahn's potential

testimony provides, they may consider new articles of impeachment against the president. got to put a grain of salt on that. that seems highly unlikely at this point. >> president trump may tweet about some of this today, what do we know about what he actually has planned during this christmas eve? >> reporter: he's down here in south florida, probably a bit of a holiday tradition or at least what's become one. the president is talking with troops this morning, he's teleconferencing in. he's done this the last several years. over thanksgiving he went in person to visit u.s. service members in afghanistan. over the last christmas eves we have seen the president and first lady help track santa with norad, that is not on the president's schedule today but we'll see what unfolds. kristen, back to you. >> we will indeed. hallie jackson traveling with the president. hallie, thank you. >> we'll have a norad update, now a new warning about a popular gift this year. those dna testing kits, the pentagon is urging members of

the military not to use them. they say that the kits presenting a security risk. nbc's justice correspondent pete williams has more on that. good morning. >> reporter: this is an unusually blunt message from the pentagon. they're saying that members of the military should not buy home dna testing kits. the memo says they're largely unregulated and that they could put servicemen and women at risk. it comes just a few days before christmas, and says military personnel should not buy kits that allow sending off a sample of dna for testing. the kits could expose personal and genetic information and create unintended security consequences and increased risk. the data in the wrong hands could be used to conduct mass surveillance or track individuals. more than 26 million people have already submitted their dna using the home test to trace their lineage or spot potential genetic vulnerabilities to disease. >> give the best dna gift this holiday season.

>> reporter: and the kits are one of the hottest christmas gifts, but they have long generated privacy concerns, partly about amassing such a huge amount of highly personal data >> even if a company thinks they're going to release the data when there's a subpoena, there's a possibility that the database will be hacked, it will be exposed, it will be stolen, so it's never absolutely secure. >> reporter: some privacy advocates say the data is sold to researchers and drug companies though the test kit makers say it's generic data without anything to identify specific people. and the home dna kit makers say they take security very seriously. ancestry.com says it does not share dna data with insurance companies or employers 23andme says no information is shared without consenting and says its customers can, quote, choose to have their samples stored at our lab or have it destroyed. the dod memo was first reported by yahoo news. consumer advocates say these kits can help people manage their health and learn about their genealogy.

their advice from the experts, read the fine print about how the dna will be stored and shared. >> pete williams for us in dc. thank you. and now to an extraordinary look inside syria, and one place there where people are getting ready to mark christmas. nbc's chief global correspondent bill neely has traveled there for us bill. >> reporter: good morning, guys. christians in syria have had little to celebrate over the last eight terrible years of war, but in one small town where christians have hidden in the mountains for hundreds of years, they can now celebrate christmas and their freedom. in the biblical landscape of a country scarred by war lies a place almost broken by it. maaloula is a christian town in mainly muslim syria and once a place of pilgrimage until it became a battleground. rebels captured it and fought off syria's army

nuns were kidnapped. i was there, caught in the middle of a firefight. 500 yards away, rebels are pinning them and us down here. a christian monastery became a sniper's nest. >> and the sniper was here on this window. >> reporter: the bullet holes remain, but today the church is ready for christmas and ready to celebrate. >> to have a resurrection, if you like. >> reporter: a resurrection. >> yes >> reporter: for almost 2,000 years, this has been a place of refuge for christians. they literally dug themselves into the side of these mountains. now as syria's war draws to an end, they say they feel safe again. >> since the liberation, it was safe it would not be certain anymore. >> reporter: rebels come, and snipers have never tried to come back. >> no, no. >> reporter: but they have suffered and they grieve lost lives, like millions in syria.

for many, there is no rebirth. rebuilding this town isn't quick. some who fled have never returned, nor have the tourists who once game to maaloula in the thousands, like many christians, most support president assad and believe america didn't do enough to defeat islamists like isis. but today, there's no hatred in the town where they speak aramaic, the language once spoken by jesus and where they celebrate his birth in a safe haven once again well, those christians have returned from exile, but tens, perhaps hundreds of thousands of others have fled the war, lost their homes and are still living outside syria. but in that amazing place at least, the language of jesus will be heard again this week. guys, back to you. >> bill neely in syria bill, thank you for that, and

with all of the suffering that has taken in place in syria, incredible to see that resilience on this christmas eve. >> amen to that. it's easy to forget there have been several hundred thousand who have died since that conflict started several years ago. we have a lot to get to, including a chaotic scene at a shopping mall when a holiday stunt went out of control. check this out, balloons filled with gift certificates were dropped from the upper level of a mall in sydney, australia. hundreds of people wait to grab them then pushing and shoving broke out. shoppers, including a lot of children knocked to the ground more than a dozen people were hurt five had to be taken to the hospital a holiday stampede how did that get out of committee?oughthat was a good idea >> i don't get that. they're lucky it wasn't worse. how are you? >> i'm good. >> merry christmas eve. >> i'm just trying to look like santa. that's all i got

>> not true. >> a bowl full of jelly right here. >> not true. let's take a look at what's going on on this christmas eve we have mountain snow in the rockies, traveling through the passes, that could cause trouble spots this morning heavy rain in the southwest. elsewhere, it looks like a great day to travel. the rain will end in the southeast and we're looking at above average temperatures you could even roll the windows down that's a look at the weather across the country we'll get to your local forecast in the next 30 seconds even a "three-ring fender bender." (clown 1) sorry about that... (clown 2) apologies. (clown 1) ...didn't mean it. (clown 3) whoops. (stilts) sorry! (clowns) we're sorry! (scary) hey, we're sorry! [man screams] [scary screams] (burke) quite the circus. but we covered it. at farmers, we know a thing or two because we've seen a thing or two. ♪ we are farmers. bum-pa-dum, bum-bum-bum-bum ♪

merry krils mass. no fog at sfo. hopefully it will be a smooth flight. the bay area we'll see more clouds moving n high temperatures in the low 50s and rain moving in later tonight. by tomorrow morning we're waking up to cold temperatures and lingering showers and drying out for the rest of the week and watching out for another chance of rain moving in on the day sunday. forecast. >> dylan, thanks for the record, you don't look like santa. >> i'm going to end the show in a beard. >> coming up, an overnight reunion between a kidnapped baby in texas and her father. plus, the emotional vigil to remember that little girl's mother we'll have the very latest as police continue to search for answers in c and then the very last minute rush to christmas we're going to break down the few shopping options that are still on the table, if you've got some gifts to buy. including one way you can actually beat the crowds, but first, this is "today" on nbc. first, this is "today" on nbc.

visit with bode and morgan miller to meet their twins first, it's your local news. ♪ jcpenney. remember the little things.

ew keurig k-duo brewer makes any occasion the perfect coffee occasion. family brunch! just add ground coffee for a carafe, or pop in a pod for a freshly brewed cup. good strong coffee. our french roast. it was a decaf for you, yes? in your favorite mug. there we go. i am not for ignoring the first sif a cold. i am for shortening my cold, with zicam! zicam is completely different. unlike most other cold medicines, zicam is clinically proven to shorten colds. i am a zifan for zicam! oral or nasal. with lindor. a milk chocolate shell

with a smooth, melting center from the lindt master chocolatiers lindor, only from lindt. from the lindt master chocolatiers through the at&t network, edge-to-edge intelligence gives you the power to see every corner of your growing business. from managing inventory... to detecting and preventing threats... to scaling up your production. giving you a nice big edge over your competition. that's the power of edge-to-edge intelligence. dflings odors onto your softle fsurfaces? then they get released back into the air so you smell them later ew. right? that's why febreze created new small spaces. press firmly and watch it get to work... unlike the leading cone, small spaces continuously eliminates odors in the air and on surfaces-so they don't come back for 45 days.

now that's one flushin' fresh bathroom. breathe happy febreze... la la la la la. it's finally time for... geico sequels! classic geico heroes, starring in six new commercials, with jaw-dropping savings. vote for your favorites at: geico.com/sequels ahhh, which way do i go?! i don't know, i'm voting for our sequels. with geico, the savings keep on going to a screen near you. not the leg! you dang woodchucks! geico sequels. vote and enter to win today!

good morning. it's 7:26. i'm kira klapper. the search is still on for a pair of thieves who stole thousands of dollars from a san jose church. look at the video it happened saturday afternoon at our lady of guadalupe church, a baptism was ending when the hooded thieves picked up the donation box and took it. the money inside was supposed to go toward buying gifts for local children. meteorologist kari hall has a look at our christmas eve weather. >> check out the beautiful sunrise on this christmas eve, as we take a live look outside in san jose. it is very chilly out there. also looking clear in san francisco, looking at sfo. if you're about to head out the door, we are also feeling some cold air, patches of fog in the north bay, but we're headed into the low 50s for an afternoon high. going into the rest of the

forecast, rain arrives tonight. still some lingering showers tomorrow and even some snow on some of the bay area peaks. we'll dry out between thursday, friday and saturday, and then watch out for another slight chance of rain in the forecast on sunday. san francisco will stay in the low to mid-50s, going into the rest of the week. i think the best day this weekend will be saturday, if you're making plans to get outside. let's see how the roads are moving now mike. >> beautiful drive around most of the bay. the big problem continues though for the bay bridge. the approaches are great. the alert continues because of a crash just past treasure island and ybi. the traffic is flowing slowly as you travel through the tunnel. two lanes are reported blocked still. three vehicles have to be cleared but despite the slowing on the span, traffic is so light there's no backup at the toll plaza and no metering lights. you may want to avoid the bay bridge, but if you don't, don't plan on your typical morning commute time. it's great getting there, just slow on the span. back to you. >> looks good. another local news update for new half an hour.

until then, we'll send you back to the "today" show.

♪ 7:30 on this christmas eve morning. but it is already christmas in other parts of the year, as you can see, santa's yearly ride, that annual track is under way sandy and all his reindeer, it looks like they're off the coast of australia right now norad tracking the big guy live, our tax dollars hard at work >> he has miles to go before your house, craig, he better get there on time. >> he'll be there or he'll have an angry boy and little girl. >> he will be there. love tracking him. we have a lot to get to, starting with your check of the 7:30 headlines

the u.s. army has now identified the green beret who was dmild action in afghanistan yesterday. 33-year-old sergeant first glass michael goble was wounded by a roadside bomb and later died from his injuries. he was from washington township, new jersey his unit was out of elgin air force base in florida. this was his third tour of duty in afghanistan. the new year we will see more americans earning a higher minimum wage the number of cities with a $15 minimum is expected to double to 32 los angeles, washington, d.c., and about a dozen cities in california are hoping to hit the $15 an hour benchmark will join places like new york, san francisco and seattle where it's already in place the federal minimum wage has been 7.25 an hour for the past decade. a little boy in ireland had a good scare during a trip to the dublin zoo he was posing for a picture in front of the siberian tiger habitat, and suddenly, a big cat charged at the boy look at that he was protected by the safety

glass fortunately. the boy's father said that all things considered, his son remained remarkably calm, although his younger child ran away that can be scary. >> understandably so. now to some new developments in a headline making case that we have been following from the beginning. overnight, a vigil was held in austin, texas, for heidi broussard. she was the mother who was found dead one week after she vanished along with her newborn, and this morning, the baby is back with her father nbc's sam brock has been on the story from the beginning sam, good morning to you. >> reporter: craig and kristen, good morning that reunion taking place as this community gathered to grieve the life of heidi broussard. about a hundred people in total at the vigil all joining together, as they are still searching for answers. this morning, baby margot is reunited with her father, giving hope to a family reeling from her mother's devastating death. >> she's coming home tonight

that's the best thing that, you know, could ever happen. >> reporter: family and protective services returning the infant overnight to shane carey, heidi broussard's boyfriend. late monday, the austin community joined in heartbreak and grief. >> we thank you for the miracle that baby margot is okay. >> reporter: to remember the 33-year-old mother of two. >> in the midst of tragedy, it's more important to remember how someone lived than how they died. >> reporter: broussard disappeared with her newborn baby margot on december 12th last week heidi's body was discovered in the trunk of a car 160 miles away at a home in houston. 3-week-old margot found alive inside the home of megan humphrey, one of heidi's oldest and closest friends. she is now charged with two counts of kidnapping and tampering with a human corpse. heidi's friends is convinced humphrey faked her own pregnancy.

she posted this baby registry with the same due date as heidi's. >> she wanted the baby from the get go, no doubt in my mind, and she didn't care how she got it, and she didn't care how she would affect the people who love heidi and margot. >> reporter: she says she talked to megan every day after heidi went missing >> the baby was crying in the background when you were on the phone with megan >> yes, yes. that is something that will haunt me for the rest of my life absolutely it will. >> megan's childhood friend said megan and heidi met at church camp as kids. >> their friendship was instant, it was an instant kinship between the two. >> reporter: investigators haven't released details about a possible motive but say humphrey could face additional charges. we reached out to humphrey's attorney who has not returned >> reporter: family, our calls. ♪ i once was lost >> reporter: family, friends, and even strangers coming together to celebrate a life cut tragically short. >> she's a light in complete will be.

>> sam, you have been on the ground there in that community for about two weeks now. have we heard from heidi broussard's parents, do we know how they're holding up >> reporter: yeah, craig, i spoke with heidi's mother last night. she told me that she headed back to louisiana with her husband to prepare for the funeral. she said she was in the process of writing her daughter a letter just as she always did when i haddy went missing. expressions of your love flow in many different ways. she said when they walked through the door of their home, it hit them hard realizing heidi would not come home declaring mom, we're home. craig, back to you. >> sam brock for us in austin. still ahead here, the nationwide surge in flu cases just in time for the holidays. we've got important information on how to protect your family and prevent the virus from spreading at those holiday gatherings. but first, your best bet if you have 11th hour holiday gift shopping to finish, including one trick to beat the store

crowds and still get what you want that's right after this. is skincare from around the world better than olay? olay regenerist faced 131 premium products, from 12 countries, over 10 years. olay's hydration was unbeaten every time. olay, face anything. ♪(music playing)

♪this is the first day of my life♪ ♪i was born right in the doorway♪ ♪now i don't know where i am, i don't know where i've been♪ ♪but i know where i wanna go and take an extra 15 or 20% off! plus - save even more right now on last minute gifts!... save on fine jewelry sets... the xbox one s... and on celebrity fragrance gift sets. plus - get kohl's cash!... plus - buy online, two hour store pickup!... plus - stores are now open 24 hours! kohl's audrey's on it. eating right? on it! staying active? on it. audrey thinks she's doing all she can to manage her type 2 diabetes and heart disease but is her treatment doing enough to lower her heart risk? [sfx: crash of football players colliding off-camera.] maybe not. jardiance is the number 1 prescribed pill in its class. jardiance can reduce the risk of cardiovascular death for adults who also have known heart disease.

that means jardiance can help save your life from a heart attack or stroke. plus, jardiance lowers a1c and it could help you lose some weight. jardiance can cause serious side effects including dehydration, genital yeast or urinary tract infections, and sudden kidney problems. ketoacidosis is a serious side effect that may be fatal. test test test test test do not take jardiance if you are on dialysis or have severe kidney problems. taking jardiance with a sulfonylurea or insulin may cause low blood sugar. lower a1c and lower risk of a fatal heart attack? on it... with jardiance. ask your doctor about jardiance. the type 2 diabetes pill that's on it. learn more at jardiance.com

the type 2 diabetes pill that's on it. [baby crying] pampers is the first and only diaper with air dry channels they stay up to 3 times drier, so babies can sleep soundly...all night. pampers. (man and woman) [burst of t♪lking to animals] (vo) it feels good to give back. (attendant) thank you so much. (woman) oh, you are so welcome. (vo) you can choose the aspca to get two hundred and fifty dollars from subaru when you get a new subaru, like the all new outback. (vo 2) get 0.9% on a new outback during the subaru share the love event. aso this holiday season treatr yhim the best. show them love this holiday with tasty bluf

available wherever you buy pet food. we are back. it's 7:40 now, with "today's" holiday consumer it is of course christmas eve and ready or not, santa claus is coming to town. >> that's right, and of course he's ready but for the rest of us humans there are just a few hours left to get to the stores and get what we need nbc's kerry sanders joins us with everything we need to know about the very final countdown kerry, good morning. >> reporter: well, good morning, i'm at a best buy which opened up early this morning for those last-minute shoppers and if you're among those procrastinators, it's now time to get off the bench, get in the game, and run, forest, run this morning there are just hours left to get those last-minute gifts before christmas, and shoppers across the country are scrambling >> people are stressing out big time, trying to get their gifts.

it's insane. >> reporter: today most stores are closing in less than 12 hours. best buy, nordstrom, walmart, macy's, and j.c. penney all closing at 6:00 p.m. and won't open again until after christmas. kohl's has been a procrastinator's playhouse staying open around the clock since friday but now even that shopping marathon is about to come to an end they're also closing tonight at 6:00 need more time target will stay open until 10:00 p.m. for those ultra last-minute shoppers >> you just feel like you have all month to do it, then it just comes up right away. >> reporter: experts say the best option this late in the game is in store pickup. you'll have to brave the chrima parking lot is crazy. >> reporter: but you'll avoid shipping delays and that dreaded empty shelf. most stores offer free in-store pickup macy's j.c. penney and walmart will need your order by this

afternoon. if you're willing to risk it all, and hope for a christmas miracle, apple, best buy and target are some of the only stores offering same day delivery in select areas apple even boasting free two-hour delivery on their most popular devices. today at noon is best buy's deadline for same-day delivery, which won't be free. and target is working with shipts to get gifts to you, but you'll have to order two hours before the store closes and keep in mind shipt often charges more for items and a delivery fee if you're unsure of what to get for that ticky person on their list. >> half of their gifts i wait because they change their mind. >> reporter: gift cards are the way to go. one survey found most people prefer them over a physical gift, and choosing the electronic option allows

recipients to keep the credit on something that's always with them, their cell phone >> i don't mind the craziness. i work better under pressure. >> reporter: either way, as santa packs his sleigh, the best advice, buy now before time runs out. >> so kerry, if you have some last-minute gifts to get, when is the best time to shop today >> reporter: well, right now, actually get out, go do your shopping, tick tock, the clock is running. most of the big boxes are already open i mentioned here at best buy, they opened early, so did macy's, target, walmart, j.c. penney, kohl's has been running 24 hours until 6:00 p.m. my real question at this point is to craig, why do you wait to the last minute, do you think this is fun, the last-minute shopping. >> i enjoy the adrenaline rush i was going to have you grab a couple gift cards while you're there. >> but you're priest done, right, craig >> almost. thank you mr. sanders, merry christmas, buddy. how is the last-minute weather looking? >> what i don't understand is

you wait until the last minute and then just end up with gift cards anyway. >> that's true that's the ultimate in laziness, right? the weather looks okay for most of the country if you are getting out and shopping one of the trouble areas in the southwest. we have a stream of moisture and a series of storms that will continue to keep the rain around whether it's arizona or southern california over the next couple of days. today it's mostly across arizona. we could see heavier rain in the phoenix area then as we go into wednesday night and thursday morning, this next storm system makes its way onshore. this could create airport delays in l.a. where we could see another 2 inches of rain fall in that area on top of all the rain we have had recently as much rain as we see in the lower elevations, again, about good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. a live look outside in dublin, starting out clear and cold, as you head out the door, and then as we go into tonight, we're getting ready for some rain, so

as that moves in, mostly after sunset, arriving at 12:00 to 1:00 in the morning, spreading across the bay area, we'll wake up tomorrow morning to some snow on some of the bay area peaks, and some rain that will linger into tomorrow afternoon. the rest of the forecast is dry until saturday, and then on sunday, we'll be tracking another chance of rain. forecast. >> dylan, thank you. just ahead here, after a trying year for the royal family, what we expect to hear from the queen in her annual christmas message. also, a bit of good news she received overnight but first, these messages. so much goes into who i am. hiv medicine is one part of it. prescription dovato is for adults who are starting hiv-1 treatment and who aren't resistant to either of the medicines dolutegravir or lamivudine. dovato has 2 medicines in 1 pill to help you reach and then stay undetectable.

so your hiv can be controlled with fewer medicines while taking dovato. you can take dovato anytime of day with food or without. don't take dovato if you're allergic to any of itsor f you take dofetilide. if you have hepatitis b, it can change during treatment with dovato and become harder to treat. your hepatitis b may get worse or become life-threatening if you stop taking dovato. so do not stop dovato without talking to your doctor. serious side effects can occur, including allergic reactions, liver problems, and liver failure. life-threatening side effects include lactic acid buildup and severe liver problems. if you have a rash and other symptoms of an allergic reaction, stop taking dovato and get medical help right away. tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis b or c. don't use dovato if you plan to become pregnant or during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy since one of its ingredients may harm your unborn baby. your doctor should do a pregnancy test before starting dovato. use effective birth control while taking dovato. the most common side effects are headache, diarrhea, nausea, trouble sleeping, and tiredness. so much goes into who i am

and hope to be. ask your doctor if starting hiv treatment with dovato is right for you. i haven't gotten any of myed. - wholiday shopping done. ah... go to oldnavy.com buy online and pickup in-store in just two hours. - how did you do that? - magic! that's amazing! oh... can i get the weekend off? - magically? - i don't know that trick. (danny)'s voice) of course you don'te because you didn't!? your job isn't doing hard work... ...it's making them do hard work... ...and getting paid for it. (vo) snap and sort your expenses to save over $4,600 at tax time. quickbooks. backing you. ♪ work so hard ♪ give it everything you got ♪ strength of a lioness ♪ tough as a knot ♪ rocking the stage ♪ and we never gonna stop ♪ all strength, no sweat. ♪ just in case you forgot ♪ all strength.

♪ no sweat secret. all strength. no sweat. of a lifetime. it's "progressive on ice." everything you love about car insurance -- the discounts... the rate comparisons... and flo in a boat. ♪ insurance adventure awaits at "progressive on ice." tickets not available now or ever. at "progressive on ice." wrap up your holiday shopping with the bat jcpenney!z out sale for 5 days only shop nike and adidas. keurig and nutribullet. and up to 80% off jewelry. or take an extra 20% off with your jcpenney credit card jcpenney!

christmas eve morning, as carson daly classes up the joint. we look now at the royal family's holiday. >> that's right, it has been a trying year for them and the queen is expected to touch on that in their annual address but there was some encouraging news for her husband, prince phillip overnight. here's "today's" senior international correspondent keir simmons. >> reporter: the queen has reigned over us for many many years, but this year may well be one she is happy to see end. in her annual queen's speech that she'll deliver on christmas day, she says the path of course is not always smooth and may at times this year have felt quite bumpy. she doesn't offer any clarification of what she's referring to but may be events in her own family. a challenging year she is preparing for christmas, but there have been questionmar health he was only released today after spending four days in the hospital, but now home just in time for christmas

also troubling this year, that astonishing interview that prince andrew, said to be the queen's favorite son gave to the bbc, showing very little empathy to victims of accused sex trafficker, jeffrey epstein. that resulted in prince andrew stepping down from public life and his royal duties the unsavory jeffrey epstein saga coming uncomfortably close to the queen an unexpected development with prince harry, falling out with his brother, prince william. >> we're brothers. we will always be brothers we're certainly on different paths at the moment, you have good days, you have bad days. >> reporter: both prince harry and his wife meghan unhappy in their royal roles. >> i never thought that this would be easy, but i thought it would be fair. >> reporter: but there have been good things this year too, these happy pictures of the queen and three kings to be, prince george stirring the traditional dessert, christmas pudding and william and kate taking part in a cooking program meghan and prince harry

presented the queen with a new great grandchild, the proud parents happily showing baby archie off while touring africa, and baby archie taking center stage here in the sussex christmas card, his proud parents beaming with joy while we won't see meghan and harry at the christmas service this year, they're taking a break from royal duties and spending christmas in canada, but the queen will be there and maybe sending a quiet prayer of thanks for this busy, challenging year is just about over keir simmons, nbc news, london. >> i'm glad that prince phillip was released from the hospital that is good news. >> the queen is 93. >> looks great >> impressive. >> she does look great i'm reminded of what eddie murphy said saturday night, money don't crack. >> one of his safer lines. >> yes just ahead, bode and morgan miller received an early holiday gift this year, the birth of their new twins.

this morning, natalie morales is going to introduce us to them exclusively. also coming up, how savannah and hoda helped mariah carey celebrate a big anniversary for her christmas classic after your local news that you went someplace worth going. or maybe...you have opinions. but if it's on there, it has to mean something. so we make sure this means something. that we've done everything - to make your shopping, test-dar-buying experience the way it should be. carmax. about being a scientist at 3m. i wanted them to know that innovation is not just

about that one 'a-ha' moment. science is a process. it takes time, dedication. it's a journey. we're constantly asking ourselves, 'how can we do things better and better?' what we make has to work. we strive to protect you. at 3m, we're in pursuit of solutions that make people's lives better. at 3m, we're in what do we wburger...inner? i want a sugar cookie... wait... i want a bucket of chicken... i want... ♪ it's the easiest because it's the cheesiest. kraft. for the win win. (mom) nooooo... (son) nooooo...

(avo) quick, the quicker picker upper! bounty picks up messes quicker and is 2x more absorbent. bounty, the quicker picker upper. little things can be a big deal. psoriasis, that's why there's otezla. otezla is not a cream. it's a pill that treats plaque psoriasis differently. with otezla, 75% clearer skin is achievable. don't use if you're allergic to otezla. it may cause severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. otezla is associated with... ...an increased risk of depression. tell your doctor if you have a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or if these feelings develop. some people taking otezla reported weight loss. your doctor should monitor your weight and may stop treatment. upper respiratory tract infection and headache may occur. tell your doctor about your medicines and if you're pregnant or planning to be. otezla. show more of you. through the at&t network, edge-to-edge intelligence gives you the power to see every corner of your growing business.

from using feedback to innovate... to introducing products faster... to managing website inventory... and network bandwidth. giving you a nice big edge over your competition. that's the power of edge-to-edge intelligence.

merry christmas eve. right now it's 7:56. a live look in san jose, beautiful sunrise, nice to see some clear skies. a little bit of sun, but you're not seeing that in the south county where visibility is down to zero. we're also seeing some patches of dense fog in parts of the north bay, from santa rosa over to napa and with temperatures below freezing, roads may ice over with freezing fog. we're watching out for that as we go into the evening we'll be watching some rain arrive, most of it gets here after 10:00 or 11:00 tonight and spraying across the bay area with cold temperatures in place we'll also see some snow on some of the bay area peaks from mt. hamilton to the north bay, and then some waves of rain off and on through christmas day, as the cool temperatures remain, only reaching 52 degrees inland. morning temperatures in the upper 30s. we keep the cool air through saturday and by sunday, there will be another rain in the forecast. let's head over to mike for an update on the commute.

>> just after the last report we gave, the crash cleared from the bay bridge. we've had just under a half hour for recovery. that recovered when he de didn' the metering lights on. clear sailing oakland into san francisco. no delay out of the east bay and in the city via the bay bridge or richmond to san rafael bridge. a little fog creeps around in the north bay but no major problems. look how green the sensors are all around the bay, including the south bay. back to you. >> mike, thanks. i'm kira klapper. happening now an 18-year-old is under arrest for a hit-and-run that left a pedestrian seriously hurt in san mateo. 18-year-old nathan ferris in police custody. he was driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol sunday night when he struck the pedestrian and parked cars. witnesses say ferris and several young people took off running from the car. ferris was arrested a short time later at his home. more nurses are headed for the picket line in the bay area. 3,000 are calling for a strike over contract negotiations. i'll have another local news update in half an hour.

hope you enjoy your merry christmas eve.

kerrygold has a taste so rich it can take you to ireland's lush, green pastures. where grass-fed cows produce rich, creamy milk for a truly delicious taste.

kerrygold. the taste that takes you there. it's 8:00 on "today." coming up, travel troubles, the weather impacting millions as people across the country rush home for the holidays. whether you're driving or flying, what you need to know to avoid the busiest times. seeing double, we'll meet the two latest additions to bode and morgan miller's family. >> they have names now, it's official, they have stockings with their names on it >> as they gather together for a joyful but bittersweet holiday and a very carey christmas, the famous voices joining an epic sing-along to celebrate the 25th anniversary of mariah carey's christmas classic.

♪ all i want for christmas is you ♪ >> see the big names of stage, screen and studio 1a today, tuesday, december 24th, 2019 >> in the big apple from sweet home, alabama. >> merry christmas. >> watching in miami, florida. >> here for greer's 10th birthday >> baby on the way grandparents again merry christmas to our family in georgia. >> and missouri. >> and welcome back to "today" on this tuesday morning before christmas, savannah and hoda off this week. >> and we have a festive crowd out there on the plaza, but you don't have to be here to join them they're all pumped up out there. just record a short message, post it on twitter and instagram with #mytodayplaza and you could

see yourself in our open savannah and hoda rocking that mariah carey video. >> we're going to have more on that in just a moment. merry christmas eve to you, and also happy second day of hanukkah as well let us get to your news at 8:00 on this tuesday morning. as a record number of travelers make their way home for the holiday, the going isn't always easy with packed roadways, crowded airports this week nbc's kathy park is tracking the travel rush from a highway in woodbridge, new jersey hey there, kathy >> reporter: hey, craig, good morning to you that's right a record 150 million americans will be on the move this holiday season a majority of folks will be driving to their destinations, but bad weather, especially yesterday in the southeast created a lot of travel problems heavy showers in charleston, south carolina, flooded roadways there. meantime, floodwaters also shut down an airport in ft. lauderdale for a couple of hours. meanwhile, on the roadways, experts say that congestion

should be lighter this week because a lot of kids are out on winter break and folks are extending their holiday vacations, but they mentioned, december 26th and 27th, plan for delays during those days because travel times could double if not triple in major cities between 4:00 and 6:30 p.m. meanwhile, if you're flying, get in line, you'll be joining 7 million americans who will be taking to the skies, but some good news to pass along today. airports will actually be a lot less crowded compared to other days, and meanwhile, back here in new jersey, it's busy here on the turnpike but at least the cars are moving. craig, back to you >> good point, kathy park there for us thank you. we will get to dylan's holiday forecast in just a few moments. that's right but first, even though congress is on break, democrats and republicans are separately pushing for their own versions of a senate impeachment trial leaving the timing of it in limbo. nbc's chief white house correspondent hallie jackson is in florida traveling with the

president as she has the three things to watch today. good morning, hallie. >> reporter: hi, kristen, good morning to you bottom line, negotiations over the senate impeachment trial seem to be on a holiday hiatus we are hearing from all of the key players in the impeachment back and forth, and none of them seem willing to budge on their position president trump is up and tweeting about it on this christmas eve from here in south florida. he and republicans say the democrats are dragging their feet in a partisan fight by not sending those articles of impeachment over from the house. but speaker nancy pelosi is reiterating she will not take the next step until she knows what a senate trial will look like and that it's fair as top democrat chuck schumer sends a letter to his colleagues pushing not just for witnesses but documents too. here's the thing, trial timing, it is still tbd right now. it probably will not get worked out until after the new year, the way things have been going we have to note it's not all about impeachment proceedings for president trump today. he is also talking with the troops via video conference from down south here.

it's part of what's become a holiday tradition for the president over the last few christmases, and last holiday, just thanksgiving, not too long ago, he actually traveled in person to visit u.s. service members in afghanistan kristen, back to you. >> hallie, thank you. now to your health at 8:00, this morning, bad news when it comes to flu season. >> that's right. according to the cdc 30 states have widespread outbreaks with more than 3 1/2 million estimated cases. so far just this season alone of those 32,000 people have ended up in the hospital, and 1,800 have actually died. >> holiday travel parties, gatherings will not improve the situation. here with advice on how to keep everyone healthy and happy, nbc news medical contributor, dr. natalie azar good to see you, merry christmas eve to you this is about the last time that anyone would probably ever want the flu, the holiday season.>> . >> what are some things that we should all be doing to stay healthy. >> number one on the list, guys, is always going to be to get the flu shot here's the thing, we always say

this, it takes about two weeks after you get your flu shot to develop the antibodies and be protected. you're not necessarily going to be protected for the holidays if you get your flu shot now. but we peak between december and march, we're just getting started, we're in the thick of it so please get the flu shot important thing to remember, we talk about hand washing, why is it so important. you got to do it for 20 seconds, hot soapy water. you're not killing the germs, you're scrubbing them off of your skin so it's important to scrub. the thing that's important to remember, alcohol based hand sanitizer, 60% can kill the flu. keep it in your back pocket. avoid touching your face, especially with little kids, but we do it also. that's how you transmit germs from your hands to your mouth, nose and eyes, get adequate sleep. never underestimate how important that is for your immune system. >> great tips. what if you are unlucky, you get the flu, so many people say i'm

going to fight through it. >> stay home from school, stay home from work, it's concerning, you're visiting family members, but you might be visiting older folks, you want to stay home for at least 24 hours after you are fever free without using a tylenol or advil or fever reducer before you go back into the community. we don't want to spread it to others. >> great information, dr. azar, thank you. merry christmas. >> thanks dr. natalie, that's the news 8:07 now, how about a little boost. >> let's do it. >> an oregon man wants to give his ten grandchildren a christmas present they will remember for the rest of their lives. they go to a small school that doesn't provide transportation, so their grandfather decided to surprise them with a school bus of their own he calls it the grandfather express. >> what is it? >> you got a bus >> go check out your bus, guys >> you never saw kids so excited to climb aboard a school bus can't wait for christmas

vacation to end so grandpa can drive them to school in style. >> that is adorable. i love the matching outfits. ten grandkids, that's pretty cool >> boosts just keep coming, by the way, just ahead, an amazing story with some nurses, these nurses, in fact, nurses who bring cheer and comfort to their patient all year long. >> we look forward to talking them but first, a "today" exclusive. >> seeing them together is one of the craziest things where you see like they hold hands and interlock arms and they like being right next to each other, obviously. >> just precious, bode and morgan miller introduce natalie to their identical twin boys born just six weeks ago. that's right after this. what'd we decide on the flyers again? uh, "fifteen minutes could save you 15% or more on car insurance." i think we're gonna swap over to "over seventy-five years of savings and service." what, we're just gonna swap over? yep. pump the breaks on this, swap it over to that. pump the breaks, and, uh, swap over?

that's right. instead of all this that i've already-? yeah. what are we gonna do with these? keep it at your desk, and save it for next time. geico. over 75 years of savings and service. [baby crying] pampers is the first and only diaper with air dry channels they stay up to 3 times drier, so babies can sleep soundly...all night. pampers.

hi susan!) honey? yeah? i respect that. but that cough looks pretty bad... try this robitussin honey. the real honey you love... plus the powerful cough relief you need. mind if i root through your trash? robitussin honey. because it's never just a cough. ♪(music playing) ♪this is the first day of my life♪ ♪i was born right in the doorway♪

♪now i don't know where i am, i don't know where i've been♪ ♪but i know where i wanna go is skincare from around the wobetter than olay? olay regenerist faced 131 premium products, from 12 countries, over 10 years. olay's hydration was unbeaten every time. olay, face anything. enjoy your prime rib! anyone ever call you, "meat santa"? no, that's... weird. happy holidays. enjoy. next customer? oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh, enjoy.

bublé sparkling water. it's buble! exclusive. over the past two years, we have been alongside bode and morgan miller as they have endured some of the hardest and happiest times in their lives and on this christmas eve morning we have more good news. >> we do natalie morales joined the millers for their identical twin boys first flight to montana where they are about to celebrate their very first christmas. hey there natalie, how precious. >> look at them.

they are just so beautiful this christmas is certainly merry and bright for the ever growing miller family. six weeks ago they welcomed their twin boys to their brood and this morning you're going to get to meet them for the very first time, and we're thrilled to announce they finally have names, at least for now. >> you made it. >> it's a miracle. >> for bode and morgan miller, this journey with six kids in tow is in many ways a new beginning. >> it's the twins first time out of the house it's a little bit stressful. it's one of those cross our fingers and hope it goes well. i don't think it could have gone any better >> reporter: this christmas will be the first with the newest additions to their family, 6-week-old identical twin boys who were until now known as baby a and baby b >> they have names now it took a while for the most part it's official because they have stockings with their names on it. we still go back and forth

but we have decided on asher and aksel. >> bode, you good with the names? >> they're great names. >> do you get a sense of personalities yet? >> absolutely. and they're very different asher is much more needy he loves the attention he loves being snuggled. whereas aksel is much more like i'm okay if you're okay, and even if you're not okay, i'm still okay he's just much more mellow >> seeing them together is one of the craziest things where you see like they hold hands and they like interlock arms they like being right next to each other obviously that's been most of their lives so far. >> reporter: two new lives bringing joy to the family just a year and a half after losing their 19-month-old daughter emmy in a tragic drowning accident. >> i imagine holidays are magical. they're also hard after losing a child. >> absolutely. i feel like moving forward it's always bittersweet because you have all these amazing memories and holidays are magical and

wonderful, and you create all these incredible memories but you have those moments where you're sitting there and you're watching the kids do everything and -- i hate that i always cry when we do these >> there's no getting around it. >> no. >> every day, honestly, you deal with it every day. you have to keep going, and the kids, you know, are amazing. we're super lucky, and feel lucky, but it's like there's always this undercurrent, that's always sort of reflecting on the new normal there's this undercurrent of sort of loss that's just never going to go away. found refuge in the spanish peaks of big sky, montana. a winter home away from home with a connection to their little girl. >> we spent so much time with her up here. we do have a lot of amazing memories with her in this area, and her first time skiing and just holidays up here with her,

and so it still feels like we can go through this space and see her and feel her and there are days where it feels like she's not gone, and then there are days where it does feel like she's gone but having all of them, yeah. >> she's still so much a part of your lives. >> yeah. >> i mean, every day and you hold on to every memory, even her stocking is front and center on the mantel >> yeah. she'll always kind of be front and center >> you need shoes. >> keeping her memory alive, bode and morgan continue to share their painful but cautionary story >> people will ask us how many kids do you have sometimes he'll say six, and i will say no, we have seven and then that obviously comes with the question of, well, where is your other child, and answering that question that she's nore they ask how did she pass.

and you will respond with she drowned and it's hard not to feel like, god, i'm a bad parent and answering that question is really hard. you know, it's a double edged sword. it's so painful to go through every single time. i cry every single time. but we get that message out. >> and we're all human the thing is just part of nature, we make mistakes like that when you have a super harsh consequence, it's remarkable how impactful that is internally and psychologically. but for people who haven't had that, it's easy to think that they're about it, and really it's just a matter of luck at that point i can't think of a parent or a person who hasn't done hundreds and hundreds of things that could have turned out horrible it just didn't >> healing is a day-by-day process, i imagine, and it's not like it ever replaces or goes away, the pain, right? >> no, it's never, it's not ever

anything that will completely go away, and that pain will always be there, however, there are parts that you don't realize that need to be healed you do discover through spending time with your kids, and traveling and doing all these amazing things, do get healed, you just figure out how to live with it and keep moving forward. >> always be careful with your poles. >> on the slopes, the kids are following in bode's tracks. >> take it nice and slow, guys, first day. >> from downhill daredevil to supportive dad, he's teaching them life lessons they can use on and off the mountain. >> less sweating, more skiing. kno go, nate, you got it >> they're just such incredible kids, and i think that's part of the reason why, like, we would consider and would like to have more. >> even if we have some lame ones, we'll still do the same thing. we're very lucky >> do you all have like a christmas wish. >> an unrealistic one, another little girl. honestly, no just to be together i think is

really special, and to be here with everyone and have everyone happy and healthy. when you go through tragedy and you realize, like, how precious those things are, you can't really ask for too much more like we're in a beautiful place in a beautiful home, surrounded by so many amazing people. our kids are happy our kids are healthy we still love each other you can't ask for more. >> you said it on camera i have it recorded facts. >> well, even with their full house and full plates, bode and morgan say they will not stop using their voices to advocate for water safety their twins are already signed up for an isr program which they will take when they turn six months old, and their 14-month-old brother easton will be joining them for a refresher. he got really good in the pool, as you remember. bode has plans to open a ski academy in the big sky area in the future, combining his love of skiing along with prioritizing his family, guys.

great to catch up with them. such a lovely family they have been through so much, it's great to experience the joy they are feeling now. >> what an incredible interview. thank you so much. >> those are great names, asher and aksel. >> i love them they're still going back and forth a little >> well, they couldn't be any cuter, that's for sure. >> merry christmas, nat mo. >> thank you how's the weather look on this christmas eve >> weather is looking okay for those of you trying to get your last-minute shopping done, for those of you traveling, most of the country looks good. in fact, temperatures will be above average, kind of wipes out the chances for a white christmas for a lot of the country. it also means a lot of sunshine too. that will be making it pleasant. we have mountain snow in the forecast in the rockies and heavier rain down in arizona today. that's a look at the wea good morning, i'm kari hall, a live look outside, we're starting to see more clouds moving across the south bay and the cloud cover will increase as we get ready for some rain.

out ahead of that we could see spotty showers and rain around 11:00 to 12:00. waking up tomorrow morning to a chance of know, some bay area peeks and raves of rain lingering into christmas day and another chance of showers on sunday. take us with you, look for "today" show radio on siriusxm channel 108. >> off the rails today >> what's today? >> take a day off. >> a little break today. >> how about a little "popstart." >> how about a little "popstart" for your stocking stuffer enjoyment. got a christmas themed "popstart. we're going to start with mariah carey. last week we reported that her holiday hit "all i want for christmas" landed at billboard's top 100 chart. not only is it holding that position for a second week, but it's broken its own record for the biggest streaming week ever for a holiday song, 54.4 million u.s. streams according to

nielsen music. but carey received one more christmas gift, in honor of the classics 25th anniversary, several famous faces submitted themselves lip syncing the tune, and you might actually recognize a few of these ♪ i don't want a lot for christmas ♪ ♪ there is just one thing i need ♪ ♪ i don't care about the presents ♪ ♪ underneath the christmas tree ♪ ♪ make my wish come true chriss ♪ all i want for christmas is is you ♪ >> some very familiar faces, and savannah and hoda back in the beginning. >> they were awesome, killed it. >> chance the rapper, ariana

grande, tyler perry, kim kardashian carey's twins made a cameo appearance she wrote on twitter this is one of the best christmas gifts i could have gotten. i'm thankful to my friends and artists who participated in the video. you brought a huge smile to my face >> we've all sang along to it. >> a few hundred million times. >> guilty as charged. next up, james corden getting into the holiday spirit, the "late late night show" host challenged his staff to a bake-off for the second year in a row. some of the contestants submissions brought his inner grinch out take a look. >> all right evan >> last year, my effort was really sub par. >> what is it about presenting it in a plastic bag? >> next year >> you think you'll be here next year with this >> so this year i wanted to step up my game. >> the aftertaste is disgusting. and what is this >> holiday themed cinnamon buns. >> do you normally murder

someone in the holidays? this looks like a crime scene. >> variety special cookies. >> yeah. >> i love that where's chris? where's chris? chris? look at that now go back. okay >> i love corden >> he started with carson works here. >> he did not hold back. >> poor chris. >> that's great. in other news, matthew mcconaughey and hugh grant might have a future in matchmaking on a press tour for the gentlemen, they had holiday plans, and matthew mcconaughey mentioning his mother might be joining him for christmas. that sparked an idea in hugh grant. take a look. >> would your 87-year-old mother like a 91-year-old englishman. >> oh, she's still -- >> she still married >> no, no, pop moved on in '92 and her second man of 19 years just moved on two years ago, so she's single and vital

>> maybe we should take this up. >> another way of working together. >> that could be a match >> pop moved on in '92 >> describing your mother as vital. >> there's a whole story there too. >> the matchmaker. finally, a lot of us have been attending holiday parties but maybe not adele's holiday party. the singer shared photos from it on instagram in not only did she have santa but the grinch showed up adele writing we both tried to ruin christmas, but then both our hearts grew. >> you imagine adele would have an awesome christmas. >> i like that christmas themed "popstart. >> do it again next time. >> we're going to shake things up with a professional mixologist, her recipes that will add to your cheer that's coming up can't wait for that. >> can't wait. >> can't wait for that >> after your local news

very good morning to you, the search is on for a pair of thieves that stole thousands of dollars from a san jose church. it happened last saturday afternoon. church goers just finishing up baptism services and take a look at this, it was caught on video, thieves made their move. the money was supposed to go towards buying gifts for local children. let's hope the donations start pouring in as well. the season of giving, right? >> yeah, over here, look at the read, 880 at 92. no slowing there, off to the shoulder, the bay bridge recovered very nicely after the earlier alert cleared.

notice the delays out of oakland and a good ride getting off and just be careful out there.

i am speaking in all caps. >> imagine binge watching that it is 8:30 now on this tuesday morning, the day before christmas. check out this happy holiday crowd joining us here on the plaza. they are fired up on this christmas eve. >> it's a good christmas eve crowd. >> i've talked to a number of them they say they are finished with their shopping so they can be here all morning long with us. >> i think some folks may have lied to you. how about a crowd moment. >> you got one >> i do.

i'm looking for georgina what's up, are you georgina. >> yes oh, wow! >> thank you for coming. >> thank you so much >> this is a girls trip, which one is the daughter? >> i am. >> what's your name? >> alicia. >> what's your name. >> ariana, i'm her daughter. >> so we have mother, daughter, and granddaughter. >> yes, yes. >> what brings you to the city >> you >> well, thank you >> you're on our bucket list. >> thank you so much for coming. merry christmas, thanks for watching the "today" show. thank you, thank you you all enjoy the city how about one more hug thank you, thank you >> very nice. >> they told us she had a crush on you you just made her day. >> might pass out in a second. >> let's hope not. just ahead, a reminder of what the holiday season is all about. we can't wait to share the inspiring stories of these remarkable nurses who will be

spending christmas at work helping people who need it most. plus, we'll meet the mother daughter duo shaking up broadway and making history in the process. they look like sisters, though. >> yeah, they do. and a segment i planned for you. we're going to kick back with a cocktail we brought in a mixologist, who i had to hunt down last night late we're going to share some creative and festive fun cocktail ideas for your holiday party. >> i hope there's mock tails for me, because there's nothing better. >> of course there are before we get to all of that, how about a check of the forecast. >> yes, and of course a lot of people trying to get some shopping done, trying to travel today. it's a huge travel day, and we are going to see decent weather for most areas we are looking at the rain in phoenix, that could create delays in that area, mountain snow in the highest elevations going through the afternoon, we are going to see temperatures get up into the 50s and 60s. that's well above average and up and down the east coast, we're looking at 40s and 50s above average. the rain in south carolina will come to an end shortly so you

will see increasing sunshine and then tomorrow we are looking for perhaps some record high temperatures or at least close to it, especially back through the rockies or especially back through the midwest, the rockies, though, have the best chance of seeing a white christ good morning, i'm kari hall, we're going to see more clouds moving in today, here is a live look outside in palo alto. not a lot of people out and about. temperatures in the mid 40s, reaching into the low 50s by today. later on this evening we'll start to see rain coming in and going from west to east with the potential of getting snow on some of the bay area peaks just in time for christmas and lingering showers into christmas day. we'll dry out as we go closer to the end of the week, and another chance of showers on sunday. of giving. all month we have been shining a light on people who inspire us, heroes who make a difference

every day. some of them can be found in hospitals all across the country are doctors and nurses of course they're a group who put patients needs above their own, working long hours and crazy shifts and working holidays they do it all with a smile. this morning we want to recognize three amazing nurses who will be sacrificing time with their own families tomorrow to work on christmas day we've got gigi, a maternal child health nurse, maza, a neonatal intensive care nurse and marilyn from the surgical and neuro department, also at nyu in brooklyn thank you for all you do >> thank you for having us. >> gigi, i would say you're the most experienced in this group you have been doing this for 30 plus years what keeps you doing this for so long >> just loving what you do, honestly i couldn't see myself doing this as long as i have if i didn't really enjoy it. the experience between, you know, nurse and patient, seeing

how much we really help them, and having them come back many years later to say thank you. >> sure. >> and what a difference we made, so definitely what keeps me going. >> you definitely do make a difference and maza, your children were born prematurely, here you are on the flip side of that helping women going through the same thing. what is that like for you? >> it is an absolutely humbling experience when i had my babies, i wasn't a nurse, so seeing the nurses doing whatever they could do for my babies and when they were working so compassionately, it really, like, made a difference in me, and it made me decide that i wanted to be a nurse, and so i become a nurse. when i become a nurse first, it was the adult side i didn't reach the nicu until six years ago. it is the best thing ever. now i get connected with my patients very personally, and they appreciate like when i share my experience. it is a wonderful experience >> and marilyn, you decided to

go into nursing after spending years in the united states navy. thank you for your service there. >> thank you. >> and here. what made you go into nursing? >> it was after my son was born, when i was in the service, actually so that was the beginning of it all. it took me a few years to accomplish my goals, but i did it through blood, sweat and tears. >> and you just got engaged. >> yes >> congratulations. >> thank you >> do you have a date for the wedding? >> yes, may 16th. >> that's awesome. i see something going on over here carson is up to something. >> read along. >> marilyn, do you mind reading along with the cards that showed up out of nowhere. >> for all the love, compassion and care you give your patients every day, we think you deserve an extra gift under the tree

so we're sending each of you on a -- oh, god >> oh, my god. >> congratulations. >> congratulations. >> you sacrifice so much, you missed out on holidays with your families, but you are getting a luxury vacation package. >> thank you so much oh, my god. >> to any beach resort in jamaica or turks and caicos. we heard from your managers and colleagues about how incredible each of you are, and this is their way of thanking you for your selflessness. your selflessness. you're getting a five-star luxury included getaway. >> not four, five. you see that >> so we're flying you there we want to thank you for all of you do. >> thank you so much for having us >> thank you, we really appreciate it. >> you're going to make me cry right now. >> and for all the nurses out there doing it today, amazing. thank you, ladies, enjoy coming up next, two more remarkable women, we're going to

meet a mom and daughter who ar making history on broadway as we speak. but first, this is "today" on nbc.

[ electrical buzzing ] [ dramatic music ] ahhhh! -ahhhh! elliott. you came back!

bienvenidos de vuelta, se being made on broadway right now for the first time ever, an african-american mother and daughter team are leading cast at the very same time. >> we have that dynamic duo this morning. the tony winner for "the color purple" in 2006 starring in the holiday classic "a christmas carol" and her 19-year-old daughter, celia rose gooding is making her debut in the new hit "jagged little pill. ladies, good morning and congratulations. >> thank you so much >> not to date but you have been performing as i understand it on broadway for 30 years or so. >> 33 to be exact.

>> emmy, tony, what is it like to see your little girl perform on broadway for the first time to open? >> well, first of all, i could barely see it because i was crying so much >> yes, she was. >> but i was thrilled. i was sitting there watching her thinking this is my little girl who's up there on that stage, and she's managing it. she's handling it, and she's blowing it out, knocking it out of the park. i couldn't have been more proud. >> celia, what was that like for you having your mom there watching >> having my mom there always is the best feeling in the world but knowing that she had it written in her contract that she would have my opening night off and that she would be able to be there, it means the world to me. of course anyone feeling the support of their parent always, it's a feeling that you don't ever want to leave, but it was really, really awesome having her there and seeing her there full of tears. it brings me a lot of joy. >> and when she yelled hi mom at the end in her bow, that made my life

>> is it true that you didn't want her to follow in your footsteps on the stage >> that's absolutely true. >> why not >> this is a tough business, it has a lot of up and downs, a lot of heart ache and as a mother, you don't want your child to suffer in any way, and i know the challenges of this industry, but at the same time, it was undeniable for her ever since she was 3 years old when she stood up on that coffee table that year and held for applause >> because i know my applause points, at a young age, you have to learn your applause points. >> what was it for you that made you want to follow in your mom's footsteps? you knew that. >> it was watching her tony award speech when you said that i didn't even know what the tony, or i thought when everyone was nominated, everyone takes an award, i didn't understand it, but there was a joy on my mom's face i put both hands on the tv and i said i want to do that

i think what i meant at that young, non knowing age, i want to chase whatever intense joy my mother is feeling in that moment, and i found it in theater, and now i'm doing it around the corner. >> you describe mom not so much as a helicopter parent but a sniper parent. >> yes >> what does that mean >> well, because of the work my mom does, she's not always able to be around, like a helicopter parent would but even though she's far away, she's focused and she knows that if anything is going wrong or anything needs to be fixed or improved upon, she's right there, ready to put herself in to wherever she needs to be. >> and i want her to know i'm always watching. >> you are always watching. >> i get that impression >> with her scope, absolutely. >> did you guys take a step back and look at the historical context of this. you are the first african-american mom/daughter starring on broadway at the same time what does that mean to both of

you? >> well, you know, it's thrilling. i know of so many other african-american families that have been parents and children that have been on broadway but at different times but this is the first time that we're both leading in a show, and i'm shocked at that because when i was her age, i was still in the ensemble of shows, and learning and finding my way and for her to be so young and this to happen for us, it's just a huge honor, honestly and we're very impressed and very proud that it's us. >> have you ever thought about performing together? >> oh, yes >> in the same show. >> hopefully. >> is it going to happen >> i think so. i'm putting it in the universe it's going to happen at some point. >> we have an idea. >> we have many ideas. >> what's your idea. >> mom. >> gypsy >> oh, that's a no-brainer >> that's what we think. >> that would be the dream >> not only have you spoken it into the universe, you've said it on the "today" show. >> that's right. >> now it has to happen. >> when it happens, you're obligated to come back, and we'll talk about that. >> absolutely.

>> it's a fantastic story. >> thank you so much >> what an honor to meet both of you. >> thank you so much thanks for having us. >> keep on keeping on. and again, you can catch them on broadway in "a christmas carol" and "jagged little pill" right now. carson. >> what a cool story, guys, thanks bar's open come on over, gang our mixologist is going to show us fun and festive drinks. this is a gingerbread collins station. we'll have a few cocktails and get ready for the holidays but first, this is "today" on nbc.

oh, my gosh, i'm so excited right now. it's hard to contain my excitement we're back with a special holiday edition of "today" foot. it's all about the cocktails, so listen up. if you're having people over tonight, tomorrow, any time during the holiday season, we

brought in the best. mixologist tracy franklin with dazzling ideas thank you so much for being here merry christmas eve. let's say hello to your mother. >> hi mom. >> she's watching in new orleans. >> what did you bring us >> i have a lot of tips and tricks and fun recipes today we're starting off with an old fashioned bar. they are some of the most popular cocktails in bars right now and they're incredibly simple four ingredients you need, and we're going to play with that. start off with a whiskey, i decided to use a scotch, best of both worlds, then you need a sweetener. we have a simple syrup, brown sugar simple syrup. a honey simple syrup >> you use all or select one. >> pick one. >> what's your favorite to pair with this? >> i love it with a brown sugar, we're bringing out the toffee caramel notes. what's great with simple syrup is it's simple it's sweetener and water

what's also wonderful is you can take hot water and use tea or spices, throwing cinnamon in the hot water so you have a cinnamon spice simple syrup. >> how about the garnish. >> a little bit of orange which is going to bring out the sweetness in your old fashioned, the lemon is going make it a little bit bright and grapefruit right in the middle of those. >> is there bitters. >> bitters of course, bitters are your spice, they are not bitter, they are a concentrated flavor component, black walnut, orange, and you can stir that up with your cinnamon stick. >> i knew mr. melvin was going to get on that the old fashioned bar. >> and don't skimp on your cherries, you want to have tasty cherries, delicious, what do you think. >> they're delicious. >> wow, that's good. >> that is good. i like the cinnamon stick there. i love what you have done with the ice, by the way. >> right this is very easy, you can use a bunt pan or bread pan, fill that up with water and then add in iced cranberries and lemon slices, freeze that up, throw that in. >> that's so festive. >> and it's beautiful. punches are also easy, four

ingredients that you need to really think about first you want to think about what is your weak component, juice or soda, and about four parts of that. right. and then you're going to do your strong component today we're using gin, actually infused with a little bit more rose, which makes it more approachable than some gins. >> if you're not a gin guy, can you swap it out. >> vodka or tequila. three parts gin. you're thinking, 4, 3, 2, now two parts of sweetener, so what we're going to do for sweetener, an elder flower cordial. >> fancy. >> i am fancy. >> and actually it's a distilled liquor made from cherries >> can i buy that at my liquor store? >> you absolutely can. they'll know it usually comes in a tall bottle two parts sweet, one part sour lemon juice.

>> you come to my house tonight, you get a bud heavy. >> i love it what do you think? how is it? >> honestly, i'm not sure if i'm going to be able to get two. there we go. let's go on to our gingerbread collins. >> for the record, i'm in my transformation. >> thank you so much >> i'm glad that you could join us what we have done is i have a really wonderful holiday memory of being with family, making cookies, and listening to holiday -- ♪ moon river >> and making holiday cookies. >> go to a party, go a little light on the liquor. >> we got you. >> you've got a heavy hand. >> we can add more apple cider, so i decided to take ginger bread and make a syrup i made a gingerbre ginger, obviously, some cloves, allspice, cinnamon and brown sugar.

the recipe is on today.com and that can make a collins, or what i made for you is a little bit of a sour with a soda water. >> thank you. >> so nonalcoholic. >> i appreciate that >> this is delicious >> i love you dressed up for this cocktail party. >> get the aromatics going. >> the invitation said dress up. >> try that one. >> and finally - >> how do i follow santa claus. >> i don't know how you can. we kind of elevate this a little bit into something fun by adding a homemade grenadine syrup >> you can make this at home, you don't have to buy it. >> it is so easy, pomegranate juice, sugar and a little bit of lemon. >> look at the color it's gorgeous. >> all right >> and this is our cider. >> how many do you want to add >> everybody grab a drink. >> nonalcoholic here. >> i don't want to mention if you're at home, this was a lot

of information, go to the web site, the recipes are there today.com/food, let's take a second and raise our glass, shall we, and a little toast from our family to all of you watching we wish you nothing but the best, have a great, happy and safe holiday season. we hope it's filled with lots of laughter, warmth, and certainly goodwill, cheers thank you for being here and helping us out >> thank you so much >> cheers. >> thank you very much >> we're back in a minute, but first this is "today" on nbc

let me know next time you're having a party. >> you're not messing around >> to make the end of the show even more fun. >> thank you so much >> my pleasure. >> up next on the "3rd hour of today" jill martin introduces us to an entrepreneur putting a design. also, we'll get filled in on her new holiday movie and a

possible punky brewster reboot as well. easy christmas eve recipes, but first before all of that, your local news. >> merry christmas eve very good morning to you, the search is still on for a pair of thieves that stole thousands of dollars from a san jose church. it happened last saturday afternoon just before 3:00 p.m. church goers were just finishing up services when the thieves made their moves. >> new details on a hit and run

that left a pedestrian hurt. he struck the be decembpedestri parked cars. and now a strike over contract negotiations for nurses. a weather update in half an hour.

a new holiday storm taking aim on the area. >> and gift cards are more popular than ever. what to do to make sure they don't lose their value.

from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza, this is the "3rd hour of today." >> good morning, everyone, welcome to the "3rd hour of today" i'm sheinelle here with al, craig and dylan. the gang is all here, and of course another great show lined up for you this morning. >> we say every show is great. >> maybe tomorrow. >> let's let the people judge. >> don't you love dylan's dress, by the way. >> it is splendid. >> that's a beautiful dress. >> i have hit the end of my wardrobe. >> you know what helps. >> is that better >> smile pretty. >> it's when i stand do you want to see me stand sglg be