every morning here on "today in the bay." >> hey, take a look at this. santa moving along. right now he's in china delivering toys, and he's coming to the bay area a little later today. make sure you go to bed early. >> still have a chance to be good. >> oh, no. >> do something good. >> i will do that right now. good morning, one day to go on this christmas eve families from coast to coast busy preparing to celebrate after another year in the pandemic. festivities getting under way here and throughout the world as people join together tshare love, laughter and hope for the future. perhaps after one final trip to the store to pick up those last minute gifts. we've got everything you need to know to enjoy the holidays, today, friday, december 24th, 2021. >> announcer: from nbc news, this is a special edition of

"today" with savannah guthrie and hoda kotb from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. hi, everybody. good morning, boy, we're almost there, aren't we? special christmas eve edition as today is a day off for a lot of folks. thank you if you woke up early and made us part of a long holiday weekend. >> this actually is a special edition. we're so happy. are you all ready for christmas? everybody's ready? >> the kids are certainly ready. >> we do have for those last minute people, we have your last minute holiday needs covered this morning including those 11th hour gift ideas if you're shopping procrastinator. >> gift cards! >> a lot of gift cards given out tomorrow. >> after that we're going to brighten your morning with a special holiday performance from country duo dan and shay. >> looking forward to that. >> it's not a celebration without some festive snacks and drinks. we've got you covered. how do moose track no bake bits and warm strawberry milk with candy canes sound? >> sounds amazing. >> get all that? stick around, you're going to find out the recipes. >> wired for christmas.

then we're going to take you on a tour of this year's decorations at the white house. >> let's get started with a check of the morning's top headlines with nbc news now anchor aaron gilchrist. good morning. merry christmas. >> good morning, everybody. merry christmas to you. we begin with the coronavirus today and the omicron variant slightly dimming the holiday spirit. overnight hundreds of christmas eve flights abruptly canceled but covid is not shutting down everything. nbc's kathy park joining us live from times square with the latest. good morning. >> reporter: good morning to you. that's right, the new year's eve bash here in times square is still on, but it will be scaled back, and of course due to rising covid cases, the travel will be capped to 15,000, and everyone will be required to wear a mask and be vaccinated. this morning surging covid cases across the country reminding us the pandemic isn't taking a break this christmas. in new york where infections continue to skyrocket, roughly 10,000 at-home tests were handed

out, but it's still not enough to keep up with demand as testing lines in some spots stretch around the block. >> i did one yesterday where i waited for two hours. it's crazy everywhere. >> reporter: even as the omicron variant tightens its grip, a scaled back new year's eve will move ahead in times square where revelers will be masked and fully vaxxed. >> i'm all for it, we're vaccinated. wearing a mask. >> reporter: travel is rebounding, too. now through january 2nd, more than 109 million americans plan on driving or flying to their destination. a 34% bump from last year. >> i guess we didn't want to cancel our plan the second year in a row. >> reporter: overnight, hundreds of flight cancellations, delta, united and alaska airlines citing the impact of omicron on their work force and on a royal caribbean cruise, 55 passengers and crew tested positive.

the cruise line saying they were fully vaccinated and showed mild to no symptoms. as the coronavirus hangs on, health officials say we're in a better position now to fight back. this week the fda clearing two antiviral covid pills from merck and pfizer. >> we have every tool we need to put this pandemic behind us. >> reporter: and hopeful news from a uk study. those infected with omicron with two-thirds less likely to be hospitalized compared to delta. and with hospitals feeling the strain once again with rising covid cases, the cdc issued updated guidance for health care workers who test positive for the virus but are asymptomatic. they can shorten their isolation period from ten days to seven days and return to work with a negative test. aaron. >> all right, kathy park, thank you. now to the white house as president biden's holiday troubles are piling up. covid testing shortages, vaccine mandate challenges and monica alba joining us now. good morning. >> reporter: president biden is

spending his first christmas holiday as commander in chief here at the white house with family where he will continue to be briefed on covid and the omicron spike as the administration defends its response to the lack of testing across the nation right now pointing to half a billion rapid tests that will be available for americans in january but key details on how many people will get and how that will all work are still unclear. it comes as the president reminds the nation that two years into the pandemic things have improved dramatically in terms of tools to fight severe illness, hospitalization and death, but there's still much work to be done to get more of the country vaccinated and boosted. a key part of that, next month the supreme court will hold a special hearing on the president's vaccine mandate. it would affect millions. aaron? >> monica alba in washington, thank you, monica. here's a look at your christmas eve forecast, a strong pacific storm bringing more heavy rain and snow across the west. parts of the sierra nevada mountains could get up to nine feet of snow through the weekend and there's a risk of flooding in the southwest.

that's a look at your weather. your local forecast is coming up in the next 30 seconds. have a great christmas, everybody. how we take care of our most valuable asset... ...our people. it may sound cheesy, but we like it that way! what's in your wallet? merry christmas eve to you. we are still watching that rain, but after very heavy early-morning rain, it's starting to taper off. now we have spotty showers and we will have a drier trend late morning into the afternoon, and the heavy sierra snow does continue. if you are traveling there you may have a window later this

afternoon, but right now is not a good time. we will see more of the wet weather in the forecast as temperatures continue to drop over the next several days. now to a christmas tradition, our yearly visit with timothy cardinal dolan, archbishop of new york. >> last time you had to join us from st. paddy's, we're in person, we're having eggnog a christmas tradition, 13 years for me last year we had to do it at a distance you guys say you love fat jolly men, so thank you for the invite. >> we love you we love you for coming. >> i love you and your people, and i think my mom and family are watching as well i miss you i wish i were home for christmas. can i thank you and congratulate you as part of the genius of you all is people feel close to you. they think you're family they want to tune in they look at you around the

breakfast table and kind of think of you as company. so thanks for what you do. >> there are a lot of people who at this moment do feel distanced from their loved ones, sometimes it's not just physical it's because of the things that are dividing us, and i feel like this is such a beautiful time to come together, but taking that first step just is not easy. >> yeah, you know, and sometimes it's literal, your father-in-law. i asked you about -- i expressed condolences on willard who we lost this year sometimes you realize you're actually physically missing people who have gone back to the lord that can be tough. also people that just are unable to get out i've been going around the last week or so just visiting some of our shut-ins, bring them holy communion, say the prayer. they're fragile enough that they haven't yet -- they don't feel secure enough to get out, and i can still appreciate that, and they just want that contact. >> yeah. >> they want somebody to show up what do you say, though, you asked me, what do you say when

you miss people? what do you say to the number of people that this joyful hopeful time of the year say, you know what there's still a lot of darkness. there's still a lot of division. there's still a lot of hate. there's still a lot of things to tempt us to think, well, if you're with us, god, where are you? which i always -- i always try to translate that expression of disappointment and discouragement, sometimes heartache. i always try to say let's rephrase that to say i'm incomplete there's something missing in my life there's something missing in the world. there's something missing in the way things are supposed to be, if i understand god's plan right. and that -- you know what? that can be a prayer of saying i need you i need someone beyond myself there are things in my life and in the world that we just can't seem to fix as hard as we try, so lord, we need help.

we need rescue we need redemption we need salvation to use fancy spiritual theological terms. that of course is what christmas is all about god heard us and said i'm with you, i'm with you all days even to the end of the world. he's the one who's always with us one of the good things i've sensed these past almost two years now of shutdown and fear and disappointment and loss, is that the good number of people who tell me that they've kind of rediscovered deep within the presence of the divine that there's something -- there's something out there that happens to be in here and that's god's life and god's promise, and that's christmas >> what are some good practices -- we're not at new year's resolution time just yet, but i liked how you talked about how to reframe our thinking. what are some of your favorite practices to get your mind where you feel like you can feel positive and feel hopeful?

>> well, this eggnog is -- [ laughter ] >> right there with you. >> you don't have any panettone, do you you know what? one of the things -- look, one of the things that jumps out at everybody this time of the year, here we are christmas eve morning is giving, giving, giving sometimes people say, oh, everybody's shopping it's just consumerism. you know what? stop people coming out of the stores, they're not buying for themselves they're buying for other people, so when i talk to my mom, just turned 93 on st. nicholas day, she said i got to buy this she's buying it for other people, see? she's not too worried about herself. that spirit of giving is phenomenal there's something in the bible " called "the law of the gift" that says we are at our best we are acting in the way that god best intends for us when we give what we cherish away in love to another. that's the law of the gift god the father did that when he

gave us his only begotten son, and we do that that's a practice that maybe the biggest temptation is to be self-absorbed and to be selfish. that brings about trepidation. that brings about some discouragement, no that giving we limit it to this time of the year, but let's make that always, you know boy, that's the antidote to everything. >> and just in these closing seconds we have, just your christmas message for people who are looking for some hope? >> my christmas message, folks, is that hope is yours for the asking, all right? admit it if you don't have it. admit to yourself and to god and some cherished people that you're missing stuff in your life, and then say to the lord i think you can satisfy the deepest longings of the human heart. i tried other stuff, but it hasn't -- it might work for a little while, but i need something that endures you ask the lord for that hope you ask the lord for that focus. he'll come through, and do that

on christmas morning, you know, even to just look at the crib and to say there it is, the most simple, sincere thing in the world, jesus born in bethlehem give me some of that hope. the shepherds got it, the wise men got it, mary and joseph got it i need it, lord, and i want it this christmas. >> i love it. >> but i got a little present for you. and i don't know if you got room on the tree. >> of course we do. >> but this is the ornament that i give away. it's got jesus, mary and joseph. >> that is really beautiful. >> you guys usually give me something, right >> the eggnog. >> oh, wait, yeah. there's nothing in it, well, yeah thank you so much. we'll hang it. >> coal again. >> thank you. >> bless you. >> cardinal, we love you thank you very much. >> merry christmas. >> craig meanwhile, the halls are certainly decked at the nation's most famous home for president biden and dr. jill biden's first holiday season at the white house. the theme for this year's decorations, gifts from the

heart inspired by small acts of kindness and experiences that lift spirits during hard times nbc's kelly o'donnell has a closer look at the displays for us kelly o., good morning to you, merry christmas eve. >> reporter: good morning, craig, and merry christmas things look a little different this holiday season around the white house. because of covid considerations the president and first lady did not host the kind of mix and mingle christmas parties of years gone by, but there were a limited number of open house tours where guests could see the beautiful decorations, and we wanted you to see them too dusting off long ago christmas memories, a national family album of presidents past, who made a white house christmas tree their own for any first family, there is only one first white house christmas. >> look how beautiful this is. >> reporter: first lady jill

biden welcomed this 18 foot fraser fir from north carolina, joined by a national guard family and her own, including youngest grandson little beau. inside the white house, a magical transformation, more than 100 volunteer decorators brought to life the theme selected by dr. biden, gifts from the heart. >> we are united by what really matters, like points on a star, we come together at the heart. >> reporter: shimmering scenes with nearly 79,000 lights aglow, more than 10,000 ornaments adorn 41 trees 11 different gifts celebrated room by room butterflies crafted from the pages of books note the gift of learning the visual arts with colors bursting beyond the seasonal palate

white sugary icing is the star in the state dining room, 120 pounds cover this gingerbread replica of the mansion this year's display also brings close landmarks of community, a tribute to many different front line workers >> that's what i saw across this country, and that's what gave me my inspiration for gifts from the heart. >> reporter: family is among the gifts of the heart, stockings for the biden grandchildren line the mantle under mr. lincoln, personal snapshots dangle in golden ornaments. >> the grandkids said, you know, nana can we spend our first year at the white house and i said of course making a glittering white house a home for christmas for most holidays or special occasions, the bidens get together back home in delaware, so spending any time around christmas here at the white house is a twist on the family traditions with children and

grandchildren gathered here. dr. biden says they have their own smaller christmas tree in the family residence with their personal ornaments attached. so a little touch of home. craig. >> all right, kelly o'donnell for us this morning. thank you. coming up, we're taking you behind the scenes of an epic journey, how this year's rockefeller center christmas tree got from maryland, a first by the way, to right here on our plaza. plus, the family who donated it shares what it means to be part of such an iconic tradition. it was a "today" holiday takeover as we spread a little joy. we took on jobs at a bustling winter market right here in the heart of new york city it's really a gift for us. thank you so much for coming to the shop >> thank you >> you know what these are all on the house merry christmas and happy holidays >> happy holidays, everybody >> merry christmas. >> happy holidays.

>> ho, ho, ho, merry christmas >> merry christmas, happy holidays happy kwanzaa, happy hanukkah, festivus for the rest of us. >> got that and a lot more ahead on this christmas eve morning. but first this is "today" on nbc. we learn about covid-19,

the more questions we have. the biggest question now, what's next? what will covid bring in six months, a year? if you're feeling anxious about the future, you're not alone. calhope offers free covid-19 emotional support.

call 833-317-4673, or live chat at calhope.org today. still ahead here on this christmas eve morning, a glimpse of christmases past and present in the festive country houses of britain, including one that's been in princess diana's family for centuries. >> the setting looks straight out of a movie, the festive lights and rich histories. we're going to take you there for a firsthand look at the celebrations, but first your local news so i called back?

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good morning. it's 7:26. i am marcus washington. here's today's top stories including a record number of people traveling for the holiday despite the looming covid surge. good morning, i am cierra johnson at sfo. united airlines said it had to cut 112 flights from its friday schedule as the omicron variant continues to spread, and delta airline also apologizing saying the variant as well as the weather caused them to cancel

flights. more cancelations are expected from alaska today. i am damian trujillo. the tenderloin under a state of emergency. the board of supervisors voted on a proposal by the mayor. it would mean more police in the tenderloin and more services addressing drug overdose and mental health concerns of that area. supervisors like matt haney said the move is needed because there have been 1,700 overdose deaths in that community in the last three years. others said the measure was a trojan horse designed to flood the tenderloin with police. we are looking at rain tapering off for the next few

hours. looks like if you are going out to christmas in the mark, earlier the better because we could see peeks of sunshine. we could see the rain returning tonight. >> we will have another news update in 30 minutes.

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tree with the entire world. >> three, two, one lights >> it's the most wonderful time of the year when the holiday glistens from this iconic center of manhattan this year visitors will be delighted once more to rock around the christmas tree thanks to the price family of elkton, maryland this holiday season it is their tree taking center stage >> we never thought a tree on our property would be selected for rockefeller center, nope not in a million years >> reporter: for more than 30 years, high school sweethearts devon and julie price have nurtured and cared for the dozens of trees around their home although they always appreciated the majesty of the big spruce they were nonetheless taken aback when a stranger knocked at their door last march. >> we thought it was a salesman. >> reporter: it wasn't a salesman, it was head gardener erik pauze for rockefeller center and the man in charge of scouting and selecting the 30

rock christmas tree. >> he said, hey, do you mind if i look at that beautiful norway spruce, you know, behind your house? i didn't really know why, i said sure, go ahead he's sizing up the tree, looking at it, taking pictures from all angles he said would you ever consider allowing this tree to go to new york city. and i said, you know, honestly, i've never thought about it, but i guess so, yeah >> reporter: the prices shared the news with their adult kids, natalie and wesley who grew up playing in the backyard by that tree >> they have a lot of fond memories, you know, growing up, a lot of the neighborhood kids would come over, and we'd play under the trees. >> reporter: it was natalie's husband chris, a native new yorker who pushed the idea. >> i said to them, guys, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and we have to say yes to this. >> reporter: and so the price family decided to move forward with the anticipation of a memorable road ahead. >> as a family we've gone from, no, we can't let this tree go to now we worry about it.

now we worry about how it survived the storm or heavy rain or heavy wind, so we're very excited to have it go to new york city. >> reporter: bittersweet sentiment for a cherished symbol of home. >> we're excited and happy to share it with everyone. >> wow, something this significant, you know, is actually coming from our property, and you know, we grew it and cared for it all these years. quite an honor >> it's hard to believe that was the first tree ever from maryland >> i know. a good one too. >> it wasn't the tallest, but it is the prettiest. >> it's behind you it's just beautiful. >> it is >> very cute love it. >> five miles of lights, friends. >> one goes out, they all go out. just ahead, team "today" working in a winter wonderland. >> we're going to show you the jolly good time we had spreading a little cheer at a beloved holiday destination right here in the heart of the city, but first these messages 'tis the season to break tradition in a cadillac.

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welcome back in an effort to spread a little extra cheer this season, we decided why not pull off a holiday "today" takeover >> carson, you didn't do this because you were busy with your other job and all your friends on "the voice" out west. you were with us in spirit we all got a chance to spend the day working at bryant park's winter village we each had a special job to do, a labor of love and holiday joy.

♪ >> merry christmas >> ho ho ho. >> nice to see you excuse me just a second. 'tis the season for a "today" holiday market takeover! >> now they're not santa's elves, but look who's here spreading holiday cheer. >> this is one of the most iconic places you can go in new york city. >> i feel like bryant park during the holidays is magical. >> i see all kinds of decorations. everybody's festive. >> this is just yet another sign that we're back. christmas is back. >> everybody here is in a good mood i just want to give them a little bit more, the more love the better ♪ >> ornaments shop open. >> to me christmas tree ornaments are like little treasures that you get to unwrap every year. >> you're in town from where >> seattle, washington. >> from seattle, so you could have a souvenir from your trip here together. i think we got a sale.

>> i do, a little love. >> i like your hat too, i think we all go together, naughty, nice, and yet to be determined >> so do you think we found a winner >> i think this is our winner. >> let me ring you up. >> all right >> thank you so much for coming to the shop. >> thank you >> you know what these are all on the house merry christmas. ♪ >> why, hello, welcome to s'mores and more >> thank you. >> would you like a s'more you know i know s'mores how's that look? >> oh, great. >> hold on you ain't seen nothing yet oh, baby and this over here, enjoy. happy holidays. >> thank you >> another satisfied customer. who's next >> what's your name? >> my name is lamar. >> lamar have you had some s'more >> i have, not yours. >> that's exactly what i'm saying, my friend.

>> i'm going to try to make one of the largest towers of s'mores that anybody has ever seen we're going one more, baby lamar, this one is for you let me see you take a bite go in there, lamar get it, get it, lamar. yeah big hand for lamar happy holidays, everybody. you're welcome my work here is done >> i want you to raise your hand if you are on the nice list for santa. now tell me why are you on the nice list? >> because i'm really good to my mother. >> because you're really good to your mother. >> i get to hug my sister. >> i get to hug my sister? who are these children you guys are unbelievable. raise your hand if you want to see santa. hi santa. >> hi, hoda, how are you >> so santa, all of these kids here say they're on the nice list >> they look very nice to me

>> but i'm going to help you with a little christmas cheer. what's the dream job to give kids what they want. >> grayson >> to watch them open it, to see their eyes >> merry christmas >> merry christmas >> what would you like to say to santa? >> thank you ♪ >> it is time to start up the skate rental booth step right up. >> what sizes do we need >> we need a toddler 11. >> 11. >> how cute are the little toddler 11s. here you go. have fun thank you, happy holidays. >> hi, what's your name? >> i'm abigail >> are you ready to ice skate? are you a little nervous >> i am. i'm kind of afraid to fall down. >> this is going to help you balance on the ice

i'll be cheering you along i hope i bring the folks here a little bit of joy. that's my job here today i'm the cheerleader. you got this abigail you're a pro. >> thank you. >> i've seriously done this two or three times my entire life. it's the holidays, i'm going to try it let's do this. i don't know how to stop we did it. yay!holida happy holidays ♪ >> you guys are a team teams need uniforms, so i brought you a little something >> thank you >> every time i see someone curling, i think i could do that come on! it's a lot harder than it looks. >> there you go. >> no pressure they come in easy, i'll come in easy if they come in hot, i'm coming in hot come on, baby. >> you did it. >> congratulations, sir. >> oh, thank you but you know what? at christmas everyone gets a gift there you go. >> thank you very much >> all right, who's next they look tough. so it's the two of you versus me

>> i'm going to win. >> you're going to win oh, they trash talk. i've got an idea, i'll turn around, close my eyes, and you can put it wherever you want close? wow. well done. yes, you won christmas curling yes! i give you the curling champions of 2021. >> there's people hanging out in the igloos, but little do they know i'm about to crash their party. ho ho ho i come with drinks >> hey, thank you. >> hi. i brought you all some cheese. >> oh, you shouldn't have. >> my favorite charcuterie. >> hi, everybody merry christmas, happy holidays. you guys look so dapper in here. so there's like sporting activities, there's shopping

there's chilling out in the igloo and eating i was like, yes, that i can do okay, well, i brought you gifts. you get a hat, and you get a hat. >> amazing. >> i thought we should all be santa chic that's a good look on you. that's a good look i think that we have to sing in this little igloo, right >> i don't have a great voice so i'm going to need a chorus ♪ jingle bells, jingle bells ♪ ♪ jingle all the way ♪ ♪ oh, what fun it is to ride ♪ ♪ in with one horse open sleigh ♪ >> cheers. >> that was so fun. >> craig, you're very competitive at curling. >> well, a little bit. >> yeah. >> they started it they started it. >> exactly >> holiday >> yeah. >> the kids wanted me in >> the kids, there you go. we've got the rain is tapering off,

and we had heavy downpours earlier, and the roads may be wet if you are heading out, but we will have drier conditions late morning into the afternoon before the next round of rain comes in. with all of the wet weather, we will continue to see some breaks here and there. we will keep you updated on that. >> so the kids didn't win or they did >> oh, they won. >> you were like cramer in judo. >> i was trying to teach them an important lesson. >> don't go against craig? >> sometimes it's okay to lose. >> even if it's an adult. >> there you go. >> he's over it. >> we love his sunny disposition and his outlook on the holidays and life as a whole, the most reverend bishop michael curry. >> and all new christmas eve, the bishop is talking about his new message of inspiration on this christmas eve, but first these messages

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all right, still ahead, guys, a trip to a stunning country palace in britain owned by princess diana's family, and it really transforms for the holiday season. >> that is right, and it's a million twinkling lights the traditional christmas market are only the beginning molly hunter will take us on a tour. plus, i cannot wait for this one, our annual secret santa gift exchange. let the surprises begin. >> it's going to be hot, yes >> but first, your local news and weather.

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good morning. it's 7:56. i am marcus washington. here's what is happening now. >> reporter: good morning, i am cierra johnson at sfo. omicron variant being blamed for hundreds of cancelations nationwide from major airline carriers. united said it had to cut 112 flights from its friday schedule. delta airlines also apologizing saying the variant as well as weather is the reason for canceling 90 flights. alaska airlines canceled 17 flights after it was reported there was a possible exposure to covid. now it's time for a look at

the microclimate forecast for you. >> marcus, we had heavier rain earlier this morning but now it's starting to move out. we are seeing spotty light rain, but conditions are definitely improving compared to what we had at 4:00 to 5:00 this morning with heavier rain passing. we are going to see a cold front moving in, and then widespread rain will start tomorrow morning and continue into sunday, and the temperatures will continue to get very chilly out there, marcus. >> thanks, kari. we will have another local news update for you coming up in 30 minutes. see you back here then.

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♪♪ it's 8:00 on "today." coming up, inspiration and hope, the most reverend michael curry stops by studio 1a to share a positive message on this christmas eve morning, what he's saying about emotionally recharging and spreading good cheer as the new year approaches. plus, last minute deal, yes, there is still time to pick up that perfect gift. five ideas that won't break the bank for all the procrastinators out there. and jingle all the shay. ♪ it's officially christmas ♪ ♪ and i'm officially yours ♪

>> dan and shay join us for a festive concert, you won't want to miss, today, friday december 24th, 2021. ♪♪ >> hey, "today" show, we're in orlando, florida, and we're starting our day off with you. >> and then tonight. >> santa's coming! >> from charlotte, north carolina. >> there's no place like home for the holidays. >> ho, ho, ho. >> here in frisco, texas. >> wishing you and your family peace and joy on this christmas eve. >> today is my fifth birthday! >> merry christmas, everyone. >> wherever you're celebrating, merry christmas! >> there you go. >> everybody welcome back to "today." we are so happy to have you along with us christmas eve morning, taped a little early because we wanted to spend time with our family as well. we hope you all are doing the exact same thing right now. >> a few hours away. >> we've got a lot to get to,

guys, including gifts to give and to receive. >> a few hours away. if you still have some shopping left to do, don't worry, you're not alone. we're going to share some last minute suggestions that shouldn't be too hard to find. >> also, we are going to exchange our little secret santa. >> can't wait for that. >> someone's really in luck because you're going to get a nice gift card. >> i know, gift card craig. >> what's a christmas celebration without a little holiday music? dan and shay is going to provide us some, treating us to a really special performance. let's begin this half hour with a check of your news. >> nbc news aaron gilchrist has that covered. >> good morning, everybody. happy christmas eve. now to your news at 8:00 on this christmas eve. omicron fueling a holiday covid surge. overnight trouble for travelers as hundreds of flights were canceled. nbc's kathy park joining us live now from new york's times square where the celebrations are still hang but scaled back a bit, kathy. >> hey, aaron, good morning to you.

let's start off with some good news on this christmas eve. that's right, the new year's eve bash here in times square is still on, but it will be scaled back. capped at just 15,000 revelers, and everyone will be required to be fully vaccinated and masked when they're out here. but this comes amid a rise in covid cases here in new york. more than 38,000 infections yesterday alone, but cases are exploding practically all across the country. the omicron variant being detected in all 50 states, and omicron is also being blamed for canceling hundreds of flights today for delta, united and alaska airlines. but even as the pandemic continues to hang on, health officials say, look, we have a lot of resources right now. we have the vaccine. we also have these antiviral pills from merck and pfizer, which received fda approval this week, and aaron, let's end on some more hopeful news. the uk also releasing a new study showing that omicron

patients in november and december when they got sick, they were two-thirds less likely to be hospitalized compared to the delta variant. aaron. >> all right, kathy park, thank you. president biden is spending his first christmas as commander in chief at the white house where he will continue to be briefed on covid, but that's just one challenge on the president's plate over the holidays. he's also trying to find a way forward for his signature legislation, a massive social spending and climate plan that is currently stalled in congress. former minnesota police officer kim potter facing up to 15 years in prison this morning for killing daunte wright. jurors found potter guilty yesterday on both counts of manslaughter for shooting the 20-year-old to death. that jury rejecting potter's defense that she mistakenly fired her gun instead of her taser. sentencing scheduled for february. and now to the weather as we're tracking a deadly winter . authorities say two bodies were discovered yesterday in a car submerged in flood waters after heavy rain near san francisco, and that storm will continue to

bring more wet weather today upping the threat of flooding, especially in burn scar areas, up to nine feet of snow expected through the weekend in parts of the sierra nevada mountains. meanwhile, in central and southern plains, record warmth ahead through the weekend, and in new england, a few flurries are actually possible this morning from places that haven't good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall and looking at the storm ranger, the downpours have turned into a spotty shower. so we have a break here now that the rain has pushed off to the south and east. the sierras will taper off if you plan to hit the road. now is not a good time, but later in the day. we will see to see jere nas will have snow later today and for the next several days with colder temperatures for the later part of the week. l chris everybody, let's go back to

studio 1a and the team at "today." >> and coming up, a man who spreads joy wherever he goes, the most reverend michael curry. there he is. >> he is here to put our challenges big and small into good perspective and to share a special christmas message right special christmas message right after this and, earn kohl's cash! kohl's. milk-bone dipped. a treat so tasty, everyone will want to be a dog. coated in delicious peanut butter-flavored yum. dog life's more fun with milk-bone dipped. ♪yeah, yeah, yeah♪ real fruit... and whole grains. ♪yeah, yeah, yeah♪ doing something good for yourself

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are the only thing you'll be waiting on. ♪ joy. fully. ♪ align. fast acting biotic gummies helps soothes occasional abdominal discomfort, joy. fully. gas, and bloating and it works fast. in as little as 7 days try fast acting biotic gummies from align. the #1 doctor recommended probiotic brand. welcome back on this christmas eve, and we are all looking for a few words of inspiration, a little hope as we head into the new year. >> there's no one better at doing that than our friend the most reverend michael curry, he's presiding bishop of the episcopal church. >> good morning. >> merry christmas eve. >> i know, i'm sure you've already planned your christmas message. what is your message going to be this year? >> well, this time it's going to go and be that gift, you put one under the tree, now this time

give a gift that you don't have to wrap up because it's you. go and be that gift. >> go and be the gift. >> and how do you do that? >> you know what, you got to do it you do it one person at a time, relationship at a time every time i get on an airplane now, i make sure to speak to the the flight attendants and the pilots let me in the cockpit, i speak to them too. they've got a tough job to do. the folks in the ticket desk and the folks picking up the luggage, they got tough jobs right now too. >> that kind of brings us to there are a lot of divisions in the country. you know, all different kinds of divisions, and what you just said was the simplest thing in the world, but that's what it takes, doesn't it, to like bridge a divide. some people find themselves so far apart they don't even know how to start the conversation. >> you know what you do it, like a normal human being. you do it. you start by talking to folk for those of us who are extroverts it's a little bit easier because we like talking to people anyway but it's not hard anyway sometimes you're just sitting and you got nothing else to do

and a conversation begins, go ahead and let the conversation happen. >> let it happen. >> and a smile. >> like an intentional gift. >> it is >> but a simple one. >> it really is. it's very simple you get on the airplane, the flight attendants are going to talk to you anyway thank you for the purell or whatever it is when you land and it's a safe landing. >> thank the pilot. >> thank you. >> for some it's hard because as hoda mentioned there are divisions, and it's easy to love the ones that you love it's hard to love the ones that challenge you. how do you get in that mental space where you're feeling that generosity of spirit >> you know what, you got to make a decision. i'm going to be a person to love today. and i'm going to love even those folk that are hard to love didn't mean have to agree with them we can disagree, but i'm going to disagree in love. same way you do with your spouse, you disagree i mean, who's been married everybody's been married you know that's not easy. >> some more than others [ laughter ]

>> however many times it takes >> practice makes perfect. >> keep trying until you get it right. >> exactly >> that's exactly what you do. you figure out let's have the conversation, and then, you know, if that doesn't work, you know what? tell me a little about yourself, right? everybody likes to talk about themselves. >> right >> that's true >> it's hard to find any commonality anymore. you talk about how divided we all are. the commonality is that we're all human. this is the proof of humanity. everybody's texting each other, but the simple conversation, the smile, the little moments you can have with the people along our paths in any given day, those moments, those micro moments mean something. >> they really do. do you know on the great seal of the united states, e pluribus unum, there was debate about whether it would be a turkey or an eagle i'm glad they went with the eagle, e pluribus unum from many one, if you look at where it comes from, it comes from the writing of cicero, cicero and the roman republic wrote -- and listen to this language -- when people learn to love others as

much as they love themselves, e pluribus unum becomes possible the united states of america becomes possible if we do exactly what we're talking about right now. >> sometimes i think people don't love themselves. how can we feel god's grace? i think if you do, then somehow you can't keep it to yourself. you just got to spread that love around. >> no, you can't, and actually, that's where our religious traditions do matter at their best, they help us to realize, wait a minute, i didn't birth myself i didn't conceive myself i'm already a gift >> mm-hmm. >> i was given without strings attached every one of us right here is a gift already the gift has been given. so keep on giving. >> how do we give that to our children you know, to help them on that path and i guess it starts with us, they got to see us doing it. >> you know, it does help. i remember my grandmother especially being on thank you notes and i never as an adult,

i'm not good on that, but nonetheless, she was right, and i think behind that was the principle, if you received a gift, now give a gift back the thank you isn't just acknowledgment the thank you actually is cultivation of a relationship. >> uh-huh. >> so do something, so with our kids, okay, so santa brought you these gifts. what can you do for somebody else let's think about that. >> i think al's right, though, when your kids see you being of service because i was always struggling, i want my kids to be of service and all of a sudden someone just said to me, well, just you do you. >> take them with you. >> you've been such a gift to us at the show for a number of years. we appreciate you coming to lift our spirits. what do you do to recharge what does the bishop do -- >> to recharge >> you mean aside from pray, pray, read the bible, all that good stuff i do do that, love that. you know what else i do? i'm a lifelong buffalo bills fan.

and come win, lose, or draw, i watch football >> things are looking good for the bills. >> right now >> your prayers are working. >> i don't know if i can say this, i love ted lasso i love that show >> al got us all on that show. >> al loved it first. >> what is it about that show you love >> you know what it is, it reminds us that things like kindness and goodness and compassion and decency and just plain human justice, and just plain love you know what? they work. they actually do work. now, you know, nothing's perfect, and some folk are really hard to get along with, i know that. but the reality is they do work, and that show, you know what when michael curry is down and out, i just watch "ted lasso" one episode, even if it's in the second season when it's a little dark in the second season. even then, that's all right, i still feel much better when i watch it when the buffalo bills may not have the best day, it's up and

down, i watch "ted lasso". >> right here this morning. >> even if you got the yips. >> even. >> before we let you go, you had dinner with mr. roker at his house, he's a good cook, isn't he >> he's not only a good cook, i'll probably have to go to weight watchers for five years after having been there. he's an extraordinary cook and an extraordinary person. what you guys do here, you do it on screen, you do it on tv, but you do it for real that matters, and to keep sending that message out of the relationship between you all, you know what? it matters we matter to each other because we matter to god. >> you matter to us. >> thank you. >> love you guys. >> merry christmas. >> feel better already. turning to celebrations across the pond, christmas festivities at britain's country houses go back hundreds of years. >> one of those homes has been in the family of late princess diana for five surgeries.

>> molly hunter to offer a glimpse of christmases past and present. good morning, merry christmas eve. >> reporter: hey, craig, good morning. and merry christmas eve from blenheim palace. this is the back garden. you're not even close to the most impressive view of this palace, and we got a special look inside at some of this country's most extraordinary christmas decorations. take a look. ♪ >> nestled on 12,000 acres in the wintry english countryside, blenheim palace is 300 years old, and walking in through the front doors is magnificent >> wow >> reporter: this scale so massive, fit for a 30 foot tree. the palace halls all dressed up and set to a sound track of tchaikovsky. we caught up with lady henrietta spencer churchill who reminds us this house still belongs to a

family. >> i remember when i was a child, we used to have open fires, masses of candles, a big buffet laid out there. christmas was a great occasion it was very much for all the cousins to get together. we were having fun one of the -- when my grandfather was alive, we had party crackers and paper hat, and there was always a guest who would go and set his hat on fire >> on his head >> yes, on his head. >> reporter: the palace social historian antonia keeny keeps tabs on visitors and christmases past. >> christmas has always been a really big deal. there are some signatures there, and i wonder if you can pick out one of our most famous prime ministers. >> yes, of course, there we go. >> winston have signed their name he was born here as you know, and he came to blenheim regularly. that picture is absolutely

wonderful. it shows the tenth duke playing split the kipper i don't know if you have that. >> no, we didn't have that game growing up that dress oh, the jewels, the dress, the whole thing. >> it was a very different place then very different they don't bring their horses or anything with them now. >> right, no carriages to speak of >> reporter: well, actually, speaking of carriages, we headed to althorp house, the 500-year-old estate where princess diana spent her teenage years growing up with her younger brother charles spencer, he's the ninth earl and moved back into the house 30 years ago. >> wow, well, welcome molly, and a merry christmas. come on in. >> merry christmas to you. >> reporter: inside from the elements and just beyond the entry way, the main event. >> you've got the show stopping entrance, and then you've got this show stopping tree right here >> reporter: 23 feet tall,

surrounded by family portraits including one of princess diana keeping watch. >> when people talk about christmas at althorp, this is what i think of primarily is this tree. >> so planted 20 years ago, so the trees that you will be planting now hopefully one of your children it will be able to enjoy. >> reporter: but growing up christmas was a more formal affair. >> i had a stepmother who was quite controlling. she used to have a chair for everyone i hated opening presents. >> reporter: in the family albums, earl spencer takes us through a few historic snaps. >> we're looking at well over 120 years ago with a dusting of snow on the ground at another christmas. >> that looks so christmasy. >> doesn't it? timeless really. >> reporter: two beautiful stately english homes all decked out for christmas. just spectacular decorations all

around, pretty different than my own christmas tree, definitely different than how this family would have celebrated christmas 300 years ago. so blenheim palace is open to the public families can come on down, buy tickets to check out these decorations. i'm going to get some mulled wine, guys, i hope you have a great christmas eve tonight and christmas tomorrow i'll send it back to you. >> molly hunter, thank you so much for that. >> that time of the morning. >> secret santa gift exchange time let's do it. >> here's how we did this. thanks to a random name draw, we were each assigned to buy a gift for one another, 50 bucks. >> it used to be 20. >> you all do that too >> well, because we're cheap. >> we set the stage, time to start gifting or giving. let's see, is this who i'm giving my gift to? i'm confused >> let me just say, al, i think that's your gift and i'm your secret santa i drew al. let's see what you got >> yes >> oh, a hot sauce making kit.

>> yes, because you love to, you know, do everything in the kitchen. >> this is great. >> i thought it would be great for some of your stuff it has labels and you can name it, like sweet spicy savannah sauce, whatever you want to call it >> thank you >> i think there might be one other thing in there. >> that's a fun idea. >> you make your own, it's a whole kit. >> no, not in there? >> that's it >> oh, the bag >> you only had 50 bucks. >> i went over budget. >> my gift is for savannah, so before she opens it, i just want you to know that you never give yourself enough credit i'm going to say it on tv. you're a bad ass, and you should know it. so this gift is to remind you of that fact. >> i'm already embarrassed >> i like where you're headed. >> i don't know if this is -- oh, there. >> oh, my gosh >> my dentist told me i needed a crown. i'm like, i know, right? >> inside of course are your --

a bunch of little baby -- >> oh, my god, that is hilarious, tequila. >> come on >> i got tequila. >> you know me, don't you? >> don't you forget that >> so sweet, thank you >> hoda, you're next then i guess or who's next? >> i got hoda's. >> you did >> yeah, yeah, i drew hoda's name i was so excited to get hoda too. so that's just a prop. that's not your gift >> oh. >> where's the gift? >> i just wanted to see her open it you know that cameo, you get one of your favorite celebrities to do a message for you take a look, hoda, this is for you. >> hey there, hoda, it's me blake shelton, and i'm here actually on the set of "the voice" getting ready to tape a show i just want to say to you, first of all, you're one of my favorite people in the world i have a ton i want to say to you, let me just start with

merry -- >> that's all he would do for 50 bu bucks. if you have another 5,000, you get the whole message. for 50 bucks that's all i could get. >> really good really good. >> that's from me. >> oh, i love it i know how much you enjoy the game of golf. >> oh, yeah. >> so i wanted to get -- >> oh and my name on it. these are beautiful. >> i wanted to get you some -- >> some nice taylors thank you. >> these are very expensive. you went over budget. >> i did not well, maybe. >> thank you these are great. >> if you hit them away, chase them in the drink or whatever -- >> if you hit them in the trees where lots of people do, and there's other balls, you'll be able to identify yours from others because your name's on it. >> these are great thank you, i love this merry christmas. thank you. >> and i got you, mr. melvin

>> oh. >> uh-oh, roker got me >> oh, this is nice. there's a little -- oh, boy. >> oh. >> we were hoping. >> i hope it's some bling. >> other way >> you're not -- you're new to earrings >> hey, that's nice. >> that's a possibility. >> will you marry me [ laughter ] >> those are nice earrings. [ laughter ] >> this is a nice earring, al. thank you. >> you get from steals and deals? >> we should remind people that craig got his ear pierced not long ago in case they don't know >> he did. during the commercial you can -- >> that's right. i got another one for your birthday they came in a set >> the north star. >> that went a lot better than it could have gone merry christmas. >> thank you, guys >> merry christmas, thanks, everybody. >> if you are still looking for gifts, never too late. >> our pal chassie post is here with some presents you can pick up today, sneak under the tree

or into a stocking just in the nick of time, but first your local news good morning. it is 8:26. i'm marcus washington and developing this morning, the police in the east bay are investigating in how a car ended up in the marina. a body was recovered in the car, and officials say they got a call before midnight with a car in the water and they took nearly three hours to pull it out, and they found that car in boat launch and thought that the driver was confused in the fog and ended up in the water. the driver has not been

identified. and what about the rain in the forecast, kari? >> yes, we are seeing a break now with the rain and the heavy downpours that we had earlier in the morning tapering off, and showers around the tri-valley, but we are looking for dryer conditions and it is off to the south and east and also some heavy sierra snow and the outlook is going to be dryer with the spotty showers and more widespread rain and continuing throughout christmas day and we have a lot of wet weather headed our way, marcus. >> thank you, kari. we will have another local update coming up in 30 minutes and we will see you then.

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♪ welcome back on this christmas eve friday morning. >> we're so glad you're spending time with us on the morning before the big day. >> yeah. >> of course that means we only have a couple of hours left to finish your shopping, and it's not too late to pick up some impressive gifts, savvy shopper chassie post is here with some easy last minute ideas sure to please loved ones. >> she always has some cute stuff up her puffy plaid sleeves. >> you need to listen to some holiday music. super star country music duo dan and shay sharing their single,

it's a sweet christmas tune. it will really put you in the mood i like to listen to it while wrapping the presents get the little workshop going. >> we need to raise some glasses for a little christmas cheer that is chef zane holmquist. >> we need mini booze bottles. >> you're ready to go. good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall and we are going to be seeing the rain clearing for the most of the day and a couple of spotty showers are possible, but it is looking dryer and for tomorrow, the widespread rain returns and we will see a soggy christmas day into sunday as well, and scattered showers off and on next week as the temperatures are going to be colder and wrapping up the storm system with snow on the bay area hills while san francisco is going to be seeing temperatures in the lower 50s.

christmas eve morning, the clock is ticking, but thankfully super shopper chassie post is here to save the day, gift ideas for all save the day, gift ideas for all of you prorn about covid-19 the more questions and worries we have. calhope can help with free covid-19 emotional support. call 833-317-4673 or live chat at calhope.org today. i'm morgan, and there's more to me than hiv. more love, more adventure, calhope more community.ree covid-19 emotional support. but with my hiv treatment, there's not more medicines in my pill. i talked to my doctor and switched to fewer medicines with dovato. dovato is for some adults who are starting hiv-1 treatment or replacing their current hiv-1 regimen. with just 2 medicines in 1 pill, dovato is as effective as a 3-drug regimen... to help you reach and stay undetectable. research shows people who take hiv treatment as prescribed and get to and stay undetectable can no longer transmit hiv through sex.

don't take dovato if you're allergic to its ingredients or if you take dofetilide. taking dovato with dofetilide can cause serious or life-threatening side effects. hepatitis b can become harder to treat while on dovato. don't stop dovato without talking to your doctor, as your hepatitis b may worsen or become life-threatening. serious or life-threatening side effects can occur, including allergic reactions, lactic acid buildup, and liver problems. if you have a rash and other symptoms of an allergic reaction, stop dovato and get medical help right away. tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, or if you are, may be, or plan to be pregnant. dovato may harm your unborn baby. use effective birth control while on dovato. do not breastfeed while taking dovato. most common side effects are headache, nausea, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, tiredness, and anxiety. so much goes into who i am. hiv medicine is one part of it. ask your doctor about dovato-i did. ♪♪ ling anxious about the future, you're not alone.

calhope offers free covid-19 emotional support. call 833-317-4673 or live chat at calhope.org today. we are back this final shopping day before christmas. ♪ >> if you're looking for very last minute gifts, we've got you covered. >> are we bothering you? >> contributor chassie post is here with some ideas for the folks on your list, and you won't look like you waited until the very end, trust us good morning >> we each have a station, chassie is going to come join me this is the drugstore section. you can go into a drugstore and have something before tomorrow morning? talk to me. >> i'm obsessed with drugstore gifts. >> talk to me. >> it's a treasure-trove you can find anything for just pretty much everyone on your list we got two great ideas first for the beauty lover.

>> look at this presentation. >> a diy beauty basket i mean, most drugstores have incredible beauty sections and all the stuff we've been talking about all year long. >> in a beautiful little basket. >> put it in a little basket, right? use a scrunchie instead of a bow. >> i love a scrunchie. >> or a little body scrubber. >> this looks like it cannot be done by tomorrow morning. >> oh, my gosh, can you believe this >> puzzles today, at cvs you can get a custom photo puzzle. you go online, you order it and pick it up at your local store they say you can wait until 7:00 p.m i don't recommend it. >> yes, today. how cute is that >> there's your drugstore. >> come on over, darling gift cards are obviously a good last minute gift you can make it look pretty cute. >> sometimes a gift card might look last minute, but not these. we are going to jazz up those gift cards first for the foodie, murray's cheese their cheese club is incredible.

>> what is it like cheese of the month? >> three to four expertly chosen cheeses. you can go online, print out their little welcome letter. instead of getting that, add your favorite bottle of wine or cheese board with a bow. >> last minute, looks cute. >> you just gave mr. roker a very fabulous hot sauce gift, right? there are some major hot sauce connoisseurs out there, fuego box.com, small craft boxes go online, you can do a digital gift card. so cute, go to the grocery store. >> yes >> and just wrap up, do a little bow. >> tabasco and be like more is coming. >> this is really cute for the diyer, home depot has a really cute gift card. this little guy, it's a scratch and sniff. savannah, it smells like sugar cookies. >> ooh, it does. >> right

so instead of just giving the card, give some cookies. >> give some cookies and give the card along with the cookies. >> that's cute. >> or even like a cookie sheet >> that's really cute. i think all the presentation is selling it. >> no one will know it's last minute. >> so 11 million of us became new pet owners during the pandemic two of my daughters did that what do you have for the pet lover? >> have you shopped for pepper yet? >> we've already got pepper's stuff. this is such a cute idea, al, at petco, very last minute they have these adorable doggie and kitty stockings. just load them up with treats and toys, right? and you know, 11 million of us may have gotten pets, what they also say some of them would rather spend time with their pets than their family members over the holidays. a lot of people, love, love, love their pets so we don't want to leave them out. if you don't have a pet nearby, go to your local pet store, right? >> come on over. obviously the holiday is a great

time to support local small businesses this is a spa gift, and it's apparently a spa gift where you can incorporate small businesses. >> exactly i love the idea of a local spa gift we know you like to take care of your nails. >> they're not great right now. >> you can go to your local manicure or pedicure or nail salon and get a gift card for a mani pedi. to really take it to the next level, on etsy or you can even find free printables, you can print out little cards like you can give along with, you know, a little nail polish that says for your mistletoes. >> that's cute. >> right >> all in that presentation. >> or have a holly jolly hair day. ♪ have a holly jolly hair day ♪ >> that's really easy and shop local and support local businesses. >> that's a great one. >> coming to the mental health space that is a frazzled anxious holiday season, you have a gift idea.

>> we have two great gifts to give back. first of all, a mindfulness gift this is the unplugged meditation app. i have to tell you i use this every day. you can give the gift of a one-year subscription, and i mean, give the gift of calm and peace and i love this app. over 80 world renowned teachers, a thousand guided meditations that anyone can do if i can meditate, i mean, anyone can. >> great. >> this is such a great way to stay calm throughout the year. >> quickly, what's the last one? >> last but not least, you can give a charitable gift in someone else's name and they can choose the charity isn't that cool? you go to tisbest.org, put in the name of your giftie, they can choose from 1.5 million charities. >> these are all great. >> isn't that cool last minute. >> i love it, you've done it again. coming up, if you aren't already in the holiday mood, you certainly will be after the dan and shay christmas sine.gl

>> announcer: the citi music series on "today" is proudly presented to you by citi >> welcome back, and happy day before christmas, everybody. >> yeah. nothing like a festive holiday sign to keep those spirits bright grammy winning duo dan and shay. >> here they are performing their new holiday hit "officially christmas". >> what's up "today" show, hope everyone's having an amazing christmas eve with their family, it's officially christmas. one, two, three, four.four. ♪ ♪ everybody's starting to feel it ♪ ♪ starting to feel it in the air ♪ ♪ all of the sidewalks ♪ ♪ all of the street lights ♪ ♪ holiday magic everywhere ♪

♪ then it hits me ♪ ♪ it's officially christmas ♪ ♪ and i'm officially yours ♪ ♪ i'm officially wishing for something not in a store ♪ ♪ it's already december ♪ ♪ the snow's falling too ♪ ♪ then all of a sudden it's true ♪ ♪ it's officially christmas ♪ ♪ ♪ the snow's falling too ♪ ♪ ♪ now that i'm with you ♪ ♪ waiting for santa here by the fire ♪ ♪ listen for foot steps on the roof ♪ ♪ jingle bell rocking ♪ ♪ over the speakers, singing along just like we do ♪ ♪ then it hits me ♪

♪ it's officially christmas ♪ ♪ and i'm officially yours ♪ ♪ i'm officially wishing ♪re ♪ for something not in a store ♪ ♪ it's already december, the snow's falling too ♪ ♪ then all of a sudden it's true ♪ ♪ it's officially christmas now that i'm with you ♪ ♪ ooh, ooh, ooh ♪ ♪ we've been counting down the days all year ♪ ♪ raise a glass, it's finally here ♪ ♪ here ♪ ♪ oh, oh, it's officially christmas ♪ ♪ and i'm officially yours ♪ ♪ i'm officially wishing for

something not in a store ♪ ♪ it's already december ♪ ♪ the snow's falling too ♪ ♪ then all of a sudden it's true ♪ ♪ it's officially christmas now that i'm with you ♪ ♪ now that i'm with you ♪ ♪ now that i'm with you ♪ ♪ now that i'm with you ♪ >> nice. >> perfect song for christmas eve. thank you, dan and shay. >> there you go. coming up next, chef zane holmquist is sharing his special tips and tricks to help us create the perfect holiday drinks. drinks. but first this is "today" on drinks. but first this is "today" on ♪ ♪ ♪ find the silver lining in flight delays. vacation starts at the airport with centurion lounge access. one of the many reasons you're with amex platinum.

♪ i see trees of green ♪

♪ red roses too ♪ ♪ i see them bloom for me and you ♪ (music) ♪ so i think to myself ♪ ♪ oh what a wonderful world ♪ time of our show and the holidays too because there's nothing better than having a little something to snack on. >> yeah. >> and maybe even a warm drink

on christmas eve, right? >> well, we've got some hors d'oeuvres on the table who doesn't love pigs in a blanket? wait a second, where are drinks? >> look who's back >> wait for it >> a long trip away, zane. >> thank you >> merry christmas. >> came all this way for us. i just love it >> thank you, brother. >> nobody knows more than you, zane, what are we having here? this looks incredible. >> we made a few things today. >> does everyone get to try one or just -- okay. >> we have warm strawberry milk, super delicious. >> can we get a couple more of those? >> absolutely. >> so what's in this, zane >> so warm milk, strawberries, whipped cream. this is like the after skiing sledding my grandmother made these for us, super easy to make >> wow. >> and then we have a half and half it's something for everybody, a couple of shots of espresso,

dark hot chocolate, a little peppermint schnapps to take the ease off the holiday season and the cheers there, and then some great snacks. >> did you make these snacks too? >> we did. we did all of these. >> what is this? >> this is our no bake moose tracks snack. >> no bake moose tracks? >> so dates and raisins and flaxseed, super chocolaty, delicious. >> flaxseed? >> and then a favorite -- everything pigs in a blanket with a little cranberry mustard. and then pecan nut rolls and everything is better with nutella dip. dark chocolate nutella dip >> what's the dip here on the pigs -- for the pigs >> cranberry mustard. >> two things i wouldn't have thought to put together. >> super, it's sweet, it's mustardy, you got to have a little mustard with your hot dogs dogs. substitute turkey dogs.

>> how far things been at the fine arts? >> amazing. substitute turkey dogs. >> should have things been >> amazing we're enjoying the season and getting ready for a great ski year and just really outstanding. everyone's doing the best we can to have a safe environment for covid, but the mountains beautiful, white, fantastic. >> good snow. >> that was delicious. >> can we just go back to the puff pastry around the pig in a blanket? there's something special going on here. >> just a traditional puff pastry i've got a little spin >> everything bagel spice, we did a little spin on it and brushed that with butter and kind of roll it. >> that just elevates your typical pig in a blanket. >> a little crunch to it. >> great for everybody. >> these no bake cookies, is there chocolate in there >> i do a lot of cycling, i make versions of these and put them in my pocket. >> they're healthy. >> they look borderline healthy other than the m&m bits >> you have to have pretzels and. >> and flaxseed. >> peanut butter.

>> merry christmas. >> zane, we want to say cheers thank you for coming and the recipes are at today.com want to say cheers to this year and our each other. >> time for our annual toast. >> for everybody watching at home, our friends and family here at home and at 30 rock, none of this would have been possible without all of you. >> that is for sure, especially our team behind the scenes here at "today," to our incredible staff and crew we love you. thank you for getting up early every day and pouring your hearts into our show and us, we love you do we say that enough? >> we love you. >> merry christmas. >> merry christmas, everybody.

♪ call on your angels come down to the city ♪ ♪ crowd around the big tree all you strangers who know me ♪ ♪ bring your compassion your understanding ♪ ♪ lord how we need it on this new york city christmas and i'm sending you

a merry new york christmas ♪ ♪ and a prayer for peace on earth within our time ♪ ♪ and the sidewalk angels echo hallelujah ♪ ♪ we understand them now more than ever ♪ ♪ so call on your angels your beaten and broken ♪ ♪ it's time that we mend them ♪ ♪ so they don't fade with the season ♪ ♪ let our mercy be the gifts we lay ♪ ♪ from brooklyn to broadway ♪ ♪ we'll celebrate each and every day ♪

♪ of this new york city christmas ♪ ♪ and i'm sending you a merry new york christmas ♪ ♪ and a prayer for peace on earth within our time ♪ ♪ and the sidewalk angels echo hallelujah ♪ ♪ we understand them now more than ever ♪ ♪ new york new york new york christmas ♪ ♪ new york new york ♪ ♪ so call on your angels ♪ ♪ let's go down

to the city ♪ ♪ and we'll crowd around the big tree ♪ ♪ because all you strangers you know me ♪ ♪ bring your compassion bring your forgiveness ♪ ♪ because right now we need it ♪ ♪ on this new york city christmas ♪ ♪ and i'm sending you a very merry new york christmas ♪ ♪ and a prayer for peace on earth is not too late ♪ ♪ and the sidewalk angels echo hallelujah ♪

♪ we understand them we hear them sing ♪ ♪ merry christmas ♪ ♪ it's a new york city christmas yeah ♪ ♪ merry new york christmas ♪ good morning. it is 8:56. i'm marcus washington. the city's tenderloin district is under a state of emergency. the police presence is to increase and addressing the drug abuse, and mental health

concerns in that part of the city, and they plan to open up a linkage site there in the part of the city to open up sites to help people get off drugs, and today, we will have a report of how the city will respond to the new order. and there is a record holiday traveling city, but many airlines are canceling flights. and coming up at 11:00, the cause of the cancellations. when you have xfinity xfi, you have peace of mind

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trial. more reaction coming up. this holiday season, we want to enjoy the gift of being together. for peace of mind, take the first step in knowing. because it might just be a cold, but you want to be confident. the binaxnow covid-19 antigen self test has the same technology used by doctors and detects multiple variants. so in just 15 minutes, you can test, know, and go. available in stores and online. ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪

this morning on the third hour of "today," we're going to buddy up for a lesson in pottery. craig and i put our spin on an iconic hollywood movie. then a cafe that's changing lives one cup of coffee at a time s time. >>and we're getting cheesy in the kitchen with a great holiday dish, that's all coming up today friday, december 24th, 2021. >> announcer: from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza, this is the third hour of "today." >> good morning, everybody and welcome to the third hour of "today." a real fri y.