above average, at 51 the at the airport. our normal high, is 43, and we came in over 20 degrees, officially, but temperatures this afternoon maxed out in the lower 50's. 48 degrees in trenton, 46 in reading and 48 in atlantic city. wind are still strong. these are sustain wind, so we are looking at 10 miles an hour in philadelphia, 19 in mount pocono and 17 miles an hour in reading, but gusts have been stronger. our neighbors blow up figurine was really bouncing around in the wind outside today, we have peak wind gusts over 40 miles an hour in atlantic city, philadelphia 40 miles an hour, reading and wilmington both saw wind gusts of 37 miles an hour. if you are out and about on this christmas night expect temperatures generally in the 40's, it will be windy but wind will back off. i will have forecast for friday and rest of the weekend in just a bit. jessica back inside to you. catholics from throughout the delaware valley gathered this christmas as many do every year at cathedral basilica of saints peter and

paul, in philadelphia. you're hearing sound of christmas there provided by the cathedral basilica choir and instruments, and archbishop charles chaput it was also there playing a role in the midnight and noon time masses. meanwhile catholics around the world listened to pope francis deliver his second christmas blessing from the vatican earlier today. he also took the opportunity to address a few other international issues. cbs news correspondent anga metranga reports. >> reporter: pope francis delivered his christmas message to tens of thousands gathered in st. peters square. it was a somber one. truly, there is so many tears this christmas, he said. he prayed for children, and voiced anguish for those killed in the terrorist attack on a pakistani school.

the pope also appealed for peace in conflict areas. >> they need to make big changes, he speaks for a larger group. >> reporter: after his message people gathered at a nativity scene were startled when half name protester grabbed a baby jesus. she yelled, god is woman, as vatican police restrained her. since his election pope has called for a humble church that serves the poor and that ever growing number of catholics are listening. >> this organization served christmas, throughout the world and here in one of rome's oldest and most important churches. >> a member for over 340 years, says thousands are asking to volunteer. >> the pope has generated or is starting to generate a new california tour, a culture of civility, a culture of support, even among people that have never done it

before. >> reporter: francis achieved that in less than two years in pope. in rome an hans ga metranga, cbs-3 "eyewitness news". preparations are underway a ahead of the holy father's visit to philadelphia set for next september for the world meeting of families. organizers have been coordinating houses, transportation and much more for 1 million plus expected visitors. thousands of onlookers turnout for 62nd annual reinact. of the crossing of the delaware. "eyewitness news" reporter matt rivers was there. >> this is followed by patriotism, that order of the events christmas morning for most who showed up at washington crossing park to watch name sake general george, cross the delaware. >> it is a great day to be here and great crowd and the the events, most amazing. >> reporter: thousands showed up early lined autopsy long ropes opposite those men and women partying like it is 1776. the crowd was bigger than last

year say organizers, why, start with the temperature. >> a lot warmer, than 20 years ago we were here it was a snowy cold day. >> it is with rousing word from the general. >> i pledge to you that officers will in the leave you. >> reporter: couple dozen or so members of the the continental army boarded boats just like they did 238 years ago, one by one they shoved off heading to new jersey, general washington in the last boat to leave. >> current out there on the delaware is moving fast but just a few weeks ago that wasn't really the case, when these guys did their dress rehearsal the water level was so low some of their boats scraped the bottom of the river, the rain over the past few weeks has really helped. >> a blast from the cannon, announced general washington, made ate cross, nice way to get out of the house and quick history lesson for kids. >> just a way to get a history lesson. >> i think so, yes. >> reporter: crowds show up every year, and these

reenactors take their rolls seriously, general washington himself, calling it a responsibility to history. >> we believe in the history of it, we believe in in teaching the public about it, and we want to make sure that this cities never forgotten. >> mission accomplished, matt rivers, cbs-3 "eyewitness news". american and nato solders in afghanistan celebrated in christmas day in kabul. dinner was served at the headquarters of the international security forces, and it is tenth time in afghanistan as country soldiers fightin creased terrorist attacks there. most u.s. and nato combat troops leave december 31st, and about 13,500 troops will remain for training and support. >> pretty important mission here, it is an honor to be part of that but at the the same time it is a little bit difficult being a weighed from home. >> reporter: senator john mccain, in kabul afghanistan for christmas day, he held separate meetings with abdula abdula and the afghan president. president barack obama

reflected on the afghanistan mission in this morning's christmas address. he told americans to thank the troops. >> we're able to gather with family and friend because our troops are willing to hug their good bye and step forward and serve. after a long day we can come home because they are willing to leave their families and deploy. >> the president says that the combat mission in afghanistan was coming to a quote responsible end. in norfolk, england royals visited a service christmas morning, queen elizabeth was joined by prince harry, william and his wife kate. one year-old prince george did not attend. kate told a well wisher george would have been just too noisy. after much debate, over sony hacking scandal the movie interview is being shown in the number of select theaters to day. one of those theaters is in wilmington delaware. we're live there tonight with more, justin. >> reporter: jessica, this clearly was today's much see

movie, staffers at penn cinema say they sold 230 of their 300 seats for 1:00 o'clock showing of the interview, clearly these people could have sat home and watch the movie on line but they chose to show up here in person they say to send a message on christmas. near non-stop ticket tearing at penn cinema christmas afternoon. movie goers put their holidays on pause to see the interview. >> we had to see this movie. >> everybody talks about it, you know, all those kind of discussions, and because they are from china and it is our neighborhood, i'm talking about. >> reporter: why see this movie? >> well, we're nosey. >> reporter: that is a dig at north korea communist nation blamed for serious embarrassing e-mail attacks. those hackers are said to be upset that north korean leader kim jong un, is featured as target of the u.s. led assassination plot. >> you want us to kill the

leader of north korea. >> yes. >> what? >> you think it is fun toy make fun of the assassination of a leader? >> it is not funny but the characters, the actors themselves are funny. >> that is underlying theme here that in one should be telling americans what they can or cannot see. >> reporter: on thursday the flick was available to stream or buy on line, on you tube, google play on x box and platforms. several backed down from the showing the move a mid hackers threats of violence but after talks of sony, penn cinema chose to run the movie with extra security provided by will in mink ton police. looking live now at penn cinema police have been going in and out throughout the day, if you do want to see the the interview here, there are three more showings tonight but you can't see that movie in the philadelphia area but theaters in delaware and new jersey, will be showing that movie. we are live in wilmington, i'm justin finch for cbs-3

"eyewitness news". russia is offering sympathy to north korea amid this hacking scandal, spokesmen says the you had failed to provide any proof to claim north korea was responsible for that sign's tack. he added the united states threats to retaliate were quote counterproductive and dangerous. former president george hw bush, remains in the houston hospital on this christmas day. he was admitted tuesday night after experiencing shortness of breath. a family spokesperson says the 90 year-old is doing well but did not offer any other details. bushies oldest living, former president and suffers from a form of parkinson's disease. still to come on "eyewitness news", one main didn't get coal for christmas but he got something pretty much just as bad, see what he found when he opened up the box that was supposed to hold, a play station. an animal shelter is in north philadelphia looking for holiday heroes they stayed opened on christmas day. i'm syma chowdhry with that

story coming up. a special visit today for special children but this santa isn't like all of the others, we will tell you why coming up.

beautiful holiday music, award winning musician david cohen made a stop by the children's hospital of philadelphia playing guitar, and a few other instruments for patients and their families. it is fourth year he has devoted his time on the holiday for patients in hospitals. and some dogs and cats were hoping that today was the the day they got a christmas present of their own a new home. "eyewitness news" reporter syma chowdhry went to animal shelters getting homeless shelters lots of loves as they wait. >> looking for a home for the holidays, and was to be a part of your family. the animal shelter, home cooked meals for their cats and dogs. way to not feel forgotten on christmas. >> i we thought it would be great to have a little party today for the animals, make

them feel at home and make things seem as normal as possible. >> reporter: pups enjoyed a chicken and rice meal while cats feasted a salmon dinner. >> it will in the make them sick and they can eat as much as they want. the salmon is something a little bit out of the ordinary, especially fresh sal machine that was just cook for them. >> reporter: it looks like santa had time to stop by and bring shelter animals a little cheer with these donations. >> we're so grateful for everybody who went out of their way this christmas season for pets that have no homes. >> reporter: over at ac t in philly some cats and dogs were looking to go home for the the holidays because shelter was opened on christmas day. >> we love for families to come in, view animals, and select a new you family member on christmas. >> reporter: ac t philly has plenty of cats and dogs to choose from and because it is better to give then receive, families were invited to make treats and get involved in shelter activities. >> take part of caring for animals on christmas and that takes an additional one home. >> reporter: allison gainy is

spending christmas bringing dogs some cheer. she's busy making dog biscuits. >> these dogs, they just walk around the street and they have no homes. i want to do everything i can for them to get them out of here. >> reporter: if you want to give them a home both shelters will be opened friday for adoptions. in north philadelphia, syma chowdhry for cbs-3 "eyewitness news". still ahead on "eyewitness news", how to use 200 different gift card in one place. whether santa brought you a smart phone or lap top, three on your side, has technology tips. plus we set down for lunch with eagles defensive lineman vinny curry, we have that coming up.

home for the holidays it was a perfect christmas gift for a few members of the military in massachusetts. >> attention. >> attention. >> dismissed. >> and with that order this unit was a stationed at guantanamo bay for last ten minutes was free to go. it has been a long time without their friend and family they are happy to spend this special day back at home. >> she wanted her brother to come home before christmas and we made that happen. >> not overwhelming but it is awesome. long time away. >> some of these troops, have always been so long, one staff sergeant in the unit just met his baby boy for the very first time. and really a nice day to

have christmas. it is warmer but i always think if you have a bicycle or something fun to play without side you could play witt. >> that is true. >> we saw someone jogging through neighborhood. maybe he got all new jogging gear for christmas. you could do that today. >> it turned out to be a beautiful christmas. we have nice weather throughout the next couple days hitting after christmas sales tomorrow, making returns or exchanges or if you have anything planned, things look nice. lets look outside and you can see looking beautiful up in the poconos. looking empty at the moment. maybe we will see someone coming down slopes, people up skiing for christmas holiday. here's someone coming down slopes on what looks like a snow boarden joying fresh powder up there at jack frost big boulder. not a very cold night outside on the slopes. that is good news. lets look at the city, we will look across river from campbell's field toward ben franklin bridge, beautiful sunset right now, lot of colors, you get that with a system off shore like we do, system that impact us

yesterday has now moved far from frustrates. lets look at it on storm scan three, that front way out to sea now, we have rain through canadian maritimes, that is closest precipitation to us and rest of the northeast is looking peaceful on this christmas night, and even as we head down in the deep south, things looking good. we are under a protective dome of high pressure for next few days, saturday night or sunday morning and that will keep things quiet. the lots of sunshine. temperatures warming backup as well. we will stay above average right in the start of the weekend. temperatures right now 51 degrees at the airport. forty-eight in trenton. and, so it is cooler then it was, it was almost like tropical air we felt yesterday, last night and into the overnight hours at 2:00 a.m., it was 65 degrees and temperatures have been dropping as the front came through and now we are looking at 40's. if you are out and about heading out for dinner with the family perhaps you don't need heavy coat but there is still a chill in the air. does not feel like a tropical christmas for us but our

official high was 65 degrees, that was 3 degrees off the rorrer. warmest christmas we have ever had in philadelphia since record were kept was back in 1964 and we were very close to that today but it is misleading because temperatures this afternoon were only in the low 50's really. by the way we tied record for christmas eve. we did get to 64 yesterday and that tied record from 1990. sunny skies for your friday with lots of sunshine saturday looks great as well, a few more clouds in the afternoon and saturday night and sunday we will see showers and later sunday showers continue. so showers possible at anytime on sunday. not the best day to be traveling, not a complete wash out but if you have to hit the road you may want to do it on saturday. notice friday right through the day sunday. by saturday night some clouds start to increase, and a few showers will impact us by sunday. through the overnight hours it is mainly clear, cold seasonably cold, 36 degrees, feels like christmas should feel for tonight at least even

if it didn't last night. as we head into your friday things looking fantastic, sunny skies, mild for the time of the year normal highs in the lower 40's and we will get to 50 for your friday. if you like it warmer take a peak at your eyewitness weather three day forecast that takes us through the the rest of the holiday weekend. happy kwanzaa, sunny and bright, and look at saturday, this is stunner for this time of the year, mostly sunny and not as windy as today. heading in to sunday we have clouds and chance for a shower throughout the course of the afternoon, especially any time we cannot rule it out stay tuned we will be right back.

if there is one philadelphia eagle who wants

to play a bigger roll it is vinny curry. first defensive lineman had nine sacks while playing 33 percent of the snaps through 15 games. we sat dawn for lunch with the new jersey native. born and raised in neptune, new jersey defensive end vinny curry grew up an eagles fan but to play on the team. >> it feels even better this year, you know, obviously out there playing and you are helping the team out and you are making plays, team is winning, everything is going good for us. >> reporter: he said draft day was the best day of your life. >> you get that phone call on draft day, welcome to the nfl. i come from neptune, new jersey. you go to the nfl, people laugh at you and they keep it going. i made it possible, and i separated myself, from right and wrong. i'm not saying i was than the shock, you have to trip over

some things and stay in the straight path but for the most party was disciplined. >> reporter: after graduating from marshall college he chose to wear number 75, it means a lot to marshall football fans because of a 1970 marshall plane crash. >> seventy-five people were killed in the marshall plane crash, so i put it upon myself, how can i represent my school, because that school means a lot to me, everybody knows that. marshall, also is the nfl and they love it. >> reporter: his new roommate not what you'd expecting, a 280-pound football player to have. >> i have a little dog. they are cute. >> he brings it back. >> i'm leslie van arsdal for "eyewitness sports". a christmas gift, left by the grinch, coming up what one man found when he opened what was supposed to be a play station. protests follow latest officer shooting in st. louis missouri, we will have more

between police and demonstrators, coming up. plus santa claus made a very special visit to the ronald mcdonald house in camden i'm cleve bryan, coming up we will tell you how families with sick children are getting

i'm jessica dean with the top stories, it is a celebration of christmas

around the world today, hundreds have been gathering here at cathedral basilica of saints peter and paul in philadelphia to mark the holiday. it was great weather for this 62nd annual reinact. of the crossing of the delaware. reenactors used four replica boats like the ones from george washington christmas day crossing in 1776. after a lot of back and forth the film the interview is playing in theaters today, sony originally pulled movie after the company was hacked and then reversed course and decided to release it after all on christmas day, kate? jessica, been a mild christmas holiday and we have more nice weather to look forward to tomorrow and saturday. beautiful sunshine expect and then showers returned by sunday and we have noticeably colder conditions to return to as we head toward last few days, of 2014, next week, i'll have your full forecast and we will check with eyewitness weather watchers, coming up, jessica. one cherry hill family, get in the holiday spirit,

and, here's. >> as they awoke christmas morning at ronald mcdonald house in southern new jersey. good jewish friend the the hasman family provided music and breakfast with mr. clause. >> we write a whole family with us, and it is these kid, and they go through so much, and their families go through so much and it is just one way of trying to make it easier for them. >> they provide a home away from home for families whose children are in local hospitals with critical illnesses with severe injuries. this family from camden, delaware has a new born delaware hospital and another son who doesn't get to celebrate christmas at home. >> it is hard, nothing for her but for him because this is his first christmas that he will understand. everyone coming in and helping is wonderful for us because we didn't know what we were doing. we didn't have time to go

shopping because we were at the hospital 24/7. >> reporter: each child from the 22 families at the house all got gifts this christmas. >> wow, look at that. >> reporter: we all know santa claus is a big softe but thing that gets him is when he asks kids here what do they want for christmas. the response practically brings him to tears. >> the the kids that sit on you lap, don't ask for the typical dolls or trucks, they just want their brother or sister to be able to come home for a while. that is why we're here. >> reporter: santa and hasmans has been coming here for almost 15 years and could not think of any place they'd rather be. >> it is nice, it is just such a special moment for him us and everybody. >> reporter: in camden, cleve bryan, cbs-3 "eyewitness news". eleven people are forced out of their homes this holiday after a fire broke out inside of their apartment building and caused some of the structure to collapse. it all happened last night in

the 100 block of roosevelt boulevard in philadelphia's olney neighborhood. you can see the flames left part of the building unstable, crumbling, right in front of the cameras. two people were taken to the hospital with minor injuries, no word on just how it started. so far it has been a peaceful christmas in missouri following the fatal shooting of the black 18 year-old by a white police officer. christmas eve was a different story. police are reporting as many as eight arrests, despite the the calm they remain on alert. here's cnn reporter andrew spencer. >> reporter: tensions bubbled to the surface gannon christmas eve, protesters and police confronted each other in berkley, missouri where an officer shot and killed a black teenager the day before. number of people recorded video of police officers arresting a protester a few people covering their faces, shouted at police, at least one throwing something at the officers. elsewhere, protesters blocked traffic on the highway, demonstrate ago begins what some believed was another

injustice by police, peaceful demonstrations ran in contrast to scuffles with police the night before and the emotions bowled over in an area not far from where a ferguson police officer killed an unarmed 18 year-old in august. after an officer shot and killed 18 year-old antonio martin this week city official where is quick to point out differences in the two shootings. >> you could not even compare this with ferguson or the garner case in new york. >> reporter: within hours of martin's death police released this surveillance video from outside the gas station. the video isn't clear but it does appear to show martin pointing something at an officer. officials say it was this gun which they say had a bullet in the chamber, a bystander takes off running. the officer stumbles backward opening fire, killing antonio martin. >> there is a conclusion that all policeman are guilty. jumping to conclusion, before investigating is not

acceptable. >> reporter: city officials say there will be a thorough investigation. i'm andrew spencer, reporting. if you have any carmel apples in your kitchen three on your side with an important recall you need to know about. happy apples is recalling some apples because they could be contaminated with listeria, so far, they have been link to five deaths, and at least 29 illnesses. they were sold at stores in pennsylvania with best buy dates between august 25th and november 23rd. a reminder people who shop for electronics might want to check the package before they leave the store. colorado man says he bought a play station four as a gift for his niece. when he got home all that was inside that box was rocks. the wal-mart where he bought it said he could not get his money back because he didn't have prove of his story. >> i never stole anything in my life. most criminal thing i did i got a driving ticket. >> reporter: eventually the store gave the man benefit of the doubt, on christmas eve they let him return the play

station and get his money back. a three time cancer survivor and designer from california gets the chance of a life time and it is all thanks to her husband who spent years working to make one of her dreams come true. all patty gosells ever wanted was to decorate a room in the white house for the holidays. so her house bob tom was the president for three years trying to get approval. his hard work paid off because patty received a special invitation from the white house just before thanksgiving. >> it says congratulations, you have been select to be a 2014 white house christmas volunteer and i looked at him and i said you did this? >> she lives her whole life for her family and her friend and other people and she's always done that and that is really one of the reasons, that i did this. >> for almost two weeks interior designer decorated state dining room where she met first lady michelle obama, and left their signatures for thousands office visitors to see. still to come on "eyewitness news" not craze

bye your gift card, three on your side, can tell you where you can exchange it. a lot of tech toys were unwrapped this morning, from charging to software, we have got tips forgetting most out of those new gadgets, kate? it has been a mild christmas, at least the sun will return today, we have got more beautiful weather to tell but friday and saturday, and changes as we head toward end of 2014 i'll have the full seven day when we come back.

did you get a gift card that you we won't use. wal-mart is offering to let you spend tonight their stores. for next few weeks wal-mart will exchange gift card from more than 200 retailers from armani exchange to zappos. they say it will give you up to 97 percent of the card's value. it does vary by retailer. for example an amazon card will get you you 95 percent of the value. other store brand will be worth only 70 per event. now time to check your philadelphia jobs market report, cbs news business analyst jill schlesinger is here with more.

>> reporter: 2014 is on pace to be the best year for total and private sector job growth since 199 # nine. but whiz sector did santa shower with gifts and which got a lump of coal. overall employment has listen by .5 percent in the philadelphia area but there were five industries that led the way nationally. mining jumped by 6 percent, construction up 3.9 percent, professional business services gained 3.8 percent, transportation added 3.1 percent and food services increased by 2.8 percent. now other industries, didn't fair as well. the five slowest growing sectors for employment this year were education up by 1.6 percent, manufacturing ahead by 1.3, finance up by 1.1 percent and information which only grew by .6 percent. the worst sector of all, was government, which was hit hard by sees questions trailings. santa's favorite sector since the great recession began six

years ago has been health care which has seen employment increase by 2.1 percent annually. here's hoping saint nick spreads out his gift giving across more sectors in 2015. i'm jill schlesinger for cbs-3 "eyewitness new

keep some basic tips in mind, correspondent karen kafa has details. >> topping lots of wish list and appearing under christmas trees is new tech toys. many devices will suggest a fully charged battery, before use but for gadget lovers who cannot wait consumer reports says a you'll probably be okay. >> it is not a terrible idea to do that because you will have benefit of the full charge but lithium ion batteries which are used in most cell phones, lap tops, et cetera they usually come with at least a little bit of a charge on them so you should use device immediately. >> reporter: before hopping on the interest net with a new smart phone, tablet or lap top go to the set to adjust privacy settings. pay particular attention when giving devices to kid. >> you might want to look through parental controls in the settings and you can enable any restrictions that you feel that will make you feel comfortable giving that to your son or daughter. >> reporter: it is also smart to check for latest software

update and anti virus protection. if that gift isn't a perfect fit. >> one make sure you have the receipt, if you don't have the receipt at least figure out what store you got it from and don't go taking it out of the box if you are not going to use it because that is generally a no, no when it comes to returns the next day. >> reporter: retailers charge restocking fees for those returned electronics that have been opened. for consumer watch, i'm karen kafa? >> in the wake of yesterday's rain it turned out to be a pleasant christmas day all across the region with a lot of sunshine but also lot of wind. lets check in with our weather watchers. they are still reporting their stats even on christmas day. phil, in philadelphia, chestnut hill reporting 49 degrees at the moment with just a few clouds in the sky. sun i today and tomorrow. he is talking about 1909 christmas blizzard with the high's accumulation ever 21 inches for christmas in philadelphia thanks for that history lesson there, phil.

we can count on our weather watchers for throwing in interesting facts. we have spike reporting 50 degrees in board up town. he has a picture showing us a beautiful sunset tonight. blue skies out there looking fantastic. as we head into one more area we will head down toward ken he it square part of the region where gary, in avondale is checking in with 48 degrees and mainly clear sky, looking fine there lets check with one more weather watcher we have the time for it on this christmas like. that was spike. we have check in with him. we have 52 degrees in new jersey. robert stewart in clementon, reporting 52 at the moment with the clear skies and he says son, finally, some sun, it was so nice to see the sun return today. are you interested in being a weather watchers? sign up by going to cbs philly.com/watchers. we'd love to have you as part of our program. lets take a look outside at the the live neighborhood network our camera at palmyra cove nature park in new jersey looking across the river to the city, all lit up and it is just a little glimpse of light

in the sky, but good news is winter, last sunday, the days are now getting longer, a little bit. we are still in the dark part of the year but we have got that to look forward to longer days ahead, not too bad as we move toward the next couple of months as the days lenghten. we are heading in the worst part of winter as well. everything quiet for right now. 47 degrees, in mag knoll, yeah at the mack bain is center with wind out of the southwest. lumberton, wind are stronger there at 14 miles an hour n drexel hill 46 degrees, with a north/northeasterly win. not too bad, it was a pretty nice christmas all things considered. there is that front that came through yesterday, very wet christmas eve. wet tuesday, even monday night, started to turn wet and finally we're seeing things clearing out. we have a stretch of nice wet tore look forward to as we head through remainder of this holiday weekend. for many people, doing some traveling outside for the rest of the weekend. you'll be fine 567891 degrees in philadelphia 48 in wilmington 456789 in reading.

we have 39 in mount pocono. as we zoom in we will look at 46 in willow grow. fifty at northeast philadelphia airport and 46 at the moment in pottstown. not too bad for christmas night. no white christmas this time around for sure, it was a wet christmas eve, nice christmas day. last time we had a white christmas was back in 2009 we had 8 inches in 2009, five years ago but no problems out there today. future weather shows high pressure will be over head friday through most of the saturday as well and our next front heads towards us saturday into sun take with showers arriving as early as 8:00 o'clock sunday morning. sunday does look unsettled then recent days have been. overnight mainly clear and colder, we are down to 36 for our overnight low and for your friday sunny skies, mild, for time of the year, it is a beautiful friday, 50 degrees, our daytime high. lets look at our weekend outlook sunny and bright, that is your best day, beautiful weather there, sunday clouds and a couple showers in the

afternoon, with a high near 50. you're witness weather seven day forecast, mild through the weekend but normal highs in the lower 40's and that is where we will head as we head through last few days of 2014, new years eve looks cold, 38 the high, temperatures could ab approaching the lower 30's or 20's by midnight. bundle up heading out for fire works to ring in the new year. we will send it back over to jessica. >> thanks very much. midwest family pulls off a month long christmas surprise as garrett hake reports they though make this special for children who otherwise might not have much to celebrate. >> i'm decorating. >> reporter: around their dining room table. >> i'm doing this. >> reporter: this family puts the finishing touches on 24 stockings. >> we're going to do them. >> reporter: for 24 kids, all of whom live in an extended stay hotel in blue springs. they are about to get, ab incredible christmas surprise. the it is not the north pole but right now it is pretty

close. this garage is a staging area for more than a 150 toys for kids as young as one to as old as 16, none of them know what is coming or that their santa claus is a third grader. >> reporter: when eight year-old allie saw their classmates getting off not at home but in a hotel this fall, she knew that she wanted to help. so i can make them happier on christmas. >> reporter: so she set to work using all of the tools available to an enterprising eight year-old. >> i made a little lemonade stand and hot cocoa stand. >> reporter: allie's mom ashley said it was lake stunt that gave her christmas dream more than a snowball's chance of becoming a reality. >> before the jump she had $51. >> reporter: clip went viral on facebook and donations poured in. >> there was 97 notifications, it was crazy. >> reporter: what can you think when you saw all those toys out there, that you had

gotten for all of these kids. >> i almost fainted. >> reporter: on christmas morning they will make their delivery and hope the girl behind the gifts get something out of it too. >> she does not understand the magnitude, she won't every believe. >> that was garrett hake reporting. gifts include everything from toys to tablet computers. still ahead on "eyewitness news" no christmas nativity is complete without the donkey and some donkeys get a chance to look their very best with the help of the barber, we will have this story next.

thirty swimmers braced the waters of the berlin lake to celebrate christmas. they call themselves the berlin seals. that water was estimated to be 41 degrees. they look very comfortable. they carried on that tradition on new years day. now, christmas nativity is complete without the donkey, anxious animal that still roams the street of egypt today. alex ortiz shows us some donkeys are taking a detour in

cairo to stay looking their best. >> reporter: mohammad, works quickly because he knows clients are waiting. the egyptian father of five is one of cairo's best known donkey barbers. he says, that my family is the foundation of this trade, going back to my grandfather's grandfather. mohammad, haircut for your donkey or horse runs about $5. he will shave initials in the coat for no extra charge. three generations help run the street side business that has endured political upheavals of more than a century. mohammad's father mustafa taught him to you to groom animals and now he is passing tricks of the trade to his son. loyal customers come from miles around to have their horses and donkeys groom, quiet, like vegetable seller. >> the oldest animal barbers in this whole area, he told us

and they treat their customers well. >> yes. >> reporter: so well the the waiting line stretches down the block. alex ortiz, cbs news, cairo. >> a unique gift there mohammad grooms horses, cam also, mules, sheep, goats and dogs. a whole lies of animals. >> very long list. thanks for watching "eyewitness news" at 5:00. "eyewitness news" at 6:00 is next but special thank you to all of the wonderful people at cbs-3 and cw philly many of them behind the scenes.

that is "eyewitness news" at 5:00. now at 6:00 coming together for christmas. christians all across the area celebrate the holiday. we've got a mild night ahead, temperatures not quite as warm as last night but a above average for this time of the year and it will stay that way right in the weekend. we will have your full forecast, coming up. hear how volunteers are coming together, today to make sure no veteran is without a hot meal i'm charlotte huffman with that story coming up.

theaters show the controversial film the interview, we will hear the reviews, from viewers. celebrating the holiday, from the the services, to the skating, people around the region are enjoying christmas in their own way. good evening, to you i'm jessica dean, chris may is off tonight. we have got a bit of the christmas gift in terms of weather out there rain moved out making way for a beautiful holiday. meteorologist kate bilo is tracking our christmas night forecast, kate. >> thanks, jessica. tonight feeling more like christmas is supposed to feel as temperatures drop from the 40's in the 30's overnight but this is going down in the record books as a very warm christmas day. our official high was 65 degrees. if you are thinking it didn't feel like 65, it felt warm, that is because we had 65 at

2:00 in the morning and then temperatures dropped throughout the day after the front came through. lets look at is what happening right now outside and it is a whole lot of nothing on storm scan three which we are okay with. we have had a lot of, green to track here over past few days and we are finally clearing things out. you can see storm scan three looking clear and fantastic right now. temperatures feeling a little cooler then this time yesterday, certainly but still not bad at all for late december. it is 50 at the the airport. forty-six in reading, allentown and also down in millville, 44 at lancaster. you can see current wind are still strong but gusts are not as bad as they were but we have sustain wind of 15 miles an hour, 21 miles an hour at the moment in mount pocono. heading out on this christmas night heading to a christmas dinner, family members house, heading out on the town, to go out to eat we have got temperatures in the 40's, not too bad, above average for this time of the year, by 10:00 p.m. we are at