♪ good morning. and merry christmas. breaking news santa has just packages as christians around the world celebrate one of the holiest days on the calendar. millions of children are waking up to hopes of that special something left under the tree. and we hope all is merry and brig you are, as we celebrate this christmas morning today, monday, december 25th, 2017. ♪ >> from nbc news, this is "today," from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. good morning. welcome to "today." merry to have you with us. nice to see you. >> it's the "today" show theme.

>> the ttoy. we're happy because right now, we're spending the day with our families. we taped this special christmas show for you. and so in our way, we're getting to share it with all of you. mechristmas. >> a fun c little baby. baby. >> it makes it extra special, doesn't it? >> it's ag. >> m is home from >> exactly. we want to start with a check of the top morgan radford is on duty with those. >> good morning and merry christmas to you. christians ss around the world today are observing the christmas holiday. a time of joy and of hope. in the holy land there are fewer mg the pilgrimage birthplace of jesus. officials say recent clashes with palestinians and israeli security forces are now keeping religious tourism down. but thankfully so far, no reports of violence today. and at the vatican, pope francis used his christmas eve mass to defend the rights of immigrants. he compared displaced families

to mary and joseph, saying they, too, could find no place to stay. the pope told 10,000 worshipers that today we are seeing families being driven from their own lands. the plea for no feel the family areolidayresort in florida. but the president hasn't exactly left politics behind in washington. nbc'sarrett haake j from west palm beach with the latest. garrett, good morning. o this president. last night, the first lady attendedhurch service where they were married. earlier in the day, they spoke to children by phone, conveying the wishes for santa, talking about the tracking program that norad teleconference for troops stationed overseas. the is being active on twitter on this break, includeing a stn@mas itself. people are proud to be saying merry christmas again. i'm proud to have led the charge on the assault of our beautiful

phrase merry christmas. the president taking aim at a senior fbi official who he accused of a conflict of interest investigating the clinton case back in 2016. finally, the president will wake up with a christmas gift under his tree from guatemala who announced they will be moving their embassy in israel to jerusalem, the first such country to follow the u.s.'s lead since our announce garrett, thank you so much. i see you're enjoying a nice warm christmas in west palm beach this morning. thanks for joining us. arctic air is dominating the north with some of the bitter cold and w in. then snow is expected to fall across parts of the pacific northwest, all the way up to the northern rockies. finally, widespread snow and gusty winds from the great lakes. that's stretching to new england, where up to a foot of snow is expected to make for a white christmas in

>> i'm morgan radford. thanks so much for joining us this morning. all of us at "today" show

wishing you a very merry christmas. hoda and savannah back to you. on christmas morning, we turn to a man who spends a lot of his time thinking about the meaning of this day, timothy dolan, the archbishop of new york. >> he talks about goodwill that walks through the door when you do. >> a blessed christmas. the red. and savannah a blessed christmas. >> where's my head. >> it's an important tradition for me to be with you. thanks for the invite. >> we love it. you have a powerful message on christmas morning. >> it's a powerful season. it's a powerful feast day. >> if this is the holiday of joy. a lot of people wake up and joy isn't what they're feeling, what hope can you provide? >> look at it this way. this is the dark -- naturally, this is the darkest time of the year. we just had the darkest day of the year a couple days ago, naturally. the sun is at its rep

nt -- i think you're right, savannah i'm afraid you are -- maybe the discouragement the somberness the darkness that many people feel. we're in the mood now, of surveying last year. you two journalists are in the business of looking back over what has happened. and we can't deny there's been a lot that's happened the last year that's caused us darkness right? but here's the meaning, here's what we need -- you know that song "we need a little christmas" do we ever just as the sun gets to the lowest eatit begins to go back up. the sun is always going up. light is conquering darkness good/evil, life-death hflife/death. and as the sun goes up in the sky, god sends his son, s-o-n, a confirmation of his love. everything is decent and right in the world. a lot of people could be sad

this morning. but christmas is that time i think for all of us, if only for a few moments, things gel. things work out. we say, this is the way things should be. families together, sharing forgiveness, generosity faith and prayer. just for a moment things seem right. >> i think because you talk about this a lot, when you are feeling the way we were just talking about, you take the focus off of yourself and put it somewhere else. >> yep. you know if -- it's st. patrick's o baby jesus. everybody's eyes arerist child, the baby jesus, the infant. for a moment, we get our eyes off of ourself. we're not naval gazing this narcissistic feeling sorry for ourselves like we tend to do and we raise our eyes up we see the newborn savior of the world and things click. you say, i might

give up on life but god isn't. god is affirming life. that's what christmas i about. >> there's pple of drent faiths that might be involving this. and the message is god is involved and god is plunging into human history in a real way. >> everybody, even if they're not christmas, as they cel birthday of the messiah, of our lord and savior jesus christ it is a season and a time when you might call the more noble uplifting characteristics of the human person s to rise to the surface. everybody seems to appreciate it. we know it from the excitement in new york. you can't, in christmas season you can't walk the sidewalks without getting excited. it seems to affirm and put a god's good housekeeping approval on everything that is good in the human person. >> i'm looking at you and i'm picturing you as a little boy. i see you on christmas morning and you have that light.

>> i haven't been called little in a long time. >> what was it like for you as a little boy on christmas morning? >> i had a great family. i'm the oldest of five. we didn't -- we were far from wealthy. we had a simple house. my dad worked hard. my mom stayed home. but christmas was a joy and we always got these nice little gifts. the grandparents came. we had a great meal. we were at mass at the parish. when i got older, i served in mass. christmas is one of the highlights. >> we have little kids. i think it's important demeanor-- little kids want to open up the presents and that stuff. i want to ground my children in the real meaning of this holiday and what it means. >> savannah you would know better than anybody, the insight that hoda had about getting our eyes on somebody else instead of ourselves. nobody does that better than a baby. when you have a baby and you had one this time last year a brand-new one.

when you have a baby that baby becomes the center of your attention. everything you do and dream and dare and attempt is for that baby baby. that's the way we feel about the baby jesus. he becomes the center of our life. >> and for you, what do you do? i know you do a lot of things obviously, for the church. what else do you yourself it's forf work. but still, it's refreshing work. just to see people because this isn't an easy time for religion. to see people this time of year who are eager and open to religion, that's a gift in itself. i have good friends come up -- i have great friends from home in st. louis, two good priest buddies that come up to be with me a couple i've known for 50 years. we have a good time and we relax. i won't get to relax until a little later on christmas afternoon. then i get a few down days. >> you earned them. >> and this eggnog is helping. >> it's a strong pour.

>> i'm going to use this instead of wine. >> merry christmas. this marks the trump family's first christmas in the white house. while the west wing keeps busy other areas are decked out with personal touches from the first lady. here's kristen welker with the story. >> reporter: president trump's first year in office has been jam-packed. but during the holidays it's all about the hostess in chief, like the first ladies who have come before her, melania trump is leaving her mark on christmas at 1600 pennsylvania avenue. the first lady and oldest son, baron, greeting the tree from wisconsin. she personally selected every detail of this year's holiday decorations. anita mcbride served as chief of staff to former first lady laura bush. >> i think every first lady

feels the pressure how they will be remembered or viewed for how they used the white house. so i think she cares about details. >> reporter: this year's theme, time-honored traditions. the white house says it was designed by mrs. trump to pay respect to 200 years of holiday cheer inside these walls. the grand foyer, a nod to former first lady jackie kennedy and her 1961 first-themed christmas, "the nutcracker suite." this year the family dinner display featuring reagan's china, a silhouette of jfk. the first lady taking special interest in the decisions, like her signature christmas breathes 71 to be exact, including the ones decking the 300-pound gingerbread house.k the

halls, admiring the work of volunteers who spent 1,600 hours preparing the people's house for the holidays. how important is this time of year for the staff? they as much as it's hard work it really is a lot of fun. >> reporter: outside the white house, the whole family in full force, with first daughter ivanka and jared kushner, joining in the annual lights of the christmas tree. >> melania and i are full of joy at the start of this blessed season. >> reporter: a season in which the trump family will make new memories whileing tribute to pass traditions. kristen welker nbc newshe white house. >> thank you, kristen. the white house is so beautiful over the holidays. so much tradition and -- yeah. it looks lovelier than ever. >> a beautiful time of year. as you spend time with family this morning, it is important to remember the thousands of u.s. servicemen and women serving overseas. while many are far from their loved ones they are finding

ways to celebrate. kelly cobiella has more on all that. good morning. >> reporter: hoda good morning. on this christmas day, nearly 200,000 americans are spending their holiday away from their families and loved ones deployed to 177 countries, iraq afghanistan, somalia, and beyond serving their country. it's america's longest war. for the 16th year troops are carving up a christmas feast in afghanistan. this captain, a doctor has been here for two months. her husband and 18-month-old son, home in austin texas. >> i think it helps to feel like there's a sense of purpose here. and i fit into that and i have an important role to play. that helps me deal with the fact that i'm away from my small child and husband that i miss very much. >> reporter: 11,000 are stationed here. and this year the pentagon announced more are being deployed. part of an open-ended war against the taliban and isis. around the world, america's

military touches nearly every country on earth. in all seven continents an on every sea. in hot spots like syria, the baltics, the korean as the white house puts it threats don't take a holiday. as north korea speeds ahead with its nuclear programs more than 28,000 troops stand guard in the south, where a lump of coal in the stocking is a good thing. soldiers handed out the fuel spreading goodwill. >> the soldiers are excited to give back to the people to provide heat during these cold winter months. >> reporter: in europe they are also working through the holiday, with reports the pentagon plans to bolster forces in the baltic to push back against putin. nearly 40,000 are already deployed in germany alone, like private first class crystal

arena. it is her first year abroad. >> overseas it gets overwhelming sometimes. the culture shock is there but i wouldn't have it any other way. >> reporter: in afghanistan, troops follow traditions, carols golf cart races and ugly sweater contests. americans keep as they serve. thousands of cards, decorations some christmas trees were sent to far-flung bases this year spreading holiday cheer for all of those troops who can't be hopeme for christmas. guys? >> kelly cobiella thank you so much for that. coming up it is the world's most famous christmas tree. it happens to be in our backyard here. we're going to have the story of this year's special spruce. then the holiday season is all about coming and took their talents all the way to one of the biggest stages in the world. but first,s christmas morning this, is "today" on nbc.

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♪ yep. 7:30 now, monday morning, christmas morning. a few nuns skating on ice. >> our christmas present to you. more than a few. this is almost like "madeline." >> we're lucky that our camera captured this. >> i want to see them break out in a routine. >> above the rink is the beau of twinkling lights the we're going to tell you the story behind this year's tree in a moment. also ahead, the heroes among

us. we met an incredible choir. they touched our hearts. they went from practicing in a shelter to a historic performance on the big stage at carnegie hall. we're going to have their stories. wait until you hear them sing. we'll hear about a few of your holiday traditions. and we're going to share some of our own. first, back to that gorgeous tree right outside. being here in new york it's easy to take it for granted. but it is one of the true icons of the season. here's a look at how it all comes together. >> i'm looking for a perfect tree that has a nice shape, that's nice and full you can't see through it too much. >> three, two, one. >> reporter: for 85 seasons, the christmas tree at rockefeller center has been the highlight of the holidays, a tradition that dates back to 1931. >> it's something that take all

year to do. >> reporter: he does it all. >> i saw this tree in 2010. it was perfect. >> reporter: he spotted it on a road trip to penn state. he was smitten. >> when eric first knocked on my door i didn't believe him. >> reporter: an educator scott bought this home after taking a principal position at a middle school. >> the tree has been in the corner of the property. i always thought of it as a really large spruce. >> reporter: the norway spruce was made over whe arrived here in new york city. wrapped with five miles of l.e.d.s and topped with a 25,000-crystal swarovski star. >> everybody will see it on a daily basis, it blows my mind. >> i like how you said it got a makeover in new york. like it went through the spa. >> it goes through a rough trip to get here. >> just does his magic. >> you should see the before and

after. let's get a we have a lot more ahead on this christmas morning, incld choir and their christmas trip to carnegie stage. you ever wondered why are twhite? we're going to tell you the whole story behind the seasonal favorite. later, a special holiday performance from music superstar

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♪ good morning. welcome back to "today" on a christmas morning. all week we're highlights some of our favorite stories of the year. and there's nothing heartwarming than a leap o faith rewarded. >> this one came from our heroes among us series everyday folks who quietly spend their lives helping others. it led us to a group in texas, who were down on their luck and a man who helped inspire them to make history. ♪

♪ i, i've been chained ♪ >> for a little while, i stayed outside on the overpass just throughout dallas, on the n and out of ♪ i know i'vwe been >> thiome. this is a great piece of cardbof my homelessness. ♪ heaven done signed my name ♪ >> my has broug me >> good morning. ♪ joshua fought t official jericho ♪ >> jonathan, what a spectacular idea the idea of a homeless choir. how did this come about? >> it was a pickup choir of anybody at the day shelter. i would make an announcement hey, who wants to sing today? >> when i came in there wasn't

no seats. they were going to turn me back around to leave. and someone said sing. i just sung and people was like he can have my seat. no he can have my seat i'll go. >> i felt at home there. and it just made me really want to come back again tomorrow. >> reporter: jonathan has become more than just the director of the dallas street choir, he's family. and for many the one constant in their lives. a lot of choir directors deal with certain things. you have a whole different set of issues that you need to deal with. >> sure. whether you have mental illness or not, you are welcome in this choir. we have folks with addiction. and if you're under the influence, you're asked to leave and say this isn't your week. come back next week. >> reporter: everyone gets a second chance. >> and a third and a fourth. ♪ >> reporter: after 2 1/2 years

of conducting the choir, jonathan thought these men and women deserved an even bigger stage. >> carnegie hall is just so beautiful. i'm just feeling like i'm a queen because i get to go to the royal palace. >> it's surreal. not only are we making history for us and the dallas street choir, but we're making history for carnegie hall. >> that's pretty. >> reporter: to prepare, they need more than just their music. >> we're going with this right here. >> reporter: for many it's the first time out of texas or even on a plane. ♪ 22 members set off on the trip of their lives. >> and over to the left, we have times square. ♪ >> reporter: joined by another of jonathan's community choirs. ♪ >> it scares me how well you do that one.

>> reporter: in its long years, carnegie hall has never showcased a homeless choir. hi. this is big. do you have family members who know what's happening? >> yes. >> reporter: they do? >> my oldest son says shut them down momma. >> reporter: you want to come and take a little peek? see what it's like on the stage of carnegie hall. are they carnegie hall good? >> are they carnegie hall good? it wasn't matter. >> reporter: why doesn't it matter? >> because it's not about being carnegie hall good. it's about being carnegie hall worthy, and that they are. ♪ >> reporter: are you all right? >> i've been poor all my life but right now, i feel so rich. >> i feel validated. >> reporter: do you all want to

try a couple of notes to see how it sounds? ♪ ♪ can't you feel the brand-new day ♪ ♪ can't you feel the brand-new day ♪ >> reporter: from rehearseal to concert, the night is theirs. ♪ ♪ can't you feel the brand-new day ♪ >> i want them to know that we might be homeless but we have a voice. ♪ i know the lord ♪ >> i hope when they see us can understand our story, that we used to be homeless or we're currently homeless but we never gave up. ♪ [ applause ] >> and that guy right there, the man with the big voice, you guys got himself a solo album. >> he's a star. he needs it. >> he should be on "the voice."

we need to work in a out with carson. and the woman, caroline she's moved into transitional housing. you can watch what's happened with their lives just through the music. >> i love the choir director and his attitude come one, come all. everybody has something to offer. >> it's transformational. just ahead, dylan will look at your favorite holiday traditions. and in the next half hour we'll share some of ♪ ♪ [ laughter ] ♪ ♪ [ male announcer ] for tim and richard smucker giving a gift of their family's delicious jam always made the holidays just a little bit sweeter. we forgot to put our names on them! richard, i think they'll know who it's from. ♪ ♪ thank you boys. you're welcome. you're welcome. [ male announcer ] happy holidays from our family to yours. i love christmas!

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hristmas morning. along with the day today. dylan is over in the orange room hearing from people. what are they saying? >> they got y. traditions are part of the holiday season. we asked our viewers to share some of their favorites. renee writes, making gingerbread boys for everyone with a recipe that's been in the family for generations. melissa posts, piling into the car in our pajamas to look at christmas lights. karen writes my 84-year-old mom making dinner while sipping her christmas cocktail. and kara tweets, my dad and i see a movie every christmas day because it's the only time we can make it to the theater. and rose posts, we set the table with good dishes and then we go to church. we go to wendy's drive through and everyone gets what they want and there's no tressstress.

you can share your traditions on #orangeroom. >> dylan, thanks so much. coming up we're going to share our favorite christmas traditions. >> that's going to be fun. the new "star wars" dominated the box office. what else should you look forward to this week? the big premieres and the can't-miss movies. this new day looks nothing like yesterday. trails are covered. paths aren't what they used to be. roads nowhere to be found. ( ♪ ) and it's exactly what you're looking for. ( ♪ ) kohl's intimates stock-up sale is going on now. with 25 to 40% off all bras. kohl's has the biggest assortment

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michael: i'm thankful that i'm alive and have a second chance. james: i'm thankful for the help and the opportunity that i received. darlene: i'm thankful to be able to help people in crisis. vanessa: i'm thankful that addiction is treatable, and that help is available. christ experiencing a heroin epidemic fueled by uggling with addiction i want you to know: we are here for you. this holiday season, call 844 reach nj or visit reachnj.gov.

p ♪ have a holiday jolly 8:00 morning. comiup we'll share some of forid traditions and share our favorite gifts that we had when we >> they're the minty candies made by at a denver stefani christmas. ♪ you make it feel like christmas ♪ >> we're in for ahristmas treat when she sings herda25th, 2017

♪ i don't want a lot for christmas ♪ >> merry christmas from "today." >> all we want for christmas is selfie with hoda. >> happy holidays from the "today" show. >> wow. >> welcome back to this special christmas morning of "today." merry christmas. >> look at us together. >> festive and bright ready to celebrate the holiday. coming up this is always one of the biggest days of the year at the box office. there's some movies you do not want to miss this holiday season. we'll walk you through the picks that everyone will love. and what is perfect on a cold winter's day? drinks. we'll sample a few, including a hot chocolate with gingerbread and something called a vermont sleigh ride giddyup. >> something extra in it. first, le s get a cnbs morgan radford moan, good morning and merry christmas. >> good morning and merry

christmas to you. overseas a dramatic rescue that some are callingc@ a holiday miracle. 150 skiers serving in the french alps were saved after dangling above the slopes for nearly two hours after their ski lift stalled. hospitals lowered them and rescued their teams on to the used the ropes to lower the skiersheq!nweren't any injuries and meghan markle royal famil christmas at ease, she ascendttendled church walking arm in arm withs areha not invited to spe until they're married.bu was a rare welcomed their wedding just months away. trump and his ng tilyoliday at t last night,nt and first lady earlier, they took some tim chion aroundbers all around the themsident made presi including tweeting yesterday about the christmas holiday itself writing, people are proud to be saying merry christmas against tra dmerr butifulchphs tweets

have been more official who is involved clinton probe of 2016 and the ongoing russian. and a bit of a political christmas present for the president this morning from guatemala, whose president announced they would move the embassy in israel to jerusalem, the first country to follow the united states' lead since the u.s. announced it would move its embassy earlier this monltsth. >> i hope you're enjoying the sun and the beach there. happy holidays. let's get a look at the winter weather that's coming your way. a bitter cold and as arctic air barrels up north. this is happening as expected to fall across parts of the pacific northwest,ll the way to the northern rocky mountains. that snow and gusty wind going strong the ggland, where up to a foot of snow ised to

>> thanks for joining us this morning. i'm morgan radford. all of us at "today" wishing you a happy holiday. for millions of families waking up this holiday is all about that could be midnight mass or opening presents at the crack of dawn or helping out at a soup kitchen. >> we heard about some of your favorites. now, it's time for us to share. ♪ >> we lived in the desert. it one of those cut down your christmas tree situations. we would go to the parking lot of a big box store. i would not say our tree was one of the classy elegant trees.

>> we had a fake tree. you needed some pine scent. we were like squirt it down. >> we always had a real tree. one year i was 8 or 9 and i had the mumps. and i couldn't get out of bed. moved the tree into my bedroom. and we had christmas morning in my bedroom. >> we left our tree up. it was like -- it could have been february or i don't even know maybe even later. someone would knock on the door and my dad's like oh the tree. we ran it into a storage room. my dad was like welcome, people. and i remember the next year we're like -- time to decorate the tree. oh look. it's already done. ♪ >> we turkey. we have a ham. black eyed peas and rice mac and cheese. >> my mom'go-to hens. my mom would cook us each one. >> green bean casserole with the

mushroom soup. stuffing sweet potatoes. >> i like to have mexican food on christmas eve. i grew up in the southwest and i think it's festive. >> we m just to say you did. but nobody eats it, really. ♪ i think i was maybe 7 years old. there wase set called the motoriffict. it was terrific. >> i wanted a trumpet. i am not musical. i have no skills. there's nothing about me that would make sense to have this trumpet. >> i will never forget one year, the gift that every little girl wanted was wonder woman under underroos. we all posed for a picture that i have now burned. ♪ >> no. come on. come on. santa knows. oh my gosh.

i love you, santa. oh my gosh. i remember this. >> wow. i didn't think they made these anymore. please tell me they're size large for me now. i'm not touching them if they're used. they're underwear. ♪ >> i'm reliving my childhood right now. ♪ oh god, it's used. this is a "rossen reports" in the making. ♪ >> i t of family and being with people you care about and love is more important to people than it's ever been. >> to me christmas is magical. there's no other time like it. and we lost my dad when i was a teenager. and christmas was his birth dayday. so it already was a special time.

it can mean the food you make or the decorating of the christmas tree or the gift you received that was most special. or most of all, the time you reflect on what the holidays is really about. >> you're asking about my christmases past. i know they must have meant something but not compared to now. i get the give haley christmas that makes you realize you have so much to be grateful for and thankful for. and i'm every especially on christmas. ♪ >> that's so cool. >> got your trumpet. >> i was hoping it was going to be that. >> what was your favorite gift that you got as a kid? >>avorit yellow walkman. sport. it closed on the top. that was the best christmas ever. >> i remember that walkman but i think i was in college when you were a kid. remember? >> oh yes. we've got a lot more coming up ahead today, including the best movies out right now that are worth leaving the house for. plus raise a glass.

we have hot and delicious holiday drink ideas that go perfect with this christmas morning. and holiday hacks in a hurry. simple ways to make stress of christmas a little better. and the amazing gwen stefani will perform the song of the season right here in our studio. somehow we always leave packing to the last minute. time to break these bad boys out no i have a couple of things to wash we got this- come on. even on quick cycle, tide pods cleans great 6x the c even in the quick cycle let's go did you just get up uh-huh it's got to be tide if you could see your cough, you'd see all the sickness you're spreading. robitussin cf max. nothing lasts longer and treats more symptoms for your cough, cold and flu.r bell ringing) because it's never just

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welcome back evernl the newest ecause there's something on the ial e carter. merryt you give us viewing guide. >> greatest shs the musical bio pic of p.t. barnum played by jackman. it's a spectacle. visuals. the cast is wonderful.ac efron, michelle williams. but the music is written by ben passic and justin hall who did "dear evan hanson." they did the songs for "la la land." and i think the music in this one is better than the "la la land's" songs. the bearded lady has the big show-stopping number called "this is me." that's a possible oscar nominee for best song this year. >> we have a sequel of

"jumginal came out 22 we're old. now, therehey the game. one of them becom one of and the teenage girl becomes jack black. we do a christmas outing 7-70, this is the one we're going to do. >> categories is families with teenagers. we cannot wait perfect 3." >> bring it. >> what a surprise blockbuster phenomenon this franchise has become. this one is a lot of fun like the other two. the bellas are out in the real world. they're having trouble finding jobs. but the uso hires them to do a european tour. they go around the world. there's great songs but there's a little bit of action in this on there is. >> anna kendrick and rebel wilson. >> how does this compare to the other two? >> it's superfun. the humor can be a little crude. families with teenagers, as er kids. everyone from the cast that you want to see back. >> when you put tom hanks and

merrill streamyl streep in a movie together it has t "the post," right? >> this is directed by steven spielberg. this is a true storypublisher and the editor of "the washington post," as they decided to publish the pentagon papers which was the behind-the-scenes information about america's involvement in vietnam. this is goinghe oscar season as we talked about weeks ago. tons of nominations expected across the board. a really timely fame, es lily film the di nd "downsizing." >> this is a movie when you shrink yourself to five inches tall. matt damon and kristen wiig are adorable. they are deciding if they should do this too. >> that's a bizarre concept. >> it's reallyfirst half. and it's thoughtful in the second half. very surpr the most as y i can't wait for that one.

>> bring us home with"molly's game." >> that opens today. f time aaron sorkin has directed a movie, the creator of "the west wing." about creates this high-stakes poker brought down by the fb has a legal case. a perfo in theyou have contender? >> "dunkirk,"post," "the shape of water" and "lady bird." >> he knows his movies. you tell us everything we need to know. thank you so much. merry christmas. >> you, too. while you're taking in all that entertainment, you might want to do a little snacking. >> we're going to be enjoying some special munchys in a moment. but first, the candy cane. 1.8 billion are made in the u.s. every year. we decided to take a look at the family favorite candy confection. ♪ this is santa's sweet spot, a

wonderful of sugar and spice and everything nice. small denver sugar shop hamman's candies canes flavors. peppermint cherry and we get into the apple pies >> rr: 8 million canht here. it's a stsyrup, water and pulling, st candies into shape. >> theay after we're making candy canes to sell for the following holiday. >> reporter: the origins of the candy cane can be traced back to the 17th century. but modern folklore suggests symbolism, the shape of a shepherd shepherd's crook, one that they would have carried to meet jesus. >> candys i hope when someone this christmas and takes a >> year. the best. you're in the mood now, for somethingweet. wehave the perfect guest.n park city christmas. have to

we meltede and a few drops syrup. >> it's goinpunch. dish. it comes right out. and if you take a little of the pour it on to marbling effect. to throw in bag and take to the neighbors. yore thi ust cam can about an you have bark that's ready to go. >> at, people love. >> and the kids will go crispy bits. >> it's dlishls ees's delicious. >> we're the peanut s >> i lovicker pcittle bit of corn sy >> was therebutter.scolor. we work the vanilla in. a great caramel, easy. and we go right over the popcorn. >> oh. >> it's so good. >> that's the easy part. now, put your hand in the bag. we go into the bag. >> oh. and the paper bag works gre a paper bag? >> to shape up. >> i'm going to dump this in.

we chips, pretzels and peanuts. >> and for the >> give that a good shake. this is i love this idea. >> easy enough. >> and you pour it out? paper. >> kids go nuts for that. >> oh yeah. let it cool just a little bit. we kind ofre all melt.bit. give the chips melt. simple >> ees gingerbread u t anise, oro iout. >> thasrich. little stir fewil of brown sugar.>>hat'simple. you have the beautiful and intense flavor. >> can you put a little rum the bourbon. you can do an alcoholic version for the holidays. finish with crushed gingerbread candies and marshmallows and your favorite hot chocolate for the season. and one more quicke calling this the vermont sleigh ride. little warm milk.

a little bit of ginger and a little maple to give you that. >> ooh. >> and you can go a little bourbon in this thing. or a lot of bourbon. >> sleigh bells ring are you listening? >> it a holidays. >> i'll say. >> what? >> it only sip. es. >> whoa. >> cheers and merry christmas. >> merry christmas. >> if you would l makeelicious recipes and you're still sober, go today.com/food. coming up a specialchristmas performance from the ather.

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jingle bells ♪ rning. the bells are jingling. it's christmas morning herf in ofthe hea o sugarplums from your eyes. hopefully santa got presents are under your tree and you have xvtra song. gwen stefani has one of hottest holiday albums of the year. she's going to grace us with a special performance. with all of the wrapping we will help with the cleanup. holiday hacks to easier this year. >> we just got the tree up. it's c italian-style. spectacular h in a ways to keep your

kids busy and c and make the rest of >> mayhew is a genius and ch >> we'reh crafts for the kids. after they get the presents >> you'll haveikely haveu w't h e taround the ous to the grocery store. let's start with the owflakes. youmarshmallow. you stick some toothpicks in thandtick the mi andcute r it in your hot chocolate. canes. take a candy you break off the top. and youen a screwdriver and dip it in warm water. through the marshmallow and you thread three of them on the candy c neck. use whiteou useto ccolate to make the noserange it in half. >> how do you think of this stuff? >> and for eyes you can use a gel pen. you don't need the eyes. if you want it alledible there you go. >> supercute. another use of candy canes. >> this is taking your candy rom christmas to canes and

you glue them it makes a heart? >> and the other thing you can do if you want them to make they can make valentine's cards. you take two l clean upcuum you them up. >> i cleaning. >> look at me wan ornaments, oftenen. wrapping paper, go ahead and . you can use egg cups. put them box. >> pack them in wine box. and the nightmare of the lights just wrap your cl alian feast from michael: i'm thankful that i'm alive and have a second chance. james: i'm thankful for the help and the opportunity that i received. darlene: i'm thankful to be able christie: new jersey istruggling wifor you. call 844se hchp.ora

very festive "today food" this morning. we're celebrating christmas with a little dear friend lidia bastianich. her italian." >> good morning. >> good morning. how are you? >> spending christmas morning with you guyseat. of me yoouldou. what is that >> this year is us 97. havgranids, we're all there. the idea. >> let pasta forgathering. a little oil, a ere. mush it up th andut c there, out of the case. meal at >> how long doesup >> exactly. and then some fas --ting. can we get a close-up. that's crazy to fingers othe. of and the escarole. what the lettuce is.dive. it a greatsalad. and the outside, you

av and st likeall try how do >>taha ker? opastni. these are a littlehe bit and this is how it should look. pasta, stedr. neooks theer st of't the same. the oil out of theucte w website. >> christmas. >> you can find these oncookbook go to today.com/shop. up a classic with a dozen dunkin' donuts and the holidays run on du nkin'.

the citi concert series on "today" is proudly presented to you by citi. it would not be without a little christmas than superstar gwen e is putting per feel like christmas" gwen stefani. ♪ ♪ o'er the fields we gohe way ♪ ♪ bells on bob-tails ring ♪ je un it is to ridegh! ♪ bell open

sleigh! ♪ ♪ now, the grounte go at it while you're young ♪ ♪ take the girls♪ ♪ just get a bobtailed a h 240 speed ♪ ♪ hitch him to an open sleigh ke the lead ♪ ♪ jingle bells ♪ jingle all the way! ♪ ♪ oh what fun it in a one-horse open sleigh! ♪♪ hey ♪ ♪ oh, jingle bells jingle bells ♪ ♪ jingle all the way! ♪ ♪ oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open slei j ♪ingle frx can you hear the jinhe's through the snow ♪ ♪ got to meet her baby byhe mistletoe ♪ jingle bells loving and a hugging ♪ ♪ as we jingle all the way ♪ ♪ oh, jingle bells jingle bells ♪ ♪ jingle all the way! ♪

♪ oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh! ♪ ♪ hey ♪ ♪ jingle bells ♪ oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh! ♪ ♪ oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh! ♪ ♪ hey ♪ >> yes. gwen coming santa gift swap. first, this is "today kwdots

welcome back on this christmas morning. the time has arrived for usopen our gifts. >> we dre b eggnogt on for theresents. we did not recipients were. >> each now?? a very small speaker. you know how you love in your song. and it's really it should your purse. >> it is perfect. >> that's so fun. >> that's great. >> and it will go purse. >>awesome. thank you. am i next? >> i think so.

>> mine is savannah. >> how okay. oh. >> what is this? >> oh. the cutest. it picks with the kids' faces on it. >> that's impressive. >> i know you love the guitar. look at your little ones. >> that's the cutest ever. well done. both on a musical theme. >> that's awesome. go next. al big surprise i got your name. >> i want to see. >> oh this is fantastic. >> what is it? >> it's a salt block. you cook on them. >> i don't understand. >> you put this on the bornurner or the grill. you get it hot. and you cook the food on the surface. >> does it make it salty? >> no. it seasons it. you use it over and over. it is spectacular. we both love salt. >> or you can be like a deer and

just lick it. >> exactly. that will last a while. so i've got a dylan's is ove got t package first. i forgot. >> it's a two-part center. >> yes. >> this is fun. >> this isfun.salt and pepper. >> myshl. we'rtheme. going. >> there's more? >> no. >> that's awkward. >> and i for you -- to use with the salt and peppribeye steak. >> dinner. >> i'll eat the whole plate. potato and broccoli. >> you don't have to have dinner. >> you can cook it over and cook it on the salt block. >> al's running joke is that i can polish off a steak by myself and he struggles to eat it. >> she's the greatest eater >> you have a cooking theme and we have the it was meant to be. >> we want to wish you the happiest of holidays. we should thank everybody who

works here behind the scenes to make the show that we all love possible. so, from our family to yours, merry christmas. ♪ ♪ ♪ i want you, baby slow hands ♪ ♪ like sweat tripping down on dirty laundry ♪ ♪ no chance that i'm leaving here without you ♪ ♪ i know yeah all what we're going to do ♪ ♪ your plans and those slow hands ♪ ♪ oh ♪ ♪ next to you the sky is so blue ♪ ♪ and baby

oh, oh next to y♪ ♪ the sky is so blue and in malibu baby ♪ ♪ oh oh ♪ ♪ i miss the way you make me feel ♪ ♪ it's real we watch the sunset over the cars ♪ ♪ so lonely we pushed the sunset over the cars so lonely ♪ ♪ we watch the sunset over the cars, so lonely here ♪ ♪ havana havana my heart is in havana ♪ ♪ we took me to east atlanta oh nana ♪

♪ my heart is in havana my heart is in havana ♪ ♪ ♪ take me back to my havana half of my heart is in havana yeah ♪ ♪ took me back to east atlanta all my heart is in havana ♪ ♪ my heart is in havana havana ooh na na ♪

james: i'm thank

h religious paying it forward. a woman seeing a need and fulfilling a time.ig our month of merry makes its stop. alex have in store for grand gift "myn kelly today," right now. welcome, everyone. welcome. thank you for