from nbc news, this is "today", with kathie lee gifford and hoda kotb. live, from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. >> yes! it's winesday wednesday! december 23rd, just two more days till christmas. >> i can't believe it! two more wakeups. >> oh, no. are you ready, we'll say no, man

we are going to tell you about a terrific love story. >> yes, every year lots and lots of people come to the plaza. but one couple in particular who we have singled out happened to have a chance meeting outside, and it turned to love. and we're going to meet them and give you all the details. >> it's just great. >> and if the holiday stress is zapping your energy, we have tips that will keep you going all day long, and our holiday music continues with no chaser. they are fantastic. >> we have some great news. >> some great news. >> i'm not sure which is best, but i think mine. maybe yosef. the first one is, thanks to you, all of you, we hit the $1

gifts", the total is 1 over $1 million. and making christmas possible for so many people who could not have one otherwise. >> it is so full of beautiful pictures and recipes and scriptures. >> it's a blessed little book. if you want to order still, good gifts book.org and bless you for doing it, too, okay. and then we'll go to our second bit of good news. >> we like to have anticipation. stressed out during the holidays and you've gotten into a fight, it takes a huge effort to free yourself from memory. it takes a huge effort to free yourself from memory. you know when something bothers you and you can't get it out of your head? >> yeah, especially if you've been deeply hurt, and you've made yourself forgive, but you still remember. that's excellent.

who wrote "the optimist". >> second bit of good news. remember yesterday -- >> who could forget. >> we showed you one of our staff directors who was in "men's health". then we posted his twitter handle because he's single and searching. anyway, and embarrassed. >> hey! >> what happened? >> to clarify, that part was fun and a little overwhelming, but most of all i wrote it so i could get it out for the cause i'm working for. goal. >> his mom's sick. >> my mom's battling -- myeloma. >> and what about the secondary? what about that? >> they're waiting.

for yosef. he got proposals. interesting pictures. >> evocative pictures. >> nothing inappropriate, mom, i promise. >> so we're going to play a little game called finish the lyrics. >> we wanted to know how well people knew christmas songs, so we sent donna dorable. >>. oh, christmas tree, oh, christmas tree i am so happy that it's christmas >> no, but that was good. oh, christmas tree, oh, christmas tree >> it's the oh, christmas tree song! >> i don't remember the lyrics. oh, christmas tree, oh, christmas tree how -- hark the herald angels sing deck the halls with --

jingle bell, jingle bells, jingle all the way oh, what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh, hey, oh, what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh and heaven and nature sing >> yes! >> good job, donna. >> what an interesting singing voice donna has. interesting. it's memorable. you'll never forget it. >> i don't think i've ever heard her sing. >> now we're going to play -- >> a lot of us don't know very well, can you, okay, we're going to show you. we're going to show a lyric, no we're going to listen.

>> all right, we're ready fort first one. 30 seconds on the clock. may your days. >> and may all your christmass be white, white christmas. >> how does everyone at home know what we're doing? >> we're saying what it says. >> and mistletoe. and may all >> and mistletoe. >> and may all your christmass be white. >> that's white christmas too. >> oh. >> what's the next one? >> and presents -- i'll be home for christmas. >> okay. this is not fun for people at home. >> later we'll have some pumpkin pie and do some carolling. they're all christmas -- >> and carolling! >> oh, it's travel one. i'm going home for christmas, i'm going grandma's, all that >> later we'll have pumpkin pie. [ buzz ] >> rockin' around -- >> i need the music. >> too bad.

aglow. like christmas. know. christmas. >> good for you, whoever -- roke? >> all it my favorite. >> from now on all your troubles little christmas. >> okay. so we have some other good news, our third piece of good news. my big, fat greek wedding is coming out with a sequel. >> it sounds so much fun. >> and to celebrate, we want to celebrate in style. we want to sell great brat celebrate. >> the greek way. >> the greek way. >> and it's called opa! there you go, baby.

>> that was the poster from my original big, fat, greek wedding. let's check out the new one. here's the sequel poster. um, >> it's hard to see it. >> anyway, everybody's original. >> they look great. they are all in it. everybody from the original. in the new film, her parents discover that the 1946 wedding never hand. >> they're not legally married. windex? >> and nia wrote that. i love that. >> it's still the original film is the highest-grossing row comedy ever. >> and earned her an nomination. >> so something happened at a hockey match. they turn into fisticuffs and

announcer did to try to change okay. so the fight started. now listen. christmas. christmas christmas and a happy new year [ laughter ] >> we shouldn't laugh, because it's atrocious behavior. what were those umpires doing? those referees? >> they let them fight. >> they're just skatin' around. why do they let them fight? >> they let it go. >> until they grasp. >> okay. that was good. the sinling singing was excellent. someone lost their teeth. >> that happens. >> that was jack edwards, allegedly.

fact, we think it will. >> holly matthews posted a photo of her child holding his newborn brother. >> you love him? can i have him? >> no. >> no? oh, you're so sweet. >> oh, my gosh. >> how precious. >> oh, he's kissing him. >> can i tell you, not to make it all about me, but i'm about to? >> why not? >> that brings back a million memories. coty was exactly the same way with cassidy. it's so much a blessing. you don't know how much you're going to love them loving each other. to this day, he can't stop

and she doesn't want his mouth on her head anymore. but she's not going to stop him. he's bigger. >> but they're going to have a bond, those two, the rest of their lives. >> okay. >> first of all, we know you have been having fun spotting regis. >> some celebrities have been showing pictures of elves visiting their homing too. kort urtney kardashian. >> and here they are watching -- oh, there they are. >> and here they are watching "frozen" together with their her son. where's that? >> it's sad we couldn't bring it to you. >> but i wanted to see the elf on the shelf because of our graphic situation. >> we always like to have all that stuff down there. apparently, hoda is in "people" magazine. they asked her to free associate giving one-word answers.

so let's see what she said. >> what did you say? >> i didn't do it. morning. mornings. i like sun rises but not i like beginnings. >> they gave you love, and you said? >> joel. >> wow, that wouldn't have happened last year. that's nice. >> they gave you kathie lee, and you said? >> faithful. >> that's going to make me cry. twitter, and you said? >> addictive. >> and the last one, guilty pleasure, and you said? >> oh, i said cookies? i don't remember. i know i said something, it could have been one of many things. >> cute, so go to "people" magazine and see what ms. hodi had to say. >> we want to give a shout out to meg rowe. she's been battling lung cancer. we just want meg to know we love her. we send our prayers and thoughts to her. >> bless her heart.

such a great group of friends, and i got a chance to speak to her on the phone the other day. she's a lovely person. and we are praying for you, we love you, honey. >> and kudos, the same thing to eric hill, who is battling and just love you, sweetie, and praying for you. >> have you ever felt like your get up and go has got up and went? >> i'm lookin' for it. >> we're going to wake up donna doshable. we've got a winter wakeup call for you little girl >> is she going to sing. good morning, good morning

between the cooking, the cleaning, the shopping, the wrapping and doing everything you normally do in your day, it's easy to feel like you can't take another step. >> so there's no better time to

>> wouldn't we all love some more noerg energy? wouldn't we like to wake up like donna dorable and feel energized? >> what's first thing little donna should do? >> she's going to drop and give me ten, ten squats. >> what? >> ten pushups, ten lunges. it pushes oxygen throughout your body and good flow. you're going to get a lift all >> then what? >> a little aroma therapy. certain scents like pepper minutes that will give you a little boost of energy. like in your toothpaste, into your lotion, body wash. >> that is my toothpaste sitting there. >> that wakes you up. >> really easy, right in.

while you brush. >> >> things that clench up your booty. >> now we're going to make breakfast. nutritionists say you want a nice balance of healthy carbs, fats and proteins. >> so a smoothie that balances all of those things, instead of something that's going to be quick and fast like a doughnut that's going to make your blood sugar crash. you want to have energy throughout the day. >> that, you have such good reflexes. >> thank you. >> that never happens. >> all right. >> here's what you're expecting, coffee, right? here's the unexpected part. it's about when you drippings the coffee. >> this is a hard one for me. >> you're going to wait until about 9:30. do some of the tricks that we had. >> 9:30? >> not going to happen! >> give it a shot. >> you know, a lot of people always say you should have one

wake up because you dehydrated all night. >> you say later? >> throughout the day, we're going to get to that in a little bit. but yes, hydration is really important. because one of the thing is dehydration makes you tired. >> i feel much more awake after that water than before. >> we get up so much earlier than normal people. >> that can definitely help. >> what about coffee? >> stick of gum. it is refreshing, give ah little bit of a perk. here's one that's a little different. it's the wonder woman pose. all right, so you're going to stand like this. chest puffed out a little biflt chin out. researchers have shown that it gives you a little boost of testosterone. you get up out of your chair. we all feel empowered. don't you? >> we're trying. >> here comes the water that you were talking about. >> ice water. >> ice water.

splashing your face with water. here's a healthy indulgence. instead of digging into a brownie or cupcake, a little square of chocolate. that's going to -- >> just stop with one? >> stop with one. >> savor it. here's one that we all know about, music. it gets you going. did i do that right? i thought i tapped properly. maybe not. >> anyway -- >> oh, there we go. right? >> everyone knows how music can give you a nice boost. get that from mariah, right? >> over and over and over again. >> i love it. it's one of my favorite christmas songs. green tea in the afternoon. really perfect boost as well. gives you that caffeine, that nice little oomph, and it's not too much, coffee can have more caffeine in it than green tea can.

massage on your earlobe for about 30 seconds. they were two strangers before they stepped onto our plaza. >> now they so much more. can't wait.

wheer' getting ready to play one of our favorite games. who knew about christmas traditions around the world. each year in december 23rd, some folks in mexico make nativity scenes made out of this?

outside our window? >> what couple? >> yes! >> that's where it all started. >> oh, my gosh. we're going to get to them after your local news. ews. et these dayquil liquid gels and go. but these liquid gels are new. mucinex fast max. it's the same difference. these are multi-symptom. well so are these. this one is max strength and fights mucus. that one doesn't. uh...think fast! you dropped something. oh...i'll put it back on the shelf... new from mucinex fast max. the only cold and flu liquid gel that's max-strength and fights mucus. start the relief. ditch the misery. let's end this. before there could be a nation, there had to be people willing to fight for it, to take on the world's greatest challenges, whatever they might be. so, the u.s. army masters not only tactics and strategy, but also physics and chemistry. we make battle plans and create breakthroughs - in medicine, science and engineering. our next mission could be anything.

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we're getting ready to play a special holiday edition of our trivia game called who knew. we're going to test your knowledge about christmas traditions around the world. kathie lee is across the street. and her signed cd goes to those who don't get the questions right. >> sentimental. >> here with me is will pierson with "mental floss". each year on december 23rd, some folks in southern mexico create nativity scenes made out of this, donuts, lego bricks or radishes? >> i think donuts would be too tempting. they're actually radishes. if you want to book a flight after the show, you have time to get there. thousands of people show up to see these beautiful creations that started with shopkeepers trying to entice visitors into

>> look at these beautiful girls. denmark doesn't have just santas, they have these devilish elf who will be bad unless they leave him this dessert. >> rice pudding? >> yeah! >> woo! >> wow. i think that might have been a guess. >> they are absolutely right. this goes back to scandinavian farming folk-lore. and you do want to leave out the right pudding. they are there to protect your livestock, live in barbs and n in barns. >> what fast food chain has become -- did you say -- indiana, became a christmas day hot spot in japan?

kentucky fried chicken? >> mcdonald's? >> she wanted the cd. [ buzz ] >> the correct answer there is kentucky fried chicken. kfc, huh? >> kfc has convinced people in japan since the early '70s to show up. you have to get reservations in advance. there are lines out the door. >> reservations for the table? >> for kfc. >> from myrtle beach, south carolina. in great britain, some children use this unique method to send their letter to santa, roll it up in a bottle, throw it in the back of the fireplace or window sill? [ buzz ] >> good day for me! >> the correct answer is they throw it in the back of the fireplace i guess santa's coming down the chimney. >> it's pretty neat. santa's able to read what the kids' wishes are through the

>> that's clever. >> from kentucky, if icelandic children were naughty over the past year, what might they receive instead of a present? a potato? spinach or carrot? >> a potato. >> you got it right. >> a potato. >> 13 santas in iceland. it's pretty nice that they have that. the kids put a shoe in the window sill hoping that they get something nice. if they've been bad, a potato. >> charlottesville, virginia. in italian folk-lore, a character gives gifts to good children. who is this, a tiny frog or a good witch or dancing man?

>> he got it! he's still celebrating. >> yes, she does bring presents like santa claus to those who have been good and a lump of coal to those who have been bad. >> thanks so much. all right, they're still out there. why the plaza has such meaning for one couple. we're going to get a holiday performance from a ak pella group after this. happy clap along if you feel y never stop. so neither does the u.s. army. we train. adapt. and get smarter. every soldier. every unit. every day. not to keep up with change; but to drive it. nobody knows what problems tomorrow will bring. but we do know who will solve them.

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the citi concert series on "today", is proudly presented to

the world famous group a cappella no chaser is on tour with their new cd called "the new old-fashioned". >> but today they're singing one of their favorites. here's straight with no chaser with "o holy night." ooh, ooh, ooh, yeah ooh, ooh, ooh, yeah oh, holy night the stars are brightly shining it is the night of the dear savior's birth ooh, ooh, ooh long lay the world in sin in error pining til he appeared and the soul

the thrill of hope the we're world rejoices for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn fall on your knees fall on your knees oh, hear the angel voices oh, night divine oh, night when christ was born ooh, ooh, ooh oh, night, divine oh, night, oh, night divine ooh, ooh, ooh, yeah mm, mm, mm

ooh, ooh, yeah, ah, ah, ah, ah, a thrill of hope, weary world rejoices for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn fall on your knees oh, hear the angel voices oh, night divine oh, night when christ was born oh, night divine oh, night, oh, night divine

ooh, ooh, ooh holy night, holy night, oh, yeah yeah, yeah, yeah holy night, holy night, oh, yeah ooh, ooh, ooh holy night, holy night, oh, yeah >>wow. >> wow, haven't heard it that way before! >> gorgeous. >> wow. >> coming up, we're going to have an engaging conversation with a couple who started as strangers before stepping out right there onto our plaza. >> so who made the first move? find out right after this. when choois was born

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once upon a time, there was a pretty woman who came to new york city with her mom and her daughter. >> our plaza was on their to-do list, so they could watch our show through the window. but little did the pretty woman know her prince was standing

>> in fact, a shot of them was caught by our cameras. if you look closely, you'll see them there in that shot. see them in >> they're the ones who aren't fuzzy. >> everybody's fuzzy to me. ? they exchanged phone numbers and then texts, and then turned into calls. i think the very first night they talked for three hours, and then it turned into a date, and, well, we're going to let them tell u. >> they are jen mendez and lane stowe. >> hi. >> a couple years ago you are owe out here coming to the "today" show. >> we wanted to be those stalker people outside. >> a lot of people have it on their bucket list. >> okay. i came into new york with a friend of mine who i used to work with. and i was off that friday. and she'd never been to new york, so we did the -- >> you were with a girl. >> a girl i used to work with, just friends. >> did you look over and think

>> i didn't, really wasn't paying attention to him until i heard him say, and i'll let you say it. >> i said it exactly like this. it's my life-long dream to meet kathie lee gifford. >> that is not the way you said it. >> no. >> say it the way you really said it. >> i was a little crazy. i was like, it's my lifelong dream to meet kathie lee gifford. >> and i said, i didn't skip a beat, and i said oh, i'm so glad we're here while you're realizing your life-long dream. >> and then you started >> started talking. >> i used to live in the town where she grew up. >> after i was already gone. >> and my old boss from where i used to work there graduated in her high school class. >> we sang together. i used to sing in with his boss. >> this is like god winks. >> the reason we found you is i was doing a radio show across the street. we were talking about conversation icebreakers. >> you called up and said hey,

the plaza, it and it was this amazing kind of 1180 wasn't it. >> he gave me satellite radio last year for christmas. i was driving to see my parents. at 2:00 on wednesday. >> so there are people listening! you never know, they don't do ratings. you don't know if anybody's out there. >> i listen, because i can move it from my car to my office. >> when did it go from dating to, you proposed. >> yes, i did. we've been together now for almost six years. >> wow. >> so i proposed a couple years ago. we were actually at her daughter's college in newport news at a football game. i proposed to her at halftime and the mascot came over while i proposed. >> one of my favorite stories is when you brought him home, you asked her a question, can you tell that story?

first met her folks, obviously, we are a mixed couple. my biggest concern was that. and i think she kind of put me at ease pretty quickly. >> he said is your dad going to have a problem with me? and i said what? >> that i'm black? >> i said my dad's not going to care that you're black, but that you are a giants fan. >> happy birthday. >> happy birthday. >> we thought you should celebrate. we got a little cake. a little champagne. >> yep. daughter out. >> come on out. >> we have some gifts for you. >> we just have some of the wine that we drink here on our show. >> you drink wine here? >> yeah. and some mugs, and hoda's first book, she has another one coming

>> we would like to make one suggestion and one, we would like to offer that we host your wedding right here on the plaza. when are you finally ready to do it. >> i'm in. >> is it a deal? >> can our pastor come with us? >> done! can i wear my giants jersey? >> no! no! >> your daughter was instrumental in everything. are you happy to your mom this way? >> of course. i'm happy to see her happy. >> merry christmas. happy new year. and hopefully in 2016, you will become husband and wife right here on the plaza with us. >> cool. >> and i'll sing. what the heck! >> oh, yeah. >> my life-long dream. >> have you found regis? >> we're going to see how our keen-eyed viewers did. but first, this is "today" on nbc. >> isn't that fun?

a shout out to our facebook fans who spotted the elf. here's l.j. he found regis. >> and bailey from tennessee found regis. >> beth swanson and her son found him from austin, texas. >> hailey found regis. >> and we hope mckenna is feeling better. she got to have a little bit of fun when she spotted reg. >> and the real reasonable gis, if you spot him, take a him.