>> narrator: from nbc news, this is "today" with kathie lee gifford and hoda kotb. >> hello, everybody. it is december 24th. we want to wish you a merry christmas eve. >> "santa tell me" by arianna grande. and the girl that has stunned audiences is here with a christmas song for us. and before you get to the

probably enjoy a great meal tonight. we're going to show you how to do it italian style with the feast of the seven fishes. >> and bobby is buzzing with excitement with games that all of the family can play. >> look at miles, that is a beautiful child. all children are beautiful, but that -- oh -- >> all glammed up for their christmas eve festivities tonight, how about this -- >> a christmas miracle. >> we have one to share with you right now. >> we found a hat that fits hoda. it is a christmas miracle. it is an xl. it is so crazy. a website, the topten.com.

things to do on christmas eve. first of all, listen to christmas music. sleigh bells ring, are you listening." >> all right, thank you. and then you can track santa on the north american aerospace command. >> that is such fun for christmas thing for kids. you can see exactly where he is. this was a tradition in our house, open one gift christmas eve, and deciding which one was so hard. do i take the big one, what if it's not the thing. the other is creme to keep christ in christmas, the reason

watch a christmas movie. >> yes, i do "love actually." >> and spend time with loved ones if you have some. >> it is christmas eve and throwback thursday. we dug through our kathie lee vault, and we have the fit and fabulous workout. cassidy was one year old. >> other leg, hug the thigh and hold it there. >> my sister did it with me. my friend lori -- in the green is -- my old body, boy do i miss it. >> on amazon right now, it has five stars. amazon.com.

i did it. >> wow. >> off and on, he is tells about her morning exercise routine, you say when you brush your teeth, you clinch your hiney. >> when you have to brush your teeth, don't you. i know what you're thinking, and no no no, i was thinking about the buns. this is how you do it, you steady yourself in front of your sing. lower yourself down with your thigh muscles and let your bottom do the lifting. while you're down there, you squeeze and lift, squeeze and lift, hold it, hold it, squeeze squeeze squeeze. ten or 15 seconds.

>> it's also before there was electric toothbrushes. >> first of all, all of that that you had going on there is something -- >> you know what -- i told you, i've done everything in this business except for -- don't say it on christmas eve. almost everything. >> all right, here is a hall mark commercial that captured a lot of people's attention. >> did i do that? >> no. there are two types of people for tree decorating. some want some fit for a window display, and others don't care about perfection. >> like charlie brown. so hall mark did a good job recognizing one of the perfectionist moms. >> anywhere you want. >> the ornaments should be spread out again. >> why did you do that?

things. symmetry. >> i did it -- >> we did. >> cute. a fine line between letting them have the joy and -- >> what did you do? >> the same, the same, they don't like to go there. >> they go to bed and you come down and fix it. heavenly joy is here. thank you for coming to see us. >> what are these? >> they are gingerbread men. >> you're so sweet, thank you. your skirt lights up, that is so exciting. >> how are you been since we saw you? >> very very good. >> you're going to sing for us later -- >> what are you munching on

>> it is a little candy cane -- >> nope, it is a vitamin c. >> you're going to sing a little for us, right? we could give you a little illegal. >> don't worry about that -- >> that is her big girl drink. >> it's like a milkshake but it's not. >> you're very fancy. who are you, heavenly joy. will you sing a little for us before you do your actual snmpls. >> all right, bye. we're ready. silent night, holy night all is calm, all is bright mother and child, holy infant

sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace >> come back up here. you're the best, we love you. do you know how much we love you? so much. we can't even describe, it's like this big. you're like the brand any shirley temple to us. >> would you like to hear another zonk, it's a christmas song, i get to pick a song every week, i chose this song and it is called "this christmas." do you know this one? let's play it.

all right, we want to remind you that we can be heard on sirius xm channel eight. >> it is beginning to look a lot like christmas for two ladies in particular. >> ambush makeover is after this, and heavenly joy will have a new song that her dad wrote. that is coming up, you'll have to wait because it is a christmas treat. >> this is a christmas treat. >> you're a christmas treat. >> what's your favorite cookie? >> chocolate chip. but my dad is like crazy about them.

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and our loved ones are gathered all around, so share that extra joy in your heart and make this christmas even more special than the last. walmart. we're only human. we rely on our courage. the kind of courage that shows up when we need it... and when cancer is least expecting it. courage. just one reason more of us are surviving cancer

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this is christmas eve and also thirsty thursday. and we bring you our a.m. bush makeovers, so joning us now is louie and jill martin. how it was today? >> it was great. the festive spirit is in the

that we could gift that jill and i could give. >> first we have loran. he is is a retired school counsellor and a mother of three boys. they came down for a concert last night and didn't plan to stay all day, but they're here. you're excited? >> i am, i think this is a great opportunity for her to do something for herself. >> it is very nice, and you said you want this to be her gift for the holidays, right? from you? >> one of many. >> what do you think about all of this? >> i'm excited. nervous but excited. it. >> he is is here with her big spending husband, bob, so let's take a look at the old loran and

just in time for christmas eve. >> oh, yeah. >> wow, beautiful. >> wow. sexy, bob you better take a deep breath and take off the blind fold. -- okay, bob -- >> you want to turn around and see? >> whoa! i could see back there without my glasses. >> so chic. >> tell us about it. >> i love the way you look, i have to say. you're good, stay right there. obviously her hair, he is had -- he is didn't take care of her roots. i got rit of d of the roots and i made it significantly darker and it is so beautiful.

>> and what do we think -- igor did her make up. he did a fantastic job, kept it simple. >> beautiful. >> and tell us about that outfit, jill. i love the flow of it. this is a dress that you probably have one like it, white house, black market, and the shrug is on it's own, and a beautiful long necklace. what do you think, bob? >> i'm glad we have a late check out -- >> okay, bob. our second lucky lady is janice watkins. he is is a retired dental assistant. he is currently runs a cattle farm with more than 60 cows. janice and 11 of her relatives took her mother on a bucket list girl's trip to new york city. and i ran into this whole --

i was on the way in. here is a look at her story. >> a girl's trip to new york! a wild bunch on the plaza, and mom, you want this for your daughter? >> i do, i do. every day he is comes to the house in her jeans, muck boots, going out to take care of the cattle, and he is deserves to look great for the day. >> so if we make her totally glam, high heels, fancy dress? >> i won't be able to walk. >> it will be good. he is is here with lori, loren, loretta, and brook -- keep the blindfolds on for one more second.

>> okay, ladies, look at your girl. >> are you ready to spin around? >> oh my gosh! >> you look beautiful! my niece looks like me. >> it's like a mirror. >> oh my gosh, yeah. >> gorgeous, janice. igor cut this hair with the layers in the front. he is is part cherokee. what a different look. >> it's the color -- >> it's the whole thing. >> ladies, what do you think? >> wow. he is looks beautiful. stunning. and that dress is so perfect for

>> yes, great for the holidays from maggie london. let's bring loran back out. merry christmas to you. gather around, everybody. we're all abuzz with games for the whole family. that is after this. should shouldn't . people you should. shouldn't. janice! should. shouldn't. yes. no. should. no way. should. no. definitely not. ha ha, nay. you shouldn't give underwear to everybody. but for those you do, give them fruit of the loom. feel secure in your dentures... feel free to be yourself all day. just switch from denture paste to sea-bond denture adhesive seals. holds stronger than the leading paste all day... without the ooze.

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daily moisturizing lotion with the goodness of active naturals oat and 5 vital nutrients for healthier looking skin in just one day. healthy skin equals beautiful skin. and for shower softness, add the body wash, too! aveeno naturally beautiful results it is time for bobby's buzz in. >> why are we covered up little miles, but here he is. >> if you're looking to spend quality time with the family while showing off your competitive side, listen up. here to show us games for all ages, professional girlfriend bobby thomas. it is a family edition of bobby's buzz.

when it comes to the holidays like this, and it's hard to get games that everyone can get involved in. put down the cell phones and it's all about family fun. first up, we have what is called bounce off. it may be remember iniscent of a game college kids play, you just have do bounce the balls into a pattern inside. it is just skill, luck, as you can see. >> and next up, a really fun game, everyone has these in front of them. mustache staff. you're going to try to grab as many mustaches can you can. >> you're scaring the child. >> we're making too much noise. >> and what do you do with them? >> that's how you win the game.

okay, so the next game is something you have not seen before. you pick a body part and an art design, and you will draw a tattoo. this is hilarious if you get back on social media at the end of the day. >> go ahead. >> what body part? >> face. >> story, bobby. >> this is supposed to be, i have not tested it, washable. >> don't talk while i'm doing it. >> there you go, that's a lot of fun. >> oh, he doesn't like that. he doesn't like the mustache. merry christmas to you will, sweet heart. little heavenly joy will sing for us, next.

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the city concert series on "today" is proudly presented to you by citi. >> it is christmas eve thursday, and we're here with the cutest 6-year-old in the world, heavenly joy jerkins. he is has a new song, and a percentage from the song is going to be donated -- >> do you love christmas?

>> what do you love about christmas? >> we get to celebrate jesus christ's birthday. >> what's your favorite christmas song? is it this new one? >> this one and a lot of jackson 5 songs. hey, guys, christmas time is here and i'm so excited. this year, i want to do something different. i want to be just like jesus and get everybody gifts christmas time is here again time for joy and cheer again

the holiday has come around and happy days ba do do do the greatest gift of all there is no betterway to feel love on christmas day and we will find -- because there are no more, so what are you waiting for oh -- church bells ring, ring ring a ring a ring

celebrating jesus they'll gather around the fire sharing things they desire all of us together as one the greatest gift of all comes straight from above there is no better way to feel love and we will find when the love of god is the light there are no more, so what are

it's christmas time, it's here again my love is here again come together as one singing as one loving as one caring as one [ cheers and applause ] >> merry christmas, everybody! >> merry christmas, are we doing it right? -- right. >> we love you, honey, a little meal. you're the best. we'll be back with the feast of e humble potato. pudgy, dimpled and plain. ooh, look out,

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if your family is one that celebrates with the feet ast of seven fishes. >> merry christmas. >> that is literally -- >> nick has seven simple seafood recipes that anyone can make christmas eve or all year long. >> we're italian, we love to eat, cook, and cook together. let's start with this. that is a mimosa. >> it is a type of citrus, it is native, but we grow them in new orleans. >> you have a tree in your yard? >> yes. >> that is fresh and nice. >> used to catch all of the neighbors jumping in the tree and breaking the branchs.

ahead of time and there is no cooking required. it's a crab dip. we have an egg yolk in there, vinegar, creole. we'll turn that on. blend that up a little bit, and then we'll add our green onions and lemon zest. >> it is always a challenge. >> put the top back on, hit it again. all right, and we'll pour a little oil in there. do you want a job? all right, we'll shut that off, and that is done.

>> oh, i want it, good grief. >> how delicious. >> capers. >> we want to get to everything. okay. here we go, oysters -- this is a crab and oyster casserole. >> is it awesome? >> uh-huh. >> oysters, crab meat, oregano, panchetta in there. and a little secret -- save some of that fat and we'll pour it on top of the casserole. >> that's how you do it. nobody messes around here.

crumbs, parmesan cheese. pop it in the oven, and it will be ready to go. let's go around front here. >> this is what we just made in is the crab dip. this is a pooches shrimp -- >> what is in that? >> grapefruit -- >> what is that -- >> that is crab meet artichoke. there is breadcrumbs, garlic, crab meat. my mother makes it the best, those are delicious. this is the casserole we made

ready for when you guests come. this is great, muscles and clams with sal is a verde. super simple, packs great flavor, light on your waist. super simple snapper. >> a hard core -- >> i enjoy cooking, got it from my family, it is wonderful. >> congratulations. >> and something else -- >> this is a red fish stew -- >> i can't handle it. >> they're all on today.com/food. >> and somebody is at the door. come here. we're going to tell you if your this. >> probably naughty. >> this is crazy by the way -- out of control, mad to the core, angry. so cancer, you've got two options.

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on average, americans gain about one pound during the holidays. >> it doesn't sound like a lot, but year after year those can really add up. and that is why madeline is here to help us make smarter food choices with a game we like to call who is at the door? >> hello, merry christmas to both of you. >> we're having visitors, and they have a choice of two things, and i'm going to ask a question about it. you will ring your bell, and it's all about smart indulgences and not about derivation, but being mindful. so who is at the door? >> come in. >> oh, santa is here with hot buttered rum and eggnog. for the same eight ounce serving, the hot butter rum.

alcohol in the eggnog -- >> okay, so 300 calories and your serving. let's see who is at the door. hello, come on in. >> oh, mrs. clause. he is has cocktail meat balls or -- the cocktail meat balls are about 90 calories versus the little hot dogs. portion control really counts. >> hay, hoda, who is at the door? it is a little elf. >> it is little miles. >> a baked ham or a prime rib,

lower in fat and calories. >> it is the baked ham, you can always downsize your serving. five ounces is a nice serving. >> i wonder who else is here? >> we have a lot of doors. it is rudolf with christmas candy. which is more friendly, two candy canes, or one serving of peppermint bark. >> i think the two candy canes. >> i think you're right, there is about 60 calories per cane. >> hey, kathie, who is at the door? frosty.

plum putting or the p -- it is like a pound cake with fruit in it. >> i'm going with the chocolate. >> i don't this it is, it is plum, it has dried fruits, lots of fats. that is wrong, have panettone. >> one last against, it is a martian. >> it is the grin much. >> that is a pickle with a hat on. >> we have a canoli, or three bakery butter cookies. which one is lower in calories.

>> you would be right. >> all right, thank you, happy hanukkah. although it is past, and a fond farewell to our elf on the shelf.

okay, before we go, a shoutout to our facebook friends who found our elf on the shelf.

mic -- mic took this picture of his wife. >> he is forgot he is had not done her hair yet. >> tomorrow we'll show you how to set a happy, festive table.

>> sarah: a major clean-up this christmas eve after deadly storms in the south. at least eight people killed by tornadoes in mississippi, tennessee, and arkansas. >> christa: chipotle given green light to reopen in cleveland circle after a virus outbreak. now another concern keeping the restaurant closed. >> sarah: traveling troubles for a family from the u.k. why they can't come to america for their dream vacation. >> jeremy: record high temperatures already broken from boston to worcester. how warm we get and when we could see some snow if the